Fortinet and Avnet part ways

Avnet served notice by UTM vendor a month after signing rival Palo Alto

Fortinet has served notice to Avnet just a month after the distributor inked a deal with rival firewall vendor Palo Alto.

The split will leave Fortinet with just two UK distributors – VADition and Exclusive Networks – brands that are in the process of merging. It comes less than a year after Fortinet axed VCW from its line-up.

Insiders believe at least one more distributor could be imminently appointed to fill the void.

Emerging next-generation firewall vendor Palo Alto recently appointed Avnet as its second distributor alongside VADition. It is thought Fortinet was uncomfortable with sharing two distributors with so close a rival.

Peter Hannah, business unit director, networking, security and unified comms at Avnet Technology Solutions, confirmed the duo has agreed to end its relationship.

"Avnet has a strong next-generation security portfolio and will continue to invest in supporting its partners so they can capitalise on the opportunities presented by this growth technology area," he said.

The pair's relationship is set to formally end early next year.