Channel catch-up: News in brief

Zyxel

The networking player has introduced a number of outdoor wireless solutions to arm its managed service provider (MSP) community with more options to put in front of customers. The trio of products are aimed at meeting the needs of those operating in industrial and challenging environments.

Hugh Simpson, EMEA marketing development manager for wireless LAN at Zyxel Networks, said: “In today’s fully connected world, it’s essential for businesses to provide reliable wireless connectivity outdoors as well as inside buildings. With these new additions to our range, MSPs can target potentially fertile and fast-growing areas of the market, offering enterprise-class performance at SMB prices and easy manageability through Nebula.”

TD Synnex

It’s been a busy week for TD Synnex on the vendor signing front, with the distributor adding additional security coverage with Bluecat Networks and getting the nod to carry Razer Gaming products in the UK and Ireland.

In reference to the Bluecat signing, Scott Rogers, senior director of security, UK, at TD Synnex, said it would benefit from adding the vendor’s intelligent NetOps solutions into the mix.

Commenting on the Razer relationship, James Reed, vice-president of endpoint solutions, UK and Ireland, at the distributor, stated: “Razer is one of the most popular and recognised gaming brands in the market and a significant addition to our gaming portfolio.”

Connectus Business Solutions

The firm has made a strategic investment in GLU Digital, supporting the launch of Digital Connect Group, a technology services operation that brings together complementary businesses. The investment is said to bring together the managed services experience of Connectus with GUI’s customer experience and lifecycle management expertise.

Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus Business Solutions, said GUI was a solid business that could add value to its propositions: “From our earliest discussions, it was clear that our organisations shared common values, ambitions and a commitment to excellence. Through Digital Connect Group, we’re creating a platform that combines the strengths of each business while preserving the qualities that have made them successful.”

Check Point Software Technologies

The security player has formed a strategic partnership with Illumio to help defend users against the emerging frontier AI models threat.

“Security teams are being asked to defend environments that are moving faster and that are more complex – against attackers who are using AI [artificial intelligence] to do in minutes what used to take weeks,” said Paul Barbosa, vice-president of cloud and SASE at Check Point.

“Expanding our partnership both in terms of joint product development and go-to-market with Illumio gives our customers something attackers don’t want them to have: a coordinated defence that works on both sides of the perimeter. Check Point prevents threats from getting in. Illumio ensures they can’t run free if they do. Together, we are working to close the gap that every attacker is looking to exploit.”

QBS Software

The channel player has been recognised by Deloitte as one of the UK’s Best Managed Companies for the second consecutive year. The firm gained the award by hitting a range of metrics, including culture, financial performance and demonstrating a commitment to innovation.

Dave Stevinson, group CEO at QBS Software, said: “To have our governance validated by Deloitte as one of the UK’s Best Managed Companies for the second year running is a major achievement for QBS Software.”

Cloudflare

The cloud connectivity specialist has launched its Cloudflare One Design Partner Designation to focus on its One suite. The firm is kicking things off with a select number of global partners, including Arctiq, Consortium, CMT, Presidio and The Missing Link.

“Cloudflare One has evolved into a partner-led engine, and our new Design Partner Designation is built to propel long-term growth,” said Tom Evans, chief partner officer at Cloudflare. “This new framework represents our deepest channel co-investment yet. We are equipping our elite partners with the financial runway and technical mastery they want to scale the Cloudflare One platform.”

Westcon-Comstor

Sticking with a Cloudflare theme, the distributor has been signed by the vendor to operate across EMEA. The UK has been identified as one of the priority markets for the distributor to deliver growth.

“Cloudflare represents an exciting new addition to our EMEA vendor portfolio and a powerful opportunity for partners,” said Daniel Hurel, senior vice-president of Westcon EMEA Go-To-Market at Westcon-Comstor. “By combining Cloudflare’s Connectivity Cloud platform with our value-added services, we’re giving partners throughout the region a clear path to land quickly, expand strategically and drive long-term, high-margin revenue.”