Entatech and Panda shake paws for second time

Distributor hooks up with internet security vendor once again following five-year hiatus

Distributor Enta Technologies has rekindled ties with Panda Security as it seeks to plug gaps in its internet security portfolio.

Entatech will rejoin incumbents Westcoast and Blue Solutions in Panda's UK distribution line-up about five years after the duo's previous relationship broke down.

Entatech vice president Jon Atherton said the move would fill a gap in the distributor's mid-tier anti-virus and internet security portfolio and strengthen its reach into independent IT retailers.

"It also has quite a narrow distribution strategy," Atherton added, explaining why the duo had chosen to hook up once again after a "change in management and strategy" at Panda last decade, when the firm was owned by Formjet, led them to part ways.

"We have a long-standing relationship with Kaspersky, and they have good products," he said.

"But Kaspersky pulled out of certain products in the last six or seven months and we still had those gaps we needed to fill – that's why we've taken on Panda."

Although Symantec dominates the consumer and small business space, Atherton maintained that smaller brands such as Panda have a place due to their price competitiveness.

Under a special launch offer that is running until 31 March, resellers can purchase Panda Global Protection 2014 for the same price as Panda Internet Security 2014.

In a statement, Tony Lee, managing director of Panda Security UK and Ireland, said: "Entatech will substantially enhance Panda's distribution partner portfolio and provide additional reach and choice to resellers for our expanding product range."