Aussie vendor seeks channel for new VPN box

Perth-based network security vendor iWebgate is looking to the channel to sell its first-ever hardware product.

VINGate is a pre-configured box that allows users to privately connect to any network using a VPN.

iWebgate typically focuses on software-based network security solutions such as its flagship virtual services platform, virtual invisible networking and virtual application container.

The vendor's Asia-Pacific managing director Mark Harrell told CRN that partners would be key to selling the device.

iWebgate already has an agreement with Telstra, giving the vendor access to Telstra’s reseller partners. Telstra also promotes iWebgate products through its app marketplace, including the iWebgate Workspace Suite virtualisation app.

“Our first relationship was with Telstra, where we are working with different Telstra partners as early adopters. Working with Telstra has been very positive, but it’s just one opportunity,” said Harrell.

He added that iWebgate could potentially work with a distributor in the future, but nothing is on table yet.

“Additional distributors are on the cards if we can find ones that we can work with. Our existing model is working at the moment, we just haven’t looked that far into it.”

Harrell said that iWebgate was looking for managed services providers to complement VINGate. The company recently signed up US government solutions provider Blue Tech as a reseller.

“We’re looking for the type of partners that have a managed service for customers, who help set up a customer’s network. Those partners that have a sales force and go out to secure networks and be a one-stop shop for customers.”

iWebgate APAC managing director Mark Harrell said partnering for would be key going forward with its first piece of hardware.

“We have our software that can become complicated depending on what network you put it in. If you put in our hardware, we can control the environment because the configuration is built in.”