Clearswift strengthens NZ presence with Connector Systems
Integrated web and email security company Clearswift has reached a deal with Connector Systems to distribute its software throughout New Zealand.
Clearswift regional channel manager Chris Barton said expansion opportunities have been driven by a need to manage the benefits of web 2.0 and collaborative technologies securely and transparently. "Clearswift's content-aware technology helps businesses to grow by benefiting from new ways of working and technological innovation, and there's tremendous opportunity for new partners out there as a result," said Barton.
"We're delighted to have Connector Systems on board to support our growing position in Asia Pacific."
Connector Systems' Mark Dasent said Clearswift "fits a gap" for the company and saw it as a complementary service to the SonicWall offerings Connector Systems already provides.
Clearswift's APAC regional director Phil Vasic said email used to be the main focus of malicious code developers but the focus has switched more recently to the web - opening up the potential for vulnerabilities on commonly-visited sites. Clearswift's content focus allows its software to safely detect and block such malicious code even if it appeared on trusted sites.
The company's 'sweet spot' is for between 50 and 500 seats, but Barton said Clearswift has successfully deployed in the hundreds of thousands (a recent contract was for 350,000 seats).
Clearswift recently announced an extremely successful financial year. Chief executive Richard Turner said the company "over-achieved" on goals for revenue and profitability.
Dasent said Connector Systems was looking to recruit around 6-10 new channel partners into Clearswift's partner programme. New partners who would normally be introduced at the basic 'registered' level, would be upgraded to the Sales Associate level for the first 90 days. After which, provided the requirements continued to be met, partners would be able to stay at the Sales Associate level which gave a higher level of benefits than the entry level programme.
