Sophos holds EMEA channel partner shindig

Security company Sophos has held its largest ever shindig for EMEA partners in Barcelona. They were able to test out the latest in Sophos software and an opportunity to network with peers and Sophos execs – and, of course, pat their partners on the back.

TrustMarque’s managed services head, Robert Newburn, was full of praise. In a statement, Newburn said the conference demonstrated how far Sophos has come along – demonstrating how it has picked up companies through acquisitions and integrating them. He mentioned that, at the partner conference, Sophos delivered a product roadmap for the future. Trustmarque picked up the new business partner of the year award.

Sophos named Foursys as its public sector partner of the year, saying that the company’s success is down to its clarity in the public sector market, and its ability to adapt technical and consultancy services at the drop of a hat for customer’s needs.

Softcat got the partner of the year award. It boasted 10 percent of all net new business in the UK, and also was awarded the title of corporate partner of the year, thanks to building a strong business particularly in mobile and encryption.

Sophos gave small business partner of the year to Utilize for the company’s “deep understanding” of Sophos products, as well as productivity with new customers. Utilize’s Liam Roberts got the individual contributor award, while best new partner award was given to Evolve North.

Sophos’ North America partner conference kicks off today, in Las Vegas – where else? – while the APAC conference takes place 11 July in Pattaya, Thailand.

Sophos’ SVP of worldwide sales acknowledged the importance of the channel in Sophos’ success. “Our partners are the driving force behind our success and the annual partner conferences are an opportunity for Sophos senior leaders and channel teams to interact directly with them,” he said.