Big data the blue-eyed boy for Exclusive Networks

Distributor puts Q1 sales surge down to 'exceptional performance' of big data security vendors such as FireEye, Arbor and LogRhythm

Surging demand for big data security products propelled pan-European VAD Exclusive Networks to double-digit growth in the first quarter.

The acquisitive distributor saw Q1 sales rise by 18 per cent year on year to €73m (£62m) in the first three months of the year.

Big data security was the blue-eyed boy for the VAD during the quarter, with FireEye, Arbor Networks and LogRhythm all putting in "exceptional performances" during the quarter.

Core vendors such as Fortinet, Infoblox and Palo Alto all contributed to the top-line growth, the Paris-based firm added.

"The number of devices and events on the network are creating a multitude of new threat vectors and an explosion of ‘big security' data that needs effective analysis if the security strategy is to be effective," said Barrie Desmond, Exclusive Network Group's marketing director.

While Exclusive Networks is now no minnow - having set itself a 2017 revenue goal of €1bn - chief executive Olivier Breittmayer vowed the VAD will continue to nurture bleeding-edge technology.

"By ensuring we have vendor partners who can address the evolving IT environment, and by continuing to offer superior support and marketing services to our resellers, we remain on track to enjoy another positive year," he said.