Websense may cut back on distributors

Websense has hinted it may trim its distribution stable after completing its $400m (£197m) acquisition of SurfControl last week.

Prior to the union, Websense worked with Computerlinks and e92plus. It also recently inked an SME alliance with Bell Micro.

However, the SurfControl acquisition will see Websense rekindle ties with DNS Arrow, which it axed last October after the firm signed with SurfControl.

Frank Coggrave, vice president for Europe at Websense, said: “Although the merger means we will have twice as many products, my preference would be to have more focus with fewer distributors.

“In quarter four we intend to talk to the distributors and will we continue to work with them where they are performing.”

David Ellis, director of e-security at Computerlinks, said: “It would make sense for Websense to take another look at the distribution channel. Four could be deemed as too many, particularly when some play in similar markets.”