Clearswift and itX part ways

Peter Croft, managing director, Clearswift told CRN it was an amicable split.

“[The split] was completely amicable, we have been together for two years and it was a case of each needing to focus on core relationships,” he said.

According to Croft, itX always ensured the vendor received well rounded coverage with resellers, despite having a number vendors in the same space as Clearswift.

“When it became difficult to find clear space for us, we decided we would part company. Clearwsift is now going direct to our partners, which is better suited to our business model. Going direct to resellers will be meaningful as we will make sure they receive the proper support they need to deal with end users and associate resellers,” said Croft.

Croft claimed that Clearswift resellers rely on new product sales and renewels for their income.

“We need to be able to reciprocate the best discounts, lead generation and keep them up to date with training and marketing activities,” he said.

Clearswift's premium resellers currently include Loop Technology, Dimension Data, TCT in Sydney and Newbase in Queensland.

“We have also signed Nexos, the services arm of itX, as a new premier partner. We had a relationship with Nexos when we were distributing through itX. Now that the distribution agreement is no longer in place, we have had to sign a separate agreement," said Croft.

According to Croft, Clearswift’s plans are to have two premium partners - Dimension Data and Loop technology - who can look after end users nationally and also have extra premium partners in each capital Sydney.

“Currently we are looking for an extra premium partner in Perth or Adelaide,” he said.