Bell realistic about chances of McAfee reunion

Graeme Watt claims distributor is in with a shot

Watt: it is not that usual for a distributor to come back this quickly

Bell Micro claims it has the credentials to rejoin McAfee’s inner circle following the security giant's surprise decision to rekindle dialogue with the distributor.

Six months after chopping Bell from its line-up in July, McAfee invited the broadliner to tender for a piece of its business via a distribution review.

Graeme Watt, president of worldwide distribution at Bell, was realistic about the firm’s chances.

“It is not that usual for a distributor to come back this quickly after it has been terminated - but it’s not that it has never happened either,” he said.

McAfee has recently overhauled its channel management ranks – both in the UK and internationally – which Watt said could play into Bell’s hands.

“We were shocked and disappointed to lose it as we had a strong position with McAfee and felt we were doing a good job for them,” he said. “They have had a change of personnel and are reviewing their partnerships, and we are very pleased to have been included in the distribution review.”

The beauty contest is set to kick off this month, with candidates given six weeks to respond. Incumbents Ingram Micro, Computer 2000, Sphinx and Arc Technology, as well as Bell, Arrow ECS and a mystery seventh outfit, will all have the rule run over them.