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IT channel needs to evolve to keep more endpoints secure

IT managers have their hands full when it comes to protecting all of the operating systems and applications that are being used in the workplace today. Not only are attacks from malware and other threats increasing in sophistication and frequency, but the workplace environment is also getting more complex as an increasing amount of companies adopt bring your own device (BYOD) policies, allowing their employees to connect their personal mobile devices to the company network.

While this ability to be always connected from various endpoint devices is a convenience that allows workers to be productive from anywhere, the repercussion is that hackers and cyber criminals now also have more opportunities to exploit and launch attacks on vulnerable endpoints, which makes IT security more complicated than ever before.

“In this changing environment, traditional endpoint security does not cut it anymore. IT personnel have to keep a lot of balls in the air now that endpoint devices have evolved beyond desktop machines only,” says Simon Campbell-Young, CEO of Phoenix Distribution. “Now it has changed from desktops only being connected to the company network, to laptops, tablets, and mobile phones - all of which can connect from anywhere. It is therefore also more crucial than ever before for companies of all sizes to have the necessary IT security measures in place to protect their data.”

How does this affect the IT channel partners such as the value-added resellers (VARs), distributors, agents, wholesalers and retailers? “They have the responsibility to assist their customers in their efforts to maintain the security of all of their endpoint devices, and within both cloud and virtual environments,” explains Campbell-Young. “This means that their offerings have to evolve as well to keep up with customers' changing security needs.”

These days, it is crucial for both virtual and physical servers to be included among those endpoint devices. According to a recent post on The VAR Guy's blog, 94% of stolen data is nabbed from servers and two-thirds of security breaches occur on servers. “Servers require specialised security measures, such as protection against reconfiguration changes. A server cannot simply be rebooted in the same way that you can reboot a laptop and desktop,” says Campbell-Young. “Unlike other endpoint devices, servers have to remain available at all times, since downtime will affect the entire company. An inability to access applications and data will adversely affect productivity.”

Campbell-Young points out that the endpoint security market is a competitive one. “To prevent their customers from defecting to a competitor, channel partners must offer protection tools for all types of computing systems and endpoint devices,” he suggests. “It will also behoove them to offer value-added services and features such as encryption, system management tools and data protection.”

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Phoenix Distribution

Phoenix Distribution is currently the leading value-added software distributor across the African continent, covering software publishing, localisation and distribution across multiple territories in multiple languages. The business is segmented into two divisions, namely 'corporate licensing' and 'retail', and Phoenix Distribution dominates the consumer and SME security sectors through three key brands: Norton/Symantec, AVG and Kaspersky.

The corporate licensing division sells volume licensing into the enterprise and SME reseller environments, as well as covering architecture and implementation. The ESD division delivers download content into all channels, including B2B and B2C.

The retail division delivers physical product into the retail environment, covering all mainstream ICT and CES outlets, independents and online stores. This division also distributes mobile accessories, wireless networking products, headsets and specialist high-end video and audio cables. Tier One brands in this arena include Beats by Dre, Monster, Carbon Audio, Trendnet Wireless, and Odoyo.

Phoenix Distribution is growing at 65% per annum, with additional acceleration coming from development within the greater African marketplace, as well as the acquisition of significant high-end product lines within the enterprise arena. In addition, the company's UK business, PX Security, is firmly entrenched within the UK retail and SME reseller environments, shipping products through trusted distribution partners into mainstream retail outlets and direct engagement with B2B resellers. The UK operation publishes and distributes Bitdefender and Avira.

Additional bespoke services offered to partners include Electronic Software Distribution within the B2B and B2C environments, category management, training and end-to-end merchandising.

Phoenix Distribution, including the UK subsidiary PX Security, was recently acquired by First Technology Holdings.

For more information, visit www.phoenixsoftware.co.za Www.pxsecurity.co.uk and www.pxsoftware.co.za

For purchasing information in Africa, visit: www.kasperskyafrica.com, www.kasperskyangola.com, www.kasperskybotswana.com, www.kasperskymozambique.com, www.kasperskynamibia.com, www.kasperskysouthafrica.com, www.kasperskydrcongo.com, www.kasperskyzimbabwe.com, www.kasperskyzambia.com, www.antivirusangola.com, www.antivirusbotswana.com, www.antivirusmozambique.com, www.antivirusnamibia.com, www.antivirussouthafrica.com, www.antivirusdrcongo.com, www.antiviruszimbabwe.com, and www.antiviruszambia.com.

Editorial contacts

Simon Campbell-Young
Phoenix Distribution
(+27) 21 487 4640
simon@phoenixsoftware.co.za