LogRhythm replaces Exclusive Networks with Distology as UK and Ireland VAD

Change marks 'significant shift' in security analytics market, claims LogRhythm boss

LogRhythm has replaced Exclusive Networks with Distology as its exclusive UK and Ireland distributor after claiming a "significant shift" has occurred in the security analytics market.

The exclusive distribution deal will see Distology add LogRhythm's NextGen Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions to its portfolio and offer partners new ways to monetise SOC (security operations centre) solutions.

The deal will enable more resellers in the UK and Ireland to access cybersecurity solutions through a software as-a-service (SaaS) model, LogRhythm claims.

Speaking to CRN, VP of sales for the UK and Europe at LogRhythm, Kev Eley, said the change in distributor is in response to a "significant shift" in the UK market away from hardware-based solutions and towards cloud-based models.

"This shift is really born out of the direction that LogRhythm is taking in the marketplace," Eley said.

"Four to 10 years ago the marketplace was very much centred on hardware-based solutions. Organisations were investing in SIEM technologies and before that log management technologies that were very much based on physical appliances and that traditional distribution role of the shipment and the fulfilment of hardware-based solutions."

"The security analytics marketplace has shifted significantly. And at LogRhythm we believe that we've very much been at the vanguard of that shift, because we've pioneered next-gen SIEM solutions that offer capabilities around machine learning, cloud-based delivery models and additional innovations.

"And as part of that shift for us as an organisation, we really wanted to have a partnership with a distributor really focused on those cloud-based security offerings that share that passion and enthusiasm, and in Distology we found the perfect partner."

Distology CEO Hayley Roberts told CRN the exclusive deal with LogRhythm is a "huge win" for the value-added distributor.

She said that Distology will help shape the perception of LogRhythm in the market and is expecting to see "real growth" with the vendor as a result.

"LogRhythm is an established vendor and therefore people think they know what LogRhythm is all about. And they don't," said Roberts.

"There are so many different aspects and exciting new developments in cloud and the NDR piece. All of those exciting areas are things that most partners and end users wouldn't even know that LogRhythm have unless they start scratching the surface.

"So that's why we've taken on a 'challenge' in LogRhythm. We don't want to take your business and just let it chug along and just increase by five per cent year on year; we want to see a real growth."

Roberts said that the partnership shows that smaller distributors like Distology are able to add focus and increased value to larger vendors such as LogRhythm.

"Smaller distributors get pigeonholed for only taking on new technologies and not established ones. But the more established vendors also need that focus - probably more so. We want to prove that this works for established vendors that still need that focus, love and attention, so we absolutely see LogRhythm as being a solid partner for us."

The high-profile vendor signing comes after Distology landed private equity backing earlier this year from NorthEdge.

At the time Distology said the new investment will help it step up its international expansion, make acquisitions and expand its senior management team.