Bloxx builds distribution model with Siracom partnership

Vendor plans to recruit partners serving the private sector

Web filtering vendor Bloxx has signed up Siracom as its only UK distributor as part of a drive to work solely through the channel.

Founded in 1999, Scotland-based Bloxx provides content filtering and security solutions to parts of the public sector including education and local government, and is now making moves to target the private sector as well.

Fairclough, Bloxx’s director of channel sales, said that Siracom – a VAD that claims to be best known for Wi-Fi solutions – will help recruit resellers in the private sector space to add to its 45-strong UK partner tally.

“We are aiming to really push into the private sector next, so we want partners who can open up that space for us. We are looking for about 20 per cent growth in terms of the number of partners we have by the end of Q2 next year,” he said.

Before Fairclough joined the company Bloxx would sell straight through resellers, although has in the past worked with distributors including e92plus and VCW. It also has a heritage of selling direct.

"I joined to really push on the channel proposition, and we have moved to a 100 per cent channel model. My job and the partnership with Siracom is to provide the focus on that," he added.

“The reason for working with Siracom is that we see them as security specialists. They really add to the channel focus,” Fairclough continued, “we want to show the market how serious we are about the channel, and show our resellers that we have taken the time and effort to align with somebody that meets market requirements.”

Fariclough concluded: “Next for us and alongside Siracom is getting on the road and seeing people. We want to be openly available in the next few years, and be an established vendor within the channel.

“We want to incorporate alongside other leading technologies, and make sure that we have an aligned message with Wi-Fi providers and be included in a solution that is part of a bigger picture.”

Paul Dick, director of Bloxx reseller Landscape Networks, said: “This partnership gives us greater access to skilled Bloxx people. Previously we worked directly with Bloxx and it worked very, very well - but with Siracom coming in as well it gives them and us [partners] a greater breadth to reach out across the UK,” he said.