Criston targets partners in UK
French vendor pushes channel recruitment drive
French vendor Criston has embarked on a channel recruitment drive to strengthen its UK market presence.
The vendor, whose modularised products cover infrastructure management, vulnerability management, patch management and desktop management, has already signed seven partners to its channel programme.
Mark Peters, UK country manager at Criston, told CRN: “We have received $6m venture capitalist funding this year, which is designated for the development of markets outside France. The UK is a prime market for us, and we have established a pure channel route to market.”
Peters claimed that the vendor can offer partners 50 per cent margin on its software, as well as a lead generation programme and in-depth support.
“However we are looking for specific skillsets,” he said. “Partners need to have business plans in place and targets need to be met.”
Criston is currently in discussions with about half a dozen UK partners, but it is still keen to speak to more, Peters added.
Alan Reid, managing director of distributor Sentryst, which is working with Criston on selected product lines in the UK, said: “Usually we hear from Israeli or US security vendors. It is nice to deal with a European vendor for a change.
“We like the product set, and it offers VARs a good margin opportunity,” he said. “A lot of time is wasted on patch management, but Criston’s products offer resellers a clear services revenue stream.” C