Softek offers secure USB lifeline

Distributor steps in to steady the ship as SanDisk abandons Cruzer Enterprise secure USB product line

SafeStick distributor Softek has launched a life raft for resellers left in the lurch by SanDisk’s withdrawal from the secure USB market.

Earlier this month, SanDisk announced end of life for its Cruzer Enterprise secure USB product line. Orders of affected products must be made by 4 December.

SanDisk’s exit from the market comes 10 months after a critical security flaw was exposed in its drives. Channel sources also said the vendor was struggling to compete on price with cheaper alternatives. It is understood that all staff in the division are moving on.

Mike Bienvenue, technical director at Softek, which is the sole UK distributor of rival secure USB brand SafeStick, claimed the move would leave SanDisk customers without support.

“This is worrying for resellers who partner with SanDisk,” he said. “We are keen to talk to them and have a competitive swap-out option to ease the switch to an alternative option.”

Karl Broderick, managing director of Invensys, which distributes rival secure flash drive vendor Kanguru, also saw SanDisk’s announcement as an opportunity to pick up business.

“SafeStick and Softek have a bigger market and are more established,” he said. “But Kanguru is a viable and technically strong alternative.”

SanDisk representative Mike Wong said: “Starting in November 2010, SanDisk will discontinue its Cruzer Enterprise line of secure USB flash drives and server-based software. These products are sold through VARs and distributors.

“This action does not affect SanDisk’s USB flash drives that are sold in retail channels and ­continue to be available. SanDisk will continue to ­provide technical support for its ­business customers until ­further notice,” he added.

Asked about the rationale for SanDisk’s exit, Wong argued the enterprise USB space had become a niche segment. “As the technologies developed for this segment are now featured in many mainstream USB products (password security, encryption, backup), the need for a dedicated niche product has diminished.”