Cohort retains access to Symantec sub-set

Distributor remains on board for encryption technology, despite recent cull

Cohort Technology has retained distribution rights to Symantec's encryption technology in the wake of the vendor's enterprise security distribution review.

Symantec announced the outcome of the 10-week process on Monday, with only Avnet and Codework (now Alimate) retaining rights to the full line-up.

However, Cohort has clarified that it remains on board for the encryption technology Symantec inherited thought its recent acquisitions of PGP and GuardianEdge. The Basingstoke-based distributor will also continue to be an Education Centre for the vendor and can offer 24x7 technical support to partners.

Cohort became a PGP distributor in 2007 and managing director Grahame Smee (pictured), said the firm would "continue to do what we have been doing for the last three years for PGP".

Smee conceded that Cohort would now have to share the PGP and GuardianEdge channel with Avnet and Altimate, but claimed his firm boasts an edge over both distributors.

"What we can offer resellers is three years of experience and the ability to add value from a pre- and post-sales perspective," he said.

"This is something the new distributors don't have. Our aim is to continue working with partners to help them grow their Symantec encryption business."

Ross Walker, director Distribution & Small Business UK & Ireland at Symantec, added: "I expect Cohort to continue to demonstrate value and growth around our encryption business and to provide ongoing support and enablement to new and existing specialist partners."