Aerohive Adds To Distributor Ranks With Computerlinks
Aerohive’s deal with second UK distributor will see its Branch On Demand offered with Computerlinks’ Alvea
Aerohive Networks has announced it is to begin working with Computerlinks, its second UK distributor, with plans to integrate Branch On Demand, its network-as-a-service offering, into Computerlinks’ cloud and managed services portfolio.
The deal underscores the strong growth of Aerohive, which launched in the UK four years ago with Exclusive Networks (then known as VADition) as its sole distributor for the area.
Expansion
Aerohive said expansion was always planned, and its relationship with Suffolk-based Computerlinks in the Middle East region was key to forging the UK relationship. For its part, Exclusive joint chief executive Neil Ledger said he expects overlap between the two distributors to be minimal.
The agreement centres around Aerohive’s Branch On Demand product, which will be offered with Computerlinks’ Alvea cloud and managed services. Alvea delivers a comprehensive range of managed IT security and cloud-based computing products exclusively to the channel through a platform that can be co-branded by partners.
Branch On Demand is built for small branches, teleworkers and temporary enterprise networks, and is aimed at medium-sized and large enterprises with highly distributed employees. Aerohive bills it as the first branch office on-demand service with wired/wireless access, performance and security management, 3G/4G WAN connectivity as well as routing and VPN.
“We see the opportunity to benefit from Computerlinks’ experience and portfolio of cloud and managed services as a new route to market. This cloud-based approach will enable us to grow the channel and fulfill enterprise demands for our products,” said Mark Powley, UK sales director at Aerohive.
Worker mobility
The market for for such networking-as-a-service offerings is expected to grow as workforces become increasingly mobile, with a particular spike in demand expected this year as a result of the Olympic Games, according to David Ellis, Computerlinks director of new technologies and services.
“The demand for pay-as-you-go services is increasing as IT becomes more of a commodity,” Ellis said in a statement. “As Branch on Demand is a quick and easy product for resellers to deploy, we look forward to working with Aerohive to drive new revenues through the channel.”
He said Computerlinks is continuing to look at new partners and promised more developments in the coming weeks.