Chipdrive seeks VARs for its security devices

Security vendor increases number of resellers

Security vendor Chipdrive, an offshoot of German vendor SCM Microsystems, has launched a recruitment drive to build up its network of resellers in the UK and Ireland.

The vendor has also revamped its web site to support its sales and marketing channels. It will include product information, software downloads and match resellers with distribution partners.

Andi Robinson, Chipdrive's marketing manager, said the company has previous experience of supplying the UK market. 'SCM Microsystems knows the potential opportunities for an off-the-shelf range of products aimed at small businesses,' he said.

'Secure authentication is relevant to mobile workers requiring access to national or enterprise database networks. Chipdrive provides an entry-level solution for recording time and the allocation of working hours. New products for improving personal security are on the way. These will be of interest to retail outlets specialising in consumer technology products.'

Chipdrive's security offering includes smartcard readers for time recording, security authentication, home banking and e-commerce. The systems were developed by SCM Microsystems in Germany to cater for the growing number of home workers.

Neal Leggett, product manager at Surrey-based Smartcard Focus, said the reseller was selling so many Chipdrive security devices it decided to set up as a distributor. The new company, Dot Distribution, in Guildford is one of four Chipdrive distributors in the UK, along with Crown Hill in Cambridge Jarltech in Birmingham and Time Systems in Leeds.