Selcoms adds AirTight for security and cloud clout

Distributor signs deal with second Wi-Fi vendor alongside Ruckus Wireless

Distributor Selcoms has inked a partnership with AirTight Networks to help its VAR partners lock down Wi-Fi networks.

Selcoms already claims to be the largest EMEA distributor for Ruckus Wireless but has added AirTight as a second Wi-Fi ally for its security and cloud capabilities.

AirTight's SpectraGuard wireless intrusion prevention solution (WIPS) can be used as an overlay system to complement Ruckus and other Wi-Fi vendors, particularly for retailers with stringent PCI compliance requirements, said Selcoms marketing manager George Garrod.

"When it comes to performance, coverage and capacity, nothing is going to beat Ruckus," he added.

"But AirTight provides us with two things: A cloud-based solution which is really on a par with Meraki and a Wi-Fi overlay that can be put over any wireless network – it's Gartner's top-rated WIPS defence."

Selcoms has kicked off an "aggressive" partner sign-up scheme that includes a series of technical sales seminars and accredited installation workshops at its Oxfordshire training centre.

According to analyst Dell'Oro Group, the wireless LAN market will bulge by 52 per cent between 2011 and 2016 to $9.9bn (£6.5bn) as BYOD gathers pace. The enterprise segment will account for $5bn of the figure.

Selcoms said the proliferation of wireless devices has brought with it a renewed concern for security, but added that most Wi-Fi systems can only detect potential security risks. AirTight, in contrast, proactively defends the network using patented "marker packet" technology, the distributor said.

Airtight UK and Ireland managing director Simon Hollister said Selcoms demonstrated that it understands the security implications of Wi-Fi.

"Selcoms saw the future of Wi-Fi, it's secure, and they are not afraid to bring the subject to the table when other vendors try to dismiss the subject, as they cannot address it," he added.

"What is the point in having good coverage, capacity and smart features on your Wi-Fi if it's inherently unable to be secure and a threat to your brand or organisation?"

Mukesh Gupta, managing director of existing AirTight distributor e92plus, said he welcomed the interest shown in the technology by other distributors.

"This move will help increase the visibility of AirTight in the channel, and we look forward to helping them to continue to grow their reseller community," he said.

Founded in 2005, Selcoms claims to supply Ruckus to more than 250 resellers and counts Cambium Networks and Ucopia among its other vendor allies.