Orange IS launches security reseller

Former Insight VP Mike Atkins drafted in to spearhead reseller's latest specialist company

VAR Orange IS Group has diversified further from its roots in the infrastructure market by creating a specialist security services company.

Launched last week, Orange IS Security Solutions is the latest addition to the London-based reseller's growing collection of specialist firms.

Working in areas such as mobile device security, Orange IS Security Solutions will be spearheaded by former Insight vice president Mike Atkins.

Orange IS Group, which has a turnover of about £19m, operates through two other companies: Orange IS, which was founded in 2004 and focuses on server and storage projects, and Orange IS Enterprise Solutions, which was launched in 2009 to concentrate on optimisation, virtualisation and consultancy.

Group sales director Jody Pawson said: "Orange IS has historically sold security but we want to add true value and become a specialist and trusted adviser to our clients, rather than just selling a few anti-virus licences."

Pawson said he expected the new security firm to mirror the success of Orange IS Enterprise Solutions – which turned over £2m in its first year – by hitting £1.5m revenue over the next 12 months.

With an initial complement of five staff, Orange IS Security Solutions will target both Orange IS' existing install base and new customers, he added.

Engagements are already in place with several vendors including HP, Websense and Sophos, although Pawson stressed the firm would be "vendor-independent".

Atkins said: "We have been reactive in security - now we want to be proactive and make the right recommendations to clients.

"There has been an explosive growth in mobile devices and that is an issue IT managers are really wrestling with. That is the biggest threat out there today and is one area we will focus on."

Pawson indicated that fast-growing Orange IS would continue with its organic expansion drive.

"There are definitely other areas we belive we can add skills sets to and bring to clients," he said.