M86 launches reseller hunt

Vendor hopes CESG accreditation will help it to enlist 50 more UK resellers

Security vendor M86 is seeking to increase its UK partner tally by a quarter after merging its two channel programmes.

The vendor launched an integrated channel programme last October in the wake of its acquisition of secure web gateway vendor Finjan, and is now looking to add another 50 VARs to its 200-strong network.

It also recently launched an SMB security suite, bundling its email and web security offerings at a price point aimed at smaller firms.

Last month, GCHQ's information assurance arm, CESG, approved M86's secure web gateway product for its ability to stop unknown zero-day malware without using signature updates.

Tim Warner, UK vice president of sales at M86, said this would be an important factor in M86's reseller recruitment plans, particularly in the public sector.

"This is a hidden gem," he said. "We are the only one stopping unknown malware without signature updates. Resellers see this as a good way to talk to government and the emergency services.

"In the past four years the security industry has grown 40 per cent to $30bn [£18.2bn] but e-crime grew 400 per cent last year, at a conservative estimate, to $100bn. There is a huge calamity out there in that people are buying anti-virus presuming it stops the stuff when the e-crime stats show it does not."

Warner said the vendor, which works through distributor Vigil Software, said more partners are needed to improve its geographic and vertical coverage in the UK.