Computerlinks moves into physical security

Distributor launches five-strong unit

David Ellis: Potential for security VARs is huge

The UK’s largest IT security distributor has broken into the physical security market as it looks to open up new revenue streams for its resellers.

Pan-European giant Computerlinks has launched a five-strong physical security unit in the UK, which will act as a test-bed for continental Europe.

The division, which will initially carry equipment from Panasonic System Solutions Europe and Milestone Systems, will offer VARs site surveys and IP surveillance training.

The launch follows research from Computerlinks that revealed 60 per cent of its IT reseller partners want to move into the converged data and physical security market.

Dave Ellis, online security director at Computerlinks, said the potential for security VARs is huge as physical security rapidly becomes an application on the IP network.

“This is a great opportunity for security resellers to widen the breadth of product they offer,” he added.

Andi Robinson, managing director of IT security distributor SecureIP, said: “As much as physical security uses the IP layer, it is a different market. It is a bit like the voice and data guys moving into networking and security ­ some found it hard to make the transition and I am not 100 per cent sure if there is a market there yet.”