Fading Reflection leads to WRQ redundancies

Connectivity software vendor restructures its UK operations

Connectivity software vendor WRQ has restructured its UK operations, making the role of channel manager redundant.

Last month, the company announced 75 redundancies worldwide and confirmed that the UK channel manager position, held by Mairead Fernandez, no longer existed.

WRQ said the decision is in response to declining sales of its Reflection connectivity software.

Bob Stream, WRQ UK country manager, said the redundancies were part of a cost-cutting exercise. "The restructuring has allowed us to secure our position going forward in the market," he said.

The remaining team will take on all channel engagements. "We are completely committed to the channel and we have already filled the gaps," Stream added.

Liz Rafferty, UK marketing manager at WRQ, said the organisation worldwide was reviewed. "It was decided there was a need to restructure because the Reflection market is declining, although the integration business is growing."

Stream added that the security components are still generating interest.

Ian Kilpatrick, group managing director of WRQ distributor Wick Hill, said he didn't think the decision would hinder the vendor's work with the channel. "WRQ will be able to look after the channel with the team it has left," he said.

He was more positive about the outlook for Reflection. "This year there will be opportunities for resellers in web-to-host connectivity and secure web-to-host connectivity because it is still a growth area," he said.