DC makes instant ANZ impact at Palo Alto Networks...

Distribution Central has been named ANZ Distribution Partner of the Year and APAC Distributor of the Year by Palo Alto Networks, after only being appointed in June 2013.

The awards were presented at the Palo Alto Networks Partner Conference held in Bali on 28-29 August 2014.

“To be named APAC Distributor of the Year is a significant accolade for Distribution Central especially given that we’ve only been in partnership with Palo Alto Networks for a year,” says Nick Verykios, Managing Director, Distribution Central.

During his presentation of the award, Palo Alto Networks Country Manager Armando Dacal highlighted exceptional growth and momentum in DC’s first year as ANZ distributor, including 129% achievement of business plan objectives and the creation of new channel relationships, in addition to strong execution in channel marketing and partner development.

“It’s recognition for the commitment we’ve made to the Palo Alto Networks channel," Verykios adds.

"We’ve created channel services to support and grow the Palo Alto Networks business and invested in a team that can deliver pre-sales and post-sales support; training and enablement tailored for Palo Alto Networks partners; and marketing support and campaigns; which have all contributed to a successful partnership for both DC and Palo Alto Networks."

DC launched a new remote install service designed specifically for Palo Alto Networks partners in April 2014, called PANassist, and has been hosting regular POWERup enablement sessions for partners in Australia and New Zealand.

Verykios says DC has also invested in an extensive evaluation pool that is heavily utilised by Palo Alto Networks partners to learn about the product and also to use in end user opportunities, supported by DC’s online evaluation program, making evaluation stock applications simple, easy and efficient.

“We are impressed with the level of professionalism seen from Distribution Central and its employees,” adds Armando Dacal, Director Regional Sales Australia and New Zealand, Palo Alto Networks Australia.

"The attitude has been exceptionally positive from Pre-sales and Account Management all the way through to marketing, purchasing, support services and the quotes team."

Distribution Central has grown from $1.6 million in FY2004 to more than $275 million in FY2014 in revenue with the company currently employing 120 staff across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.