Westcon Canada is looking to beef up its network security portfolio in 2004.
In one of three new deals it announced, the distributor of networking technology products signed up Fortinet, a provider of ASIC-accelerated, network-based antivirus firewall systems for real time network protection.
Effective immediately, Westcon will distribute Fortinet’s FortiGate systems throughout Canada, providing its resellers with a new generation of anti-virus firewall solutions.
FortiGate is an all-in-one platform that integrates anti-virus, firewall, VPN, intrusion detection, Web and email content filtering, and traffic shaping.
Lynn Smurthwaite-Murphy, general manager of Westcon Canada Systems Inc., said security is one of three areas that the distributor is looking to concentrate on in 2004.
“”The company’s direction in 2004 is to focus on our core operations in networking and telecommunications,”” Smurthwaite-Murphy said.
“”We’re also going to accelerate the growth of our security and convergence portfolios.””
Westcon added GN Netcom to its convergence portfolio, agreeing to carry GN Netcom’s hands-free headsets to its reseller base throughout Canada.
“”Their headsets play a key role in any CRM or contact centre environment, providing hands free operation while maintaining a high quality signal.”” said Smurthwaite-Murphy. “”This results in enhanced employee productivity, particularly in an IP environment.””
Westcon has also signed Symbol Technologies.
The partnership allows Westcon to carry the Symbol product line for North American and European resellers.
Symbol systems and services integrate rugged mobile computing, data capture, wireless networking and mobility software for retailers, transportation and logistics companies.
Smurthwaite-Murphy could not comment specifically on Westcon’s partnership with Symbol at press time.
“”It is a relatively new launch and we’re just getting our feet wet with it in Canada,”” she said.
Smurthwaite-Murphy said Westcon does not want to be a broadline distributor: It wants to remain network/telecom-focused.
“”Our focus is anything. What we bring in is designed to enhance those three core areas,”” she said.
Smurthwaite-Murphy declined to reveal margin details.
Evans Research Group market analyst Albert Daoust is upbeat about Westcon ‘s chances in the marketplace.
“”They’re a firm that’s shown remarkable staying power,”” said Daoust. “”They’ve survived several generations so they’re a good channel for anybody.””
