SonicWALL, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNWL), a leading provider of continuous data protection and network, Web and email security solutions, today announced the appointment of Almasa IT Distribution as a distributor of its E-mail Security and Content Security Management solutions across the entire Middle East and Africa (MENA) region. With the addition of Almasa, SonicWALL has significantly expanded its reach in the booming MENA region.
“Almasa IT Distribution is positioned as the market leader in the MENA region, and is the resellers’ first choice for sourcing leading IT hardware and networking solutions,” said Frank Sheu, CEO of Almasa IT Distribution. “Almasa IT Distribution is fully dedicated to offer a unique blend of Volume and Value Added Distribution with best-of-breed technology solutions to its reseller and systems integrator channel and consistently delivers expert logistics and integrated technical services to fulfil the differing requirements of the market. We employ over 255 professionals in the region, and thus are confident in our ability to service SonicWALL customers effectively.”
According to the terms of the agreement, Almasa IT Distribution will be responsible for SonicWALL’s E-mail Security appliances and software including anti virus, anti spam, anti phishing, content filtering and policy management products. SonicWALL ensures peak system performance through its unique pre-emptive scanning MTA, which offers breakthrough message analysis that is 40-290% faster than competitive solutions.
Content Security Management products include the SonicWALL Content Security Manager Series (CSM), featuring the 2200 and 3200 models. It is an appliance-based gateway security and content filtering solution that integrates real-time gateway anti-virus, anti-spyware and intrusion prevention to deliver maximum network protection from today's sophisticated Internet threats. While continuing to increase employee productivity, optimize network utilization and mitigate any legal liability, this unique solution integrates seamlessly behind any firewall, enabling companies of all sizes to upgrade their security without upgrading their firewall.
Shahnawaz Sheikh, the Regional Sales Manager for MENA at SonicWALL said: “Our channel partners will now be supported by Almasa IT Distribution which will assist in adhering to the terms and benefits of SonicWALL’s different Partner Programs. This will also provide our channel partners and hence our customers more specialized services and support in the e-mail security and content space.”
Sheikh also asserted that the regional market for network security products is at an all-time high. Thus, the company has been investing rigorously in developing existing security appliances in order to cope up with market demand. “Today, every SMB/corporate sector requires at least a perimeter security solution. Therefore educating them about the advantages and benefits of unified threat management solutions is key,” explained Sheikh. “The growing internet threats, productivity loss, misuse of resources, identity theft and concerns over remote communications, have prompted the SMB/corporate sector to become more proactive in educate themselves then implementing security solutions on their networks.”
SonicWALL meanwhile maintained its leadership position for the fourth consecutive quarter in Unified Threat Management (UTM) security appliances worldwide. In the fourth quarter of 2005, SonicWALL was the overall leader in UTM in both unit shipments and factory revenue, according to results released by IDC, a leading provider of global IT research and advice, in its Worldwide Quarterly Security Appliance Tracker, March 2006.
About SonicWALL, Inc.:
Founded in 1991, SonicWALL, Inc. designs, develops and manufactures comprehensive network security, email security, secure remote access, and continuous data protection solutions. For more information, contact SonicWALL at +1 (408) 745-9600 or visit the company web site at http://www.sonicwall.com/.
About Almasa IT Distribution:
Founded in 1996, Almasa IT Distribution is today one of the leading distributors of IT hardware and networking solutions in the Middle East and North Africa. Headquartered in Dubai, Almasa IT Distribution operates state-of-the-art warehouses with in-country services and facilities. Apart from its main logistics hub in Jebel Ali Free Zone, the company provides in-country services in Dubai, Riyadh, and Kuwait in order to guarantee reliable logistics support, rapid response, delivery and localised in-country services to customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.
