Kite soars with new vendor and new digs

New distie joins forces with Entrust as it moves to new Leicester offices

New kid on the block Kite Distribution has signed a deal with security vendor Entrust as it cuts the ribbon on a new office.

The distie launched into the channel in the summer – led by a trio of former Sphinx execs – with six vendors in its line-up: Infoblox, BackBox, Bloxx, Cryoserver, Firemon and Spikes Security.

Texas-headquartered Entrust, which specialises in identity-based security products and has more than 5,000 global customers, has joined the ranks as it tries out a two-tier distribution model for the first time.

Kite owner Mark Hatton said Entrust's products will be of interest to all its 100-strong base of partners.

"Any partners in the security market will want to be engaged in strong authentication," he said.

"Some may already be so with RSA and others, but what we're offering with Entrust is a really strong margin opportunity. There is a big swathe of the current partner community which will want to adopt, but we will attract new partners [as well]."

Entrust vice president Mark Reeves said Kite was the only choice for his firm.

"Finding innovative, diligent and security-conscious technology partners isn't always easy," he admitted. "Kite Distribution not only adheres to those standards, they exceed them. Their focus on quality makes them an ideal distribution partner for Entrust. Together, we'll build a strong, efficient channel that's fine-tuned to serve our loyal UK customer base."

Since Kite came to market, it worked out of serviced offices but has recently made itself at home in its own building near Leicester. The firm currently employs 10 staff, and Hatton said further recruitment will be on the cards next year, when it will assess which extra skills they need within the company.

"We've got a good number of partners and we are engaged well with all our launch partners and we have a healthy pipeline," he added.