In today’s digitally driven era, organisations across the region are rapidly looking at transforming the way they operate and do business to be able to stay competitive and thrive.
A report by global research and analyst firm IDC revealed that spending on digital transformation is expected to grow at a compound annual growth of 15.5% from 2020 to 2023 to approximately $6.8 trillion.
For technology players to be able to successfully reach and support enterprises on their digital journeys, they need partners that are not only well-versed with the latest industry trends but also have the local expertise and are trusted by business leaders. Consequently, businesses that are on their path to transformation are constantly on the lookout for solutions and service providers that will provide them access to the latest technological innovations in the industry.
In this scenario, distributors play a crucial role in enabling the IT ecosystem. They are often the conduit between vendors and the rest of the market, providing services and competencies to channel players using those vendor products.
As the regional landscape continues to evolve, IT distributors today have moved beyond simply ‘pushing the box’ to become trusted advisors across multiple facets of business transformation.
Here are the top 25 IT value-added distributors that have shown dedication and leadership in supporting vendors, partners and customers in their digital and business transformation journeys.
Methodology: The ITP.net editorial team identified key value-added distributors from the region. The team considered the range of industries and markets the companies cover, as well as the breadth and depth of solutions, services and initiatives they provide. The list was formulated based on publicly-available information including press releases, reports, and key announcements from companies. Additional information were also requested from the companies regarding their future plans and initiatives. (Companies are not ranked and are listed in alphabetical order.)
TOP 25 IT DISTRIBUTORS
ALJAMMAZ TECHNOLOGIES
AlJammaz Technologies is a Saudi-based value-added distributor that offers end-to-end solutions across an array of IT verticals including cloud, cybersecurity, networking and infrastructure, mobility and connectivity, and voice communication technologies among others.
For almost 25 years, the company has provided advanced technology products, solutions and services to the financial, industrial, education, telecoms, hospitality, healthcare, government, SMB and consumer sectors in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region.
New partnerships and 2022 highlights
Beyond the 50-plus vendor partners in its portfolio, the company signed new partnerships with global technology vendors such as SkyBox, SentinelOne, GateWatcher and Logitech in 2022.
Over the past year, AlJammaz Technologies continued to strengthen its engagement with its 1,350 active Value Added Resellers (VAR), System Integrators (SI), Retailers, Managed- and Cloud Service Providers (MSP & CSP)and Telecoms.
According to the company, its Cybersecurity Division has seen the addition of new technology leaders and the division has grown substantially, which significantly contributed to the overall growth of its revenue.
With the lifting of COVID restrictions, the company conducted a number of channel partner events, executive dinners and roundtables, as well as technical enablement sessions and workshops for their technology partners. It also participated in major exhibitions in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, such as LEAP and GITEX which supports the company’s mission to acquire additional technology vendors from all technology verticals and in particular in the space of cloud and cybersecurity solutions.
Looking ahead
In 2023, AlJammaz Technologies plans to further expand its technology and solutions portfolio to continue to serve its extensive channel partner ecosystem. It will amplify its efforts in supporting the VARs, SIs, Retailers, MSPs and CSPs within its network by providing them with value-added services, such as specialised logistics, financial services, project management, technical support, pre-and post-sales support, as well as marketing support in the form of tailor-made events and lead generation.
Last, but not least, the company also plans to accelerate its cloud and digital distribution business to deliver more ‘as-a-service’ offerings across all the technology verticals is covers.
AMIVIZ
AmiViz is the first B2B enterprise marketplace focused on the cybersecurity industry in the Middle East and Africa, designed specially to serve the interests of enterprise resellers and vendors.
The company brings a consumeristic-styled e-commerce platform experience into value-added distribution. It provides a collaboration platform through a mobile app on iOS and Android, as well as a web-based platform for enterprise resellers, consultants, system integrators, channel partners and vendors.
With a presence across the Middle East region – including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Turkey, AmiViz aims to help channel partners scale up their operations and enable them to offer better deals to their customers.
ASBIS MIDDLE EAST
ASBIS Middle East is a regional IT Distributor across MENA. For over two decades, the company has served the region with its wide array of services and solutions across a range of ICT verticals including components, storage, server, networking, analytics, cybersecurity and premium consumer electronics.
2022 highlights
According to the company, it gained a revenue of $3.7 billion and it is also expecting a growth of $7.97 billion, which reflects significant profitability for the company in 2022. This year, ASBIS signed partnerships with some of the leading tech companies including Bang and Olufsen, Loewe, Yeastar, Yealink, IncoreSoft, Milesight, Luxriot and bas IP.
Future strategy
Looking ahead, ASBIS seeks to continue to create a solid association with its partners. It aims to integrate more brands and enhance its support for the existing ones. Moreover, ASBIS will heighten its focus on catering to micro, medium and big companies.
BULWARK TECHNOLOGIES
Headquartered in Dubai, Bulwark Technologies specialises in distributing information security innovations and solutions. With operations spanning 22 years, the company covers key markets including the GCC, India, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. Working with a wide network of resellers and system integrators, the value-added distributor delivers solutions and services around network security, cloud security, OT/IoT and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) among others.
2022 highlights
Bulwark Technologies has reported positive growth in revenues in the last fiscal year. The company attributed this success to its robust market strategy and its strong focus on providing high-end corporate security solutions through major system integrators in the region.
Throughout 2022, the company also partnered with major security vendors and built a stronger cybersecurity product and solutions portfolio.
Bulwark Technologies maintains a channel-driven strategy with a constant focus on enhancing its sales, marketing and technical competencies to enable the channel community to meet its desired goals and objectives.
Looking ahead
In the coming year, the company plans to focus on further growing its portfolio by adding new technology vendors to meet the security challenges and addressing emerging business requirements. Through the recent launch of new distribution entities such as Bulwark Saudi for Information Technology and Bulwark Technologies India, the company aims to provide more focused customer service to meet the ever-growing demands of its vendors, partners and customers.
CREDENCE SECURITY
Established in 1999, Credence Security, is a PAN-EMEA speciality value-added distributor, focusing on providing solutions around cybersecurity, digital forensics, security awareness and training, data and security and governance among others.
With its headquarters in Dubai and regional offices in Johannesburg, London, Nairobi, and Hyderabad, the VAD takes a consultative ‘value-add’ solution approach and works closely with its partners to deliver tailor-made solutions.
Key partners and 2022 highlights
Credence Security’s vendor portfolio includes Exterro, Entrust, ZeroFox, and Fortra (Previously HelpSystems), and in 2022, the company signed new vendor partners including Voyager Labs, Binalyze, Futurex, Medex, Checkmarx and Keeper Security.
In the last year, Credence Security completed 30+ successful major events and campaigns across all territories this year and added an application security pillar to the business along with strengthening the other five existing pillars of the business by bringing on board industry leaders that complement its existing portfolio.
Another milestone for the company was the addition of some of the biggest end-user customers and partners during the year. It also grew the number of staff in the company geographically and strengthened its presence across Tier 1 countries.
Future strategy
Credence Security believes that its strong business ethos and strategy are key drivers to its success and the company plans to continue to build on this in the coming year. In addition, the company aims to grow and strengthen its business geographically across all territories. It would also focus more on growing its vendor portfolio exponentially. With this in mind, Credence Security believes that this strategy would not only strengthen its joint offering with vendors but also provide turnkey projects and solutions within its focus business pillars for its end-to-end cybersecurity and DFIR offerings.
CYBERKNIGHT
CyberKnight Technologies is a Dubai-based cybersecurity-focused value-added-distributor (VAD) that covers the Middle East with an on-the-ground presence in Saudi Arabia and all key Middle East markets.
The company focuses on a ZTX (Zero Trust Security) framework, which incorporates emerging cybersecurity solutions that protect the entire attack surface. With its range of cybersecurity solutions from its vast vendor portfolio, CyberKnight aims to help security and risk teams at enterprise and government customers simplify breach detection, prevention and incident response while addressing regulatory compliance.
The company also touts its ‘Art of Cybersecurity Distribution’ methodology, which enables strategic partners to achieve greater market penetration, return on investment and time-to-value.
DSTC
Distributor Solutions Trading Company (DSTC) provides a comprehensive vendor product portfolio and system solutions that are compatible with the next-generation service.
For over 18 years, the company has been covering the Middle East and North Africa region with a focus on delivering the latest cybersecurity and network security solutions. DSTC works closely with its vendor network to deliver the latest innovations to prevent cyber-attacks, data breaches and identity theft. Together with its partners, the company aims to provide robust and effective incident response plans that will enable organisations to manage risks and mitigate threats.
2022 highlights
The past year was a significant one for the company as it inked partnerships with a number of cybersecurity vendors including Fortinet, Cybereason, Bitdefender and Ascom.
DSTC also offers advanced solutions such as AI-enabled cybersecurity tools to help businesses automate low-value-added tasks and allow teams to address issues proactively by enabling better predictions. DSTC encompasses multi-vendor professional and technical services, implementation and support, asset financing and leasing, project management & logistics and accredited training.
EMT DISTRIBUTION
Founded in 2012, emt Distribution is an IT and IT Security distributor that has a portfolio of over 15 security and IT Management vendors that caters to the needs of both small and medium businesses (SMB) and large enterprises.
With a presence in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, UAE and South Africa, emt offers pre-and post-sales technical support as well as professional services across its range of cybersecurity and ICT management solutions. The company touts a channel-focused strategy, focusing on enabling channel partners, MSPs and MSSPs to deliver cybersecurity solutions that address their customers’ needs. In addition, emt offers pre-and post-sales support, channel development, engaged sales processes and marketing assistance for both vendors and channel partners.
In 2021, emt was acquired by rhipe – a global provider of cloud and technology solutions. The purchase includes emt’s products, solutions and assets.
EXCLUSIVE NETWORKS ME
Exclusive Networks specialises in cybersecurity solutions, covering 170 countries across five continents.
The company prides itself on having a unique ‘local sale, global scale’ model, giving partners more opportunities and more customer relevance. According to Exclusive Networks, its distinctive approach to distribution allows them to provide its partners with the capabilities to capitalise on rapidly evolving technologies and transformative business models.
Over the past year, Exclusive Networks signed pan-EMEA distribution agreements with a number of global cybersecurity vendors including Cymulate, ExtraHop, SecurityScorecard and Salt Security among others.
FVC
FVC provides a wide array of solutions across key areas of enterprise IT unified communications, unified collaboration, audio-visual, infrastructure and information security.
With over 22 years of cross-domain expertise, FVC covers the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions and is headquartered in the United Arab Emirates.
The company also has regional offices in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and the UK. It has an on-the-ground presence in 17 countries region-wide, through an expanding network of more than 500 channel partners, offering an extensive portfolio of industry-leading solutions.
2022 highlights
With a keen focus on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Robotics Process Automation, FVC has added a new business vertical under the name of AI & Cloud this year.
The VAD also signed multiple strategic partnerships in 2022 across its five verticals: UCC – Zoom, DTEN and Lenovo; AV – Epiphan Video and Absen; Cybersecurity – Colortokens; and AI & Cloud – UiPath, Kore.ai, Valarea, BitTitan, Vyopta, Spirent and Inogeni.
Future plans
Looking ahead, FVC believes that innovations around AI, robotics, big data and analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G will open new possibilities and opportunities for partners and customers. That’s why in 2023, the company aims to expand its horizons into these areas.
Additionally, as customers continue to embrace the hybrid era, FVC has set a roadmap to shift from “traditional” and “inside” sales to “hybrid collaboration” to move with its customers.
GULF SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION
Gulf Software Distribution (GSD) is a UAE-based value-add distributor offering comprehensive access to IBM software solutions in the region. The company also offers IBM-adjacent technologies from Cloudflare.
Founded in 2014, GSD supports partners in UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. Working across a broad range of market sectors, GSD is equipped to support and assist channel partners with industry-specific opportunities.
Most recently, GSD added Brytlyt – a serverless, GPU (Graphics Processor Unit) accelerated analytics and data science platform, to its robust vendor portfolio. Through the partnership, GSD aims to help accelerate technological and data transformation for many businesses in the region.
Other GSD business partners include Experion Technologies, Omnix, and IMTAC, spanning a variety of technologies and industries such as finance, transportation, retail, oil & gas, and healthcare.
HIPERDIST
Hiperdist is a regional value-added distributor offering products and solutions across infrastructure (power, servers & storage, cloud), end-user devices, components & peripherals, security, networking, software and cloud among others.
2022 highlights
The past year marked great change and remarkable achievements for the company. This year Hiperdist continued to respond to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and reaffirmed its commitment to its growth as an ICT distributor in the Middle East.
The company works with over 5000 resellers and formulate its offerings to match the unique demands and expectations of the Middle Eastern and African Markets. The firm’s Marketing as a Service Team (marketing_team@hiperdist.com) has enabled over 1000 reseller campaigns this year.
Hiperdist also grew its vendor portfolio, which now combines over 40 vendors that it distributes across more than 30 countries, through 23 local entities and 4 logistical hubs. The company’s activity makes up 40 percent of the total group turnover, hitting 150 million dollars by the end of the year.
In 2022, the company also attained several compliances and is now GDPR & POPIA-ready.
Looking ahead
According to Hiperdist, partners are the heart of its business and through long-lasting partnerships, they aim to be at the heart of theirs. With this in mind, the company will continue to support its resellers, providing specialist advice and offering the latest solutions.
In 2023, the VAD will also aim to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds. The launch of its new partner platform will be the foundation on which it seeks to build and refine its omnichannel and customer experiences.
Furthermore, Hiperdist views 2023 as the year of the cloud. Therefore, the company plans to further enable its partners and their clients securely realise the value of their hybrid/cloud solutions to their maximal potential.
Hiperdist will also reiterate its commitment to sustainability in the coming months. This builds on the ‘Green Pledge’ that it signed in 2017. According to the firm, this initiative has now evolved into ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) to ensure its sustainable development through Green IT, IT4 Green Operations and making ESG auditable.
INGRAM MICRO
Ingram Micro is a technology distributor with a wide network of resellers across the Middle East. Ingram Micro is the authorised distributor for some of the world’s leading IT hardware, software and communications manufacturers in the world.
Over the years, the company has partnered with some of the leading vendors across key IT verticals including data centre, storage, security, networking, software, hardware, services and telecommunication to offer a wide range of value-added solutions and products in each segment.
With more than 520 employees and a presence in five countries in the region including the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Egypt, the VAD ensure speedy, effective and professional service to resellers.
It provides organisations across the region with a full range of global technology and supply chain services. Ingram Micro’s deep expertise in technology solutions, mobility, cloud, and supply chain solutions enables its business partners to operate efficiently and successfully in the markets they serve. The company highlighted that its deep market insights, agility, dependability and trust coming from decades of proven partnerships enable them to stand out in the market.
Looking ahead
Expanding its portfolio is an ongoing approach that Ingram Micro aims to maintain.
In line with market trends, the company will focus on further enhancing its focus on AI, cloud and cybersecurity. Beyond this, Ingram Micro seeks will continue to broaden its vendor portfolio across all technologies.
Moreover, Ingram Micro aims to continue to accelerate the value creation that it provides its partners through its solutions engagement associated with its vendor portfolio and speciality divisions.
LOGICOM
Logicom is a regional distributor of technology solutions and services covering a wide area in Europe, Middle East and North Africa.
The company touts long-term relationships with some of the world’s leading technology vendors across key IT verticals incusing software, networking, cybersecurity, cloud, storage and more.
With a presence across multiple markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the company offers robust solutions and services to its extensive reseller network.
The company highlighted its indispensable link in the technology supply chain, which it says allows them to facilitate mutually beneficial relationships with leading system integrators, service providers and SMB resellers.
In 2001, the company established a regional headquarters in Dubai to cater to the distribution of technology products and services across the Gulf region, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The company also has local subsidiaries and a presence in Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.
According to Logicom, its market strategy is centred on empowering both partners and vendors to achieve their goals by offering fast and effective customer service, flexible and competitive commercial offerings, the best possible solutions and professional support, as well as a high level of technical and sales certifications and vendor accreditations.
METRA GROUP
Founded in 1982, Metra Group has been one of the leading provider of information technology services, solutions, and insights in the area. The company has more than 30 vendors, 500 regional employees, and 6,500 partners and resellers.
The distributor has a strong focus on logistics, successful marketing strategies, financial services, product aggregation, maintenance, employee training, and technical support. With this, it excels at building efficient and advantageous distribution networks of information and services. Metra Group currently has operations in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Egypt, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Algeria and Tunisia.
Metra has a key focus in various industries like Banking & Finance, Consumer & Retail, Energy & Utilities, Healthcare, Public sector and more. The group specialises in identifying, assessing and addressing problems in an entity’s infrastructure, with flexible and reliable IT solutions. Their networking infrastructure, systems and managed services help strengthen, secure and streamline any entity’s networking process. Additionally, their virtualisation and data centre services take on the manual work and massive costs of running an on-site data centre, giving enterprises big and small access to scalable virtual resources with complimentary cloud services.
MINDWARE
Launched in 1991 and headquartered in Dubai, UAE, Mindware has over 4,000+ channel partners with 45+ vendors in over 15 countries. The distributor provides certified subject-matter experts as an extension of the team to assist with health check, architecture , design, deploy, migrate, upgrade and training services. Whether it is on-premise, cloud or hybrid, the resources are equipped with the experience to ensure project success based on vendor’s best practices and Mindware’s tested methodology.
The company recently the Mindware Store, its B2B eCommerce platform, in the United Arab Emirates. This is consistent with the organization’s digital transformation plan and the current market trend of integrating online offerings into traditional business. The distributor has expanded its market reach by adding the website as another channel. The website provides resellers with a user-friendly platform for a cutting-edge and exciting online shopping experience for their business orders. Mindware also expects to extend the offering to additional local markets. Mindware Store is targeted towards existing partners as well as new resellers, who can onboard in an easy 3-step process, with approval taking less than 48 hours.
MITSUMI DISTRIBUTION
Established in 2003, Mitsumi Distribution is an IT infrastructure distributor specialising in hardware, telco, networking and storage solutions. The company provides a wide range of supply chain solutions for Direct and Indirect distribution of information technology products across the Middle East and Africa region including West Africa French Speaking countries.
2022 highlights
In the last year, Mitsumi has strengthened its presence as a distributor of information technology (IT), telecommunications, and enterprise solutions in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), Africa French-speaking nations.
In addition, the company has formed partnerships with some of the most well-known vendors around the globe including Seagate, Nokia and Vodaphone.
In line with its growth plan, Mitsumi invested in establishing a “first-rate” warehouse in Jebel Ali, Dubai that is equipped with the latest management technology, which has a system that has been specifically developed to fulfil its business goals for the next five years.
The company also received several accolades from vendors and other industry stakeholders.
Mitsumi has also amplified its distribution channels with the support of new partnerships. These new partnerships, according to the company, are focused on the localised micro distribution as well as expanding its physical presence in each country. Mitsumi also made significant investments to bolster its management and resources in more than 20 countries, each of which has its own specialised legal organisation and local logistics competence.
Looking ahead
Mitsumi is in the process of investing in resources and infrastructure to address new market opportunities to enhance its go-to-market, retail and VAR offerings.
According to Mitsumi, its goals for the next few years entail expanding cooperation, localising micro-distribution, and establishing a physical presence within each region it operates in. Mitsumi partners can also look forward to participating in several training/events and receiving product-related training.
This September, Mitsumi witnessed a milestone event in Barcelona where it rewarded its partners and stakeholders for a successful business year. In 2023, the company promises that the Mitsumi Gold Circle’s partner loyalty programme will see a much bigger scale and will also be extended to partners in the African region.
NEWCOM
Founded in 2003, Newcom Computer Systems distributes products and solutions around IT, video collaboration, security, gaming and accessories. Covering the GCC, Levant and Africa, the company caters to the many large-scale order requirements of its channel partners and provides them with access to robust technology solutions.
The company has a strong distribution network with 2000+ partners spread across the MEA region along with the support of our valued partners that include sub-distributors, wholesalers, power retailers, online retailers, system integrators, and value-added resellers and distributors (VAR/VAD).
2022 highlights
Among the most recent milestones at Newcom is winning the master distribution for Targus in Africa. It also signed on as the distributor for Logitech in Oman, marking its expansion to the Sultanate. The company has also had significant wins in other regions with new vendor partnerships slated to be announced in the coming months.
With businesses becoming more tech-savvy, Newcom aims to play a pivotal role in enabling them through its company philosophy of ‘Partnership Beyond Business’ by building the bridge between the vendors and the channel partners and making sure that the right product reaches the right end-consumer.
Looking ahead
Newcom believes that market opportunities in the coming year would be more focused towards AI, AR and cybersecurity, thus it will explore and expand its brand partners in these fields.
In addition, new trends that will drive the market in coming years will be a strong digital presence and preparing different marketing strategies using geo-fencing data, the company said. With increasing demand and innovation in technology, Newcom is looking forward to exploring different verticals and adding more feathers to its cap. The company also aims to adhere to and build on its vision and mission to become a trusted distributor for every potential partner in MEA while meeting its customers’ expectations with innovative products and impeccable services.
REDINGTON VALUE
Redington Value is a value-added distributor (VAD) covering the Middle East and Africa. For over 25 years, the company has provided end-to-end solutions across key IT verticals including cloud, security, IoT, data analytics, infrastructure and networking.
New initiatives and 2022 highlights
Over the past year, Redington Value has strengthened its vendor portfolio to help partners have access to world-class solutions and technologies. The company signed partnerships with SugarCRM, Zoom, XFusion, Forescout, Dragos, VAST Data and Virtuozzo.
The company also launched a number of new initiatives, including ‘The Pitch Room by Redington’ to introduce channel partners to novel solutions from its ISV community for different verticals. In addition, the company also launched ‘The Vertical’ – a series of events that showcases tailored industry-specific digital solutions.
In 2022, Redington Value further strengthened its cybersecurity offerings with the launch of DigiGlass by Redington, the company’s very own Managed Security Services brand.
The company also introduced and enhanced its intelligent cloud management platform called CloudQuarks, allowing partners to capitalise on cloud services, customised solutions, and best practices all on a single platform. It also introduced SecureQuarks and DataQuarks catering to end-to-end cybersecurity and analytics demands respectively, in the market. Another key offering that the company launched in 2022 is IoT Quarks by Redington, which features Industry 4.0 – the company’s Smart Factory initiative in collaboration with PTC.
Future strategy
Looking forward to 2023, Redington Value seeks to evolve from being a catalyst to simplifying transformations, to enabling the acceleration of digital agendas and cloud journeys. According to the VAD, while the past year marked several milestones for the business, they believe that they have only scratched the surface and that they will continue to ensure that partners and customers can rely on them to deliver disruptive solutions, increased revenue streams, innovative technologies, and unique services.
SARIYA IT
Sariya IT is a volume and value-added distribution services and solutions provider. Founded in 2002, in Saudi Arabia as a part of the Al Kuhaimi Group, the company provides value products and services to clients across the region.
Over the years, Sariya IT established itself as major added-value distributor and technology solutions provider in Saudi Arabia and the region. Adapting to the industry’s supply chain management and marketing mechanisms along with experience in technology, the company brings organisations of all sizes the solutions required to meet their strategic business objectives.
Sariya developed its operations to deliver optimal products and solutions on time, from consulting and integration to training and support. Headquartered in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, with a network of regional offices and distributors, the company brings more than 40 years of experience and heritage along with partners to help the private sector and governments realise success and strategic goals.
SCOPE ME
SCOPE Middle East is a value-added distributor (VAD) in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) region specialising in cybersecurity, networking performance, mobility and cloud solutions.
The company has business units around the Middle East and GCC countries with significant sales channels for Allot, mlytics, Kaspersky, Symantec division of Broadcom, Commscope – Ruckus Networks, C3M Cloud Control, SOTI, Stormshield, Niksun, Netscout, Array Networks, Ruijie Networks, HID Global & Encloud. SCOPE has specific expertise in internet security, wireless and mobility solutions.
SCOPE prides itself on having expertise in a wide range of custom services involving the latest and most effective development technologies. They assist businesses in various fields such as technical expertise, network design, sales consultancy, as well as logistics services and marketing ventures. The vendors and channel partners are also provided with engineers, sales consultants, logistics and integrated marketing services so that they can design optimised IT solutions.
In 2022, the company won several accolades from vendors and other industry stakeholders.
SPIRE SOLUTIONS
Spire Solutions is a cybersecurity solution provider and value-added distributor (VAD) catering to the Middle East & Africa region. With exclusive distribution rights for a number of global solution providers (OEMs), the company helps enterprises solve current and emerging challenges.
Spire engages and enables channel partners via various partnership models and rewards programmes. Its partner ecosystem includes system integrators, resellers, MSPs, MSSPs and consulting firms.
With its skilled technical experts, solution architects and business professionals, Spire enables governments, banking & financial institutions, telcos, oil & gas, utilities, and large enterprises to accelerate digital transformation, and enhance cybersecurity and data privacy.
According to the company, through its carefully selected and regionally relevant technology partners, they empower organisations to become cyber resilient by integrating tools, leveraging data, empowering people and continuously enhancing security operations.
STARLINK
StarLink is a cyber and cloud value-added distributor covering key markets across the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) region. The company also has an on-the-ground presence in 11 countries including the UK and USA.
For almost two decades, the company has become not only a VAD but also a trusted advisor to 3500 plus enterprise and government customers that use one or more of its top-notch technologies, sold through its extensive channel network of over 1500 partners.
The StarLink Solution Lifecycle aids clients in identifying major risks, setting priorities for addressing IT security gaps, and enhancing their data centre and cloud architecture.
Over the past year, StarLink signed key distribution and collaboration agreements with some of the global IT and cybersecurity vendors such as Cybereason, Infinigate and Automation Anywhere among others.
VAD TECHNOLOGIES
Headquartered in Dubai, VAD Technologies is an established IT and technology value-added distributor catering to enterprise and SME markets through its strong channel footprint across the Middle East, Turkey, North Africa and the Levant.
For almost a decade, the company has been offering a wide array of products and solutions including high-performance data centres, ITSM and physical security, and AI and ML, all delivered on-premise and in the cloud.
New partnerships and 2022 highlights
In 2022, the company expanded its robust vendor portfolio and onboarded new vendors such as BriefCam, Cloudian, Cohesity, DremIO, Portworx by Pure Storage, Virtuozzo and X0PA.
Over the year, VAD Technologies highlighted that many of its long-term vendor relationships have turned into hyper-growth mode and it continues to achieve its aggressive growth and revenue targets.
As part of its regional expansion plan for 2022, VAD Technologies has successfully launched its legal entities and operations in Doha, Qatar and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, VAD Technologies’ ‘as-a-service’ revenue continues to contribute strongly to the overall business.
Future strategy
VAD Technologies aims to continue to get geographically even closer to its channel partners. It plans to open legal entities and operations in Oman as early as Q1 2023 and set up sales offices in Kuwait and Bahrain around the second half of 2023.
According to the company, it will also continue to empower its channel partner ecosystem to better cater to its client base by further growing its technology vendor partnerships to include more disruptive and innovative solutions. All technologies will be carefully chosen and will allow channel partners to help support and simplify their clients’ digital transformation journeys, it said.
WESTCON-COMSTOR MIDDLE EAST
Westcon-Comstor is a global technology provider and specialist distributor of business technology.
With a presence across 70 countries, the company connects the world’s leading IT vendors with a channel of technology resellers, systems integrators and service providers. The company offers solutions and services around key IT verticals including networking, security, collaboration, mobility, data centre, cloud and software among others.
Westcon-Comstor maintains a ‘digital-first, data-driven strategy and works closely with its vendor and channel partners to attain insights into the latest technology trends, customer needs and buying patterns.
2022 highlights
In 2022, Westcon-Comstor added Versa Networks and Claroty to its vendor portfolio. Throughout the year, it bolstered its investments in digital distribution platforms and portals. It also enhances its focus on next-generation solutions covering Zero Trust Access, IOT/OT security, secure cloud and DevOps.
The company also launched the ‘Stay Connected, Stay Productive’ campaign, which focuses on flexible and secure work solutions to enhance productivity within workplaces. It also introduced several initiatives to drive its partners’ success and profitability through recurring revenue. Moreover, it hosted in-country events and marketing activities to update and train partners about the latest solutions and programs from the vendors.
Looking ahead
In the coming months, Westcon-Comstor aims to make further enhancements to its digital tools and programmes. It also plans to add more NGS vendors to its portfolio to offer best-in-class solutions to the market.
