Vision does a double take on distribution

Vision Solutions signs up CMS Peripherals to market Double-Take's wares

Disaster recovery vendor Vision Solutions has app­ointed CMS Peripherals as its first UK and Ireland distributor, but will continue to deal direct with certain partners.

The deal covers products included in Vision's Double-Take backup and recovery portfolio, which it acquired in its buyout of the firm last July.

Ian Masters, UK sales director at Vision Solutions, said that appointing a distributor was necessary to give its growing partner community the support it needs. "Some partners have felt a little undervalued, but this ann­ou­ncement is proof that we are determined to shape up."

The firm also recently added deal registration to its partner programme to protect partners' prospects and give them additional margins.

Not all of Vision's Double-Take VARs will be handed over to CMS, as the firm will continue to deal with a sub-set of partners direct.

"There are certain partners that we have worked closely with for a very long time," said Masters. "But those that deal with CMS will receive the same care and attention."

Vision has not ruled out adding other firms to its distribution stable, but said there is no immediate rush. "Now it is just about CMS, but we could probably afford to have two or three distributors on board eventually who might be able to open up new markets," added Masters.

Joe Fagan, group product marketing manager at CMS, said the Double-Take brand will open up opportunities for new and existing partners.

He said: "We see a significant opportunity to help partners, whether their customers are looking for disaster recovery around virtualised, physical or mixed environments and will work with Vision to build on their channel strategy."