Avnet lands exclusive deal to distribute Websense in Australia

The deal will see Avnet distribute the Websense product portfolio as well as provide services and support to the vendor's VAR partners in Australia.

Avnet was a distributor of SurfControl products until the vendor was acquired by Websense in October 2007. According to Gavin Lawless, country business manager, Avnet Technology Solutions Australia, the previous relationship with SurfControl coupled with its recent acquisition of Channel Worx have strengthened Avnet’s security offering to the local channel.

“Combined with our own recent acquisition of Channel Worx, Avnet now represents a channel of vendors and business partners that have expertise and experience in selling state of the art security solutions,” he said.

Websense anticipates the relationship will extend the vendor’s reach in Australia via Avnet’s network of channel partners.

“We are confident that this relationship with Avnet will give Websense greater reach. Avnet is an ideal partner to establish our leadership in the local market,” said Phil Vasic, country manager A/NZ, Websense.

A recent IDC study revealed Websense holds 21 percent market share of the US$1.2 billion Web security market in the United States. The distribution agreement reflects Avnet's increasing focus on Web 2.0 technology and the associated security issues that have arisen in recent years, providing opportunities for Australian resellers to penetrate this market.

“Extending a relationship with Websense is important to the success of our business partners, and in turn we will be able to create new channels and markets for both Websense and our partners,” added Lawless.