Symantec extends security VAD beauty pageant

Six UK finalists asked to give more detailed information on their plans

Symantec has given distributors more time to hone their entries for its security VAD beauty contest in a process that was originally set to conclude last month.

The rationalisation exercise, which kicked off in early January, will see Symantec cut the UK distribution line-up for its enterprise security products from five to three - or even two - players, according to insiders.

Six finalists, including the five incumbents (Avnet, Arrow ECS, SDG, Codework and Cohort), gave their onsite presentations two weeks ago.

Computerlinks is also thought to have made the final stage, while Ingram Micro and Computer 2000/Azlan are among those not to feature according to onlookers.

Distributors were all set to hear the outcome on Friday. However, the vendor has invited the six finalists back in to present again at the end of next week after concluding it needed more detailed information on their plans.

One distributor, who preferred to remain anonymous, said: "They want to get the decision right as it is worth a lot of business to them."