Matrix reloads with voice firm acquisition

Reseller buys specialist Decorum

Acquisitive reseller Matrix Communications Group has bought voice specialist Decorum.

Originally a data reseller, Matrix added security expertise in December by purchasing a start-up, Intrinsic Networks.

Ian Smith, chief executive of Matrix and former UK managing director of Foundry Networks, said the firm identified IP infrastructure, security, voice and storage as key areas.

"We will make an acquisition in the storage space later this year," he said. "We have identified a few potential targets."

Smith added that he expects Matrix, which sells products from Foundry Networks, NetScreen, Fortinet and BlueCoat, to become the only top 20 UK integra-tor without a Cisco accreditation.

Keith Humphreys, managing consultant at analyst EuroLAN, said: "VARs can differentiate if they can offer something other than Cisco. There is a great opportunity, and channel partners working in the convergence space are an investment hotspot."

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