Computerlinks bolsters support
Distributor launches global support centre to help plug gaps in its resellers' skill base
Ellis: Resellers can either white-label these services or sell them as part of their overall offering
Computerlinks has strengthened its security services offering with the launch of its Global Support Centre this week.
The distributor has taken on more staff and reorganised existing employees’ rotas to ensure the UK-based centre is staffed around the clock. Initially the support, which covers vendors such as Check Point and Blue Coat, will be available in English and German, but Computerlinks plans to add another two languages soon.
David Ellis, director of e-security at Computerlinks, was quick to stress that the distributor was aiming the services solely at resellers, rather than planning to deal directly with end users.
“There are a raft of resellers that do not have the skills to deliver these services themselves, or the breadth of coverage to serve customers 24/7,” he added. “In the security market there are more global projects than ever before, and partners have a global footprint to deliver on.
“Because of the economic climate some resellers may be cutting their costs and it makes sense to outsource their services.”
Ellis added: “Resellers can either white-label these services or sell them as part of their overall offering. It is a way for them to differentiate themselves and add more value to their customers.”
As part of the offering, resellers will be able to provide customers with extras such as a quarterly health check on existing security systems. The distributor has also unveiled its Hardware Monitoring Service, to proactively monitor end users’ security appliances on behalf of resellers.
Matt Helling, IT security manager at VAR Softcat, welcomed the initiative. “This is certainly something we have looked at internally, but have been hindered by costs,” he said.
“The fact that Computerlinks is thinking up new offerings like this that we can offer to customers is definitely an advantage.”