Enterprise networking vendor RUCKUS Networks has added Exclusive Networks as a third distributor in the UK, building on the duo’s existing US partnership.
Exclusive will slot in alongside incumbents Westcon and Purdicom, IT Channel Oxygen understands.
Matthew Paynter, Vendor Director UK&I at Exclusive Networks, billed CommsScope-owned RUCKUS Networks as a “leader in connectivity” that “perfectly complements Exclusive Networks”.
“Working together, our partners will be better equipped than ever to seize the market opportunities before them,” he added.
Big noises in networking
The deal comes at a time of flux in the networking sector after HPE threw down the gauntlet to Cisco with its planned $14bn acquisition of Juniper.
RUCKUS has since 2018 been part of CommScope after the telecoms infrastructure giant acquired its then owner, ARRIS.
According to a Bloomberg report in September, CommScope is exploring divesting RUCKUS and other businesses to pay down debt.
The NASDAQ-listed giant saw revenues in its most recent quarter fall by a third to $1.6bn (although the arm RUCKUS sits in grew 12%). It is targeting an additional $100m in savings by the end of Q1 2024, CEO Chuck Treadway said.
RUCKUS and Exclusive said they will offer “extensive resources, training, marketing and commercial engagement” to partners.
The partnership will span RUCKUS’ complete portfolio. This includes RUCKUS AI and the Cloudpath Enrolment system, which is designed to enable network segmentation without the need for additional hardware.
“Together, we’re reimaging network security as we reject outdated views that segregate networking and security, and instead look towards an integrated approach,” added Gary Newbold, VP Regional Sales, EMEA, RUCKUS Networks.
“We’re making networks smarter and more secure as we raise the standard for what’s possible in network and data security – and that can only be a good thing for our partners.”
‘No surprise’
Hugh Garrod, Managing Director at fellow RUCKUS distributor Purdicom, dubbed the appointment “no surprise”.
“Ruckus Networks remains a leader in the forefront of Enterprise Wireless, Networking and AI technology,” he told IT Channel Oxygen.
“To Purdicom it is no surprise to us following the growth and success we have seen that Ruckus Networks are appointing someone additional to assist with targeting some of the other incumbents in the market. Purdicom remain committed to being part of this ongoing success and with our own unique account management, flexibility and value add offerings we certainly lead the way.
“As one of the first and one of the largest distributors of Ruckus Networks around the world, Purdicom’s understanding, vision and knowledge of the portfolio, combined with the support we give our partners to win opportunities is unsurpassed.”
