Westcon-Comstor has announced a joint initiative with Check Point Software and Extreme Networks in the field of AI governance. The so-called Power Alliance links Check Point’s security controls to Extreme’s networking platform. Partners in EMEA will gain access to a free virtual test environment in the distributor’s 3D Lab.
The Power Alliance combines Check Point’s security controls and policy functionality with Extreme Platform ONE. According to Extreme Networks, that platform brings networking, AI and security together in a single environment. Westcon-Comstor’s aim is for partners to develop and sell services based on both solutions that help business customers stay in control of how they use AI applications.
The initiative builds on the distributor’s existing relationships with both vendors. With it, Westcon-Comstor is extending the partnership into AI governance, an area the company counts among the fastest-growing in the channel.
Sandbox in the 3D Lab
A key part of the initiative is a dedicated sandbox environment for Check Point and Extreme Networks within Westcon-Comstor’s 3D Lab. There, partners can demonstrate how the two vendors’ solutions are deployed together to meet AI governance requirements in real-world scenarios. The virtual test environment is available free of charge to partners in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Westcon-Comstor says the lab will enable partners to deliver a proof of value more quickly, reduce implementation risks and build customer confidence before an implementation begins. The distributor expects this to shorten sales cycles.
In addition to the lab, the Power Alliance includes technical support, sales enablement, go-to-market support and customer engagement programmes. With this, Westcon-Comstor aims to enable partners to build scalable and repeatable AI governance solutions. Partners can register their interest via the distributor’s website.
Networking and security combined
According to Daniel Hurel, Senior Vice President Westcon EMEA Go-To-Market at Westcon-Comstor, AI governance is rapidly becoming a board-level issue. Organisations are looking for a balance between innovation and the demands of security, compliance and control. Hurel sees growth opportunities in this for the channel, but notes that it requires networking and security technology that work closely together. In his view, partners need to make the move from standalone products to integrated solutions.
Michael Herman, Head of Channels Europe at Check Point Software, says organisations that are accelerating their AI adoption need to be able to trust that its use aligns with their security policies, compliance requirements and business objectives. According to Herman, governance goes beyond visibility: policies must also be enforced consistently. Through the alliance, partners can combine security intelligence, policy controls and network insight.
Ali Giacomin, Vice President Commercial Offers at Extreme Networks, places the starting point with the network. What you cannot see, you cannot manage either, he says. Giacomin explains that Extreme provides network access and visibility into how users, devices and applications use AI, supplemented by automation to respond to it. Combined with Check Point’s policy controls and Westcon-Comstor’s partner support, he sees this as a route from visibility to governance.
About the distributor
Westcon-Comstor is a technology distributor focused on cybersecurity, networking and hybrid cloud. The company operates in more than 50 countries and works through three divisions: Westcon, Comstor and Rebura.
This article was originally published in Dutch on MSP Business. Read the original →
