Data security distributor comes to Australia

German-based networking security distributor, Computerlinks, has set up an Australian office as part of broad plans to go global.

Managing director, Matthew Hales, said it aimed to be a "full-service" distributor, offering deep product skills as well as a complement of technology and sales services to resellers.

Computerlinks is launching locally with three data security vendors: Utimaco, Microdasys and Aladdin. Utimaco produces the SafeGuard range of encryption products for mid- to large-sized organisations. At a content security level, Microdasys' technology works alongside scanners from security vendors such as Clearswift and WebSense to protect information transmitted via XML or RSS feeds. Aladdin manufacturers USB authentication tokens for PKI and digital signatures (eTokens).

Although Aladdin is already distributed by networking and security distributor, LAN Systems, the remainder are fresh entrants to the local market.

"Because most of these technologies have not been represented in Australia before, we see it as an opportunity for ourselves and partners to differentiate from the competition," Hales said. "Data security is a hot topic. With laptops and PDAs often stolen or lost, there's a real risk that needs to be dealt with now."

Computerlinks, which has several offices across Europe and is listed on the German stock exchange, opened a US office in 2005. It also operates in Canada. Hales said the company was aiming to be across all continents by 2010. Computerlinks represents more than 60 vendors in Europe, including Expand Networks, WebSense, SonicWall, Patchlink and Cisco.

Based in the Sydney suburb of Frenchs Forest, the Australian team consists of four staff, covering sales, product marketing, technical support and accounts. Hales said it hoped to double its headcount by the end of the year.

The focus was now on recruiting hundreds of resellers over the coming 12 months, he said. Later down the track, Computerlinks would introduce more formal reseller accreditation programs.

"Resellers need a level of expertise with these products. We'll provide sales and technical training," Hales said. "A lot of these vendors have accredited reseller programs, so we will look at introducing those towards the end of the year."

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