PGP adopts two-tier strategy

Encryption vendor PGP is moving to a two-tier channel model, citing a spike in demand for encryption.

Distributor Cohort Technologies will now handle PGP’s 20 Bronze partners, as the vendor looks for help with training and support. PGP may move its 10 higher-level Gold and Silver partners to Cohort next year.

Jamie Cowper, European marketing director at PGP, said: “We need help to support partners and grow the business. It gives resellers more points of contact and more technical and training guys to reach out to. We will only move Gold and Silver partners across if it makes sense.”

Cohort, which was launched by channel veteran Grahame Smee in March, will assume control of PGP’s VAR product education programme.

Smee said: “This addresses a hole in our portfolio in the encryption area. Because of its wide range of products, PGP suits any VAR looking to get involved in encryption.”