Cloud Distribution unlocks door for OpenDNS

Cloud Distribution becomes first UK distie for security player OpenDNS

Cloud Distribution has continued its vendor-signing streak in 2015, this time agreeing a deal with US security player OpenDNS.

OpenDNS provides cloud-based network security services which harness predictive intelligence to combat malware and attacks that are missed by antivirus software and firewalls.

News that Cloud Distribution has reached a deal to become OpenDNS's first international distributor comes hot on the heels of the VAD's signing of LogLogic and Memblaze.

Cloud Distribution is the first UK distie OpenDNS has taken on, as it launches in the region.

Adam Davison, Cloud Distribution's director, told CRN his firm decided to partner with OpenDNS because it was offering a unique approach to protecting enterprise networks from malware and also because it is complementary to Cloud Distribution's portfolio.

OpenDNS partners with other security vendors such as FireEye and Check Point, and Davison said these partnerships can give the channel "big value". FireEye, for example, integrates with the OpenDNS technology to provide more complete protection from malware, Davison said.

He added that Open DNS can give FireEye and Check Point partners the chance to "gain incremental revenues by wrapping OpenDNS as a value-add".

The reception from Cloud Distribution's partners has been very positive thus far, Davison added.

"We launched it officially to the channel eight days ago, and we are talking to a number of partners who want to sign up to the partner programme already. The reception has been fantastic, and we have already signed up Blue Fort Security, one of the leading RSA partners in the UK."

Davison said he would be looking to sign some of Cloud Distribution's current pool of partners, as well as reaching out to new ones, but said he did not have a specific target in mind for how many he would like to sign up with OpenDNS.

Marc Gemassmer, vice president of worldwide sales at OpenDNS, said: "As our business continues to expand in 2015, we have selected the UK as our first international market on which to focus.

"With Cloud Distribution we look forward to gaining rapid traction into channels here in the UK."