Westcon expands Secure deal
Distributor's agreement with authentication software vendor will now cover Europe
Westcon has strengthened its charge into the security arena by signing a deal to extend its US agreement with vendor Secure Computing to cover Europe.
Having worked with the vendor in the US for more than three years, Westcon will be the sole distributor in the UK for Secure Computing's SafeWord authentication software and token bundles tailored for Nortel and Check Point compatibility.
Andrew Philpot, vice-president of sales in EMEA at Secure Computing, said: "We were attracted by Westcon's relationship with Nortel. "We have an opportunity to sell our complementary authentication products through the firm."
He added that Westcon's networking background was another bonus. "It is also involved in VPN projects where there is an opportunity to add user authentication," he said.
Westcon has been gaining traction in the security space since 2002 when it signed a deal with Check Point. It then opened its UK security division and signed security appliance maker Fortinet last year.
Willem de Haan, managing director of Westcon European operations, said the latest agreement supports the firm's efforts to move further into the security sector.
"We have a long-standing relationship with Secure Computing and feel this is a good opportunity to expand our portfolio as we continue to pursue a strong position in the security market," he said.
Steve Ronskley, managing director Europe of email security appliance vendor IronPort, which signed Westcon as its exclusive UK distributor in March, said the distributor's focus is clear. "It took the decision over a year ago to move into the security space and is investing heavily," he said.
Secure Computing went through a distribution shake-up in March, when Centia and Softek lost distribution rights for its SmartFilter product.
Besides Westcon, the vendor's distribution line-up in the UK includes Risc Technology, which carries its SmartFilter, Centia selling SafeWord for Citrix, and direct-buying resellers selling generic SafeWord products.