QBS and Infinigate expand security portfolios amid AI push

New deals highlight distributor focus on automation, AI risk management and recurring security services

European distributors are continuing to expand their cybersecurity portfolios as channel partners look to capitalise on growing demand for automation, AI risk management and managed security services.

This week saw Patch My PC signing a distribution agreement with QBS Software, while KnowBe4 and Infinigate Group expanded their existing partnership across additional European markets.

While targeting different areas of the security stack, the announcements highlight the increased focus on managed security, automation and subscription-led services across the channel.

Patch My PC partners with QBS Software

Patch My PC and QBS Software have signed a partnership agreement to expand access to automated application management and security solutions for partners across the EMEA region.

The move aims to help more organisations automate the process of identifying, testing and deploying software updates, while reducing the security risks associated with unpatched applications.

Patch My PC operates via a SaaS model, which creates opportunities for partners to create new recurring revenue opportunities through managed security services.

The deal reflects the growing demand for automated patch management, as organisations struggle to keep up with vulnerabilities across complex IT infrastructure.

Oliver Roth, chief commercial officer at QBS Software, commented on the partnership: “Application management and patching are critical components of a strong endpoint security strategy.

“By partnering with Patch My PC, we are offering our reseller and MSP community access to a proven platform that helps turn a time-consuming operational task into an essential security capability.”

The deal is the latest addition to QBS’s expanding software and security portfolio.

The distributor has spent the past few years broadening its vendor ecosystem, most recently with the addition of Futurex to its European security portfolio.

In 2024, QBS surpassed 12,000 software publishers on its platform, which, it claims, marked its position as the largest channel-only online software marketplace.

At the time, Andreea Dumitrescu, MD UKI at QBS Software, told CRN, “Surpassing 12,000 software publishers is just the beginning. Our focus is on working with vendors in hypergrowth areas like AI, cybersecurity and sustainable software.”

Infinigate and KnowBe4 expand partnership across Europe

Infinigate and KnowBe4 have expanded their existing partnership beyond the UK and Ireland into the Benelux region, the Nordics and Eastern Europe.

The expansion of the existing partnership gives partners access to a broader portfolio of workforce security technologies.

These span security awareness training, email security, and AI agent protection.

The move comes as vendors increasingly position AI security and governance as emerging opportunities.

Kai Grunwitz, chief growth officer at Infinigate, said: “As AI transforms the way organisations operate, managing human and AI-related risk has become a business imperative.

“Our expanded partnership with KnowBe4 enables partners to help customers strengthen resilience, reduce risk, and embrace AI with confidence.”

This latest development continues Infinigate’s streak of new or expanded vendor deals, which CRN has reported on previously.

KnowBe4’s channel chief, Kurt Mills, commented on the latest development of the partnership: “We are excited to extend our partnership with Infinigate, building on our successful collaboration in the UKI market and bringing KnowBe4’s advanced range of human and agent risk management solutions to the growing Benelux, Nordic and Eastern European markets.”

Security as a growth engine

European cybersecurity distribution revenue has increased ten per cent year-on-year, driven by increasingly complex cyber threats and growing regulatory pressure, according to market intelligence firm CONTEXT.

As threats evolve alongside AI adoption, cybersecurity has become a core priority for business resilience and has emerged as an engine for growth across the channel.

The deals follow the market trend, where distributors are increasingly prioritising vendors that help partners build subscription-based security services, rather than one-off transactions.

For partners, the opportunities within the cybersecurity space are increasingly important, as customers look to strengthen resilience, while reducing operational complexity.