Magirus offloads security vendors

Distributor reshuffles partner base

Andrew Binding: Security adds value to Magirus' storage and virtualisation offering

Magirus has severed ties with half of its six security vendor partners after folding its security business into its virtualisation arm.

The distributor has parted company with ExaProtect, GFI and AEP Networks, but will continue working with Clearswift, Stonesoft and Radware because of their focus on virtualisation.

Magirus axed its standalone security arm earlier this month despite having only launched it in 2006 (Channelweb, 6 November), but stressed it is not abandoning the security market.

Andrew Binding, vice president for northern Europe at Magirus, said: “We have been in the security area for two years and have learned that the best way we can add value is by wrapping it around storage and virtualisation.

“Clearswift and Radware have clear and distinct messages in the virtualisation space.”
Binding said that storage and virtualisation will be two hotspots next year, citing a recent market report from Merrill Lynch.
“We are well positioned for what will be a difficult year. The outlook is flat for 2009 IT budgets and if it was not for virtualisation and storage, they would be down,” he said.

Virtualisation growth will be driven by the need to cut power costs, while compliance and email proliferation issues will drive strong storage spend, Binding claimed.

Rival DNS Arrow recently revealed it would foster closer ties between its security and storage arms, focusing on vendors that can lock down virtual environments such as Check Point and Proofpoint (Channelweb, 3 November).

James Pattinson, security director at DNS Arrow, said: “Because we have a broad portfolio, we are the best positioned to do this.

“What Magirus is doing is cutting its operational overheads while we are continuing to invest.”