Ingram Micro signs AirBridge distribution deal in NZ

Ingram Micro has signed a distribution agreement with AirBridge Networks in New Zealand, covering New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia and the Pacific Islands.

The deal gives Ingram Micro partners access to AirBridge's ARNI connectivity suite, aimed at organisations that need secure communications, business continuity support and network access in remote, regional and operationally sensitive settings.

ARNI combines satellite connectivity, including Starlink, with physical infrastructure, power systems, enterprise networking and cybersecurity tools. It is designed for locations where traditional communications infrastructure is unavailable, disrupted or difficult to deploy.

The agreement targets sectors where outages or limited coverage can disrupt operations, including government, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and mining. AirBridge already has a presence in those markets across the region.

Resilience focus

The addition broadens Ingram Micro's networking and security portfolio for partners serving customers that need continuity planning and secure remote access. It also reflects growing demand for disaster preparedness, emergency communications and critical infrastructure protection.

ARNI also complements Ingram Micro's existing Fortinet security portfolio, giving partners a way to combine connectivity and cybersecurity within a broader solution. Many of its channel partners already sell Fortinet-based networking and security products.

“ARNI expands our ability to help partners deliver beyond traditional connectivity solutions,” said Krita Karani, Business Manager, Ingram Micro.

“ARNI is more than a networking solution. By combining connectivity, cybersecurity and rapid deployment capabilities in a single platform, ARNI helps partners support organisations that cannot afford communications downtime.

“As organisations place greater emphasis on resilience, business continuity and secure communications, partners need solutions that help address those requirements in practical ways. ARNI gives them an offering designed specifically for that purpose.”

AirBridge developed ARNI to meet demand for communications systems that support emergency response, disaster recovery, critical infrastructure and remote operations. The product set is intended for rapid deployment in temporary worksites and other environments where fixed-line services are not practical.

Partner strategy

For channel partners, the agreement opens sales discussions around continuity planning and operational resilience, alongside networking. It also creates opportunities for managed and professional services tied to secure remote connectivity and recovery planning.

Brook Gyde, General Manager, Advanced Solutions & Cloud, Ingram Micro, said the relationship builds on an existing link with Fortinet.

“Our strong alignment with the Fortinet ecosystem makes this a particularly compelling opportunity for our partners,” said Gyde.

“Many of our partners are already delivering Fortinet-based security and networking solutions, and ARNI gives them another way to help customers strengthen resilience, particularly in remote locations and environments where continuous connectivity is critical.

“By bringing ARNI into our portfolio, we're enabling partners to deliver a more integrated approach to networking, cybersecurity and operational resilience while building on technology investments customers have already made.”

AirBridge chose Ingram Micro for its partner network, technical reach and established relationship with Fortinet. The agreement gives AirBridge broader market access across New Zealand and the Pacific.

Douglas Stephens, Group Managing Director and CEO, AirBridge Networks, said the arrangement went beyond product supply.

“We are excited to work with Ingram Micro in New Zealand to bring AirBridge's ARNI range to a broader audience across New Zealand and the Pacific,” said Stephens.

“This relationship is about much more than distribution. It is about enablement. By combining AirBridge's networking technology with Ingram Micro's channel expertise, technical resources and established Fortinet ecosystem, we are helping partners deliver smarter, more secure and more resilient connectivity solutions.

“Ultimately, this means organisations across government, enterprise and regional communities will gain access to high-performance network infrastructure that helps them stay connected, protected and productive. We see Ingram Micro as a strategic partner in our mission to make enterprise-grade connectivity more accessible and impactful.”