Tag Archives: asia-pacific

News, Security

Westcon-Comstor to add EfficientIP solution to its distribution portfolio in Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific

Agreement delivers EfficientIP’s DDI and DNS Security solutions to Europe, Africa and APAC channel communit

LONDON, UK – 12th April – Westcon-Comstor, global technology provider and specialist distributor, today announced it has signed a new distribution agreement with EfficientIP. The partnership will bring EfficientIP’s industry-leading DNS, DHCP, and IP address management (DDI) and DNS Security solutions to all European and African markets, as well as Asia-Pacific.

In the last two years we have seen a sharp increase in the remote workforce, prompting an increased demand for greater flexibility in network management and security teams. The race to embrace the cloud, deploy IoT devices, digitally transform business operations and upgrade to new software has also added complexity and reduced visibility across company networks.

This proliferation has not been lost on hackers and as a result, we’re seeing more cyber threats, with DNS servers becoming a prime target for exploitation. In fact, the latest survey conducted by IDC on behalf of EfficientIP revealed that nearly 90% of organisations (87%) experienced DNS attacks, with the average cost of each attack around €780,000 (£694,000). This illustrates the pivotal role DNS plays for network security, both as a threat vector and security objective.

Traditional network security solutions today cannot cover all aspects of the DNS threat landscape, leaving major gaps for hackers to exploit. Without a resilient and all-encompassing security interface in place, companies risk losing access to vital services and assets. EfficientIP’s 360° DNS Security solution fills the gaps left by taking a holistic approach to DNS security. The solution tracks attacker behaviour in real-time and provides immediate alerts to keep mission-critical services protected.

Alongside security threats, there’s also an evident pressure on companies to stay agile and competitive in this new normal. To do so, IT and IP-based devices cannot be overlooked. As companies integrate more IP-based offerings, high quality network infrastructures are of critical importance. EfficientIP’s Network Automation solution increases productivity, improves risk mitigation and facilitates a better time to market, which are all critical to staying dynamic.

The DNS security software market is expected to grow from US$ 1,200.41 million in 2021 to US$ 2,314.56 million by 2028. Westcon-Comstor’s partnership with EfficientIP will strategically expand its portfolio of industry-leading DDI vendors to capitalise on this market growth, while complementing the distributor’s existing network-focused vendors, such as Extreme Networks.

“For network admins, the increase in IoT devices, move to the cloud, and hybrid working all throw up some critical threats and pressure to the network. As the number of connected devices on a business’s enterprise network increases, keeping track of those IP addresses can become an overwhelming task,” said Daniel Hurel, Vice President, Westcon Cyber Security & Next Gen Solutions, EMEA.

“EfficientIP’s DDI service allows network admins to streamline these processes, removing much of the complexity involved in protecting the network. Keeping network administration simple, accessible and operating in real time is vital to successful management, operational efficiency and security. In addition, their 360° DNS Secfurity solution offers a specialised layer of in-depth defense to secure businesses from both external and internal DNS threats. Bringing EfficientIP’s solutions into Westcon-Comstor’s arsenal of cybersecurity gives our partners a valuable tool to curtail the cybersecurity drawbacks of the changing ways of work and make enterprise networks easier to secure.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Westcon-Comstor to expand our footprint in Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific. With Westcon-Comstor operating as our primary distributor in those regions, we are bringing DDI and DNS Security to a new network of channel partners and resellers at a faster rate. The company’s specialist capabilities across these territories will play an important role in standardising our sales and marketing activities, ensuring high-quality, cohesive operations while further developing our channel ecosystem,” said Leonard Dahan, VP WW Channels, EfficientIP.

“This is only the start of an exciting partnership. Following this agreement, we also have plans to build on our relationship with additional support from Westcon-Comstor in the Professional and Education Services space.”

News

Welsh scaffolders open new HQ and expand overseas after pandemic business boom

BGB SCAFFOLDING has opened new headquarters and continued to expand after securing international deals during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The company – now based at the Port of Mostyn in Flintshire – signed high-profile contracts and framework agreements in the offshore and onshore sectors over the past 12 months.

Alongside these exciting opportunities, Managing Director Ben Badham revealed they have been awarded access work in Taiwan – on the Greater Changhua 1 and 2a Offshore Wind Farms – and for the world’s largest offshore windfarm Hornsea 2 off the Yorkshire coast.

Ben says the North Wales firm will play its part in the global Green Industrial Revolution, committing to initiatives in the UK and Europe.

And to meet demand in the booming Asia-Pacific region, they have launched BGB APAC (Asia-Pacific), reinforcing Ben’s long-term vision to forge new partnerships and support local supply chains, economies, and employment overseas.

“We are really excited to be playing a major role in helping to construct offshore windfarms, especially in light of plans by so many countries to increase and speed up the development of offshore wind energy by 2030,” said Ben.

“Taiwan is our first port of call, where we are looking to build new relationships and support their green energy development by finally meeting face to face with the suppliers, we’ve been in contact with over the past year.

“Long-term there will be a lot of growth within the area, and we aim to play a big part in that, but we also want to give back as much as we can.

“Eventually we would be looking to enter into joint ventures with companies and to help train their scaffolders using our experience and expertise – that’s the ultimate aim.”

Ben added: “It’s a statement of intent that we have a clear vision; to be able to go out there and deliver during such a challenging period globally is a benchmark for us and the industry.”

Other highlights in recent times included completion of jobs for LS Cable and System, one of the biggest cable manufacturers globally, a project for the National Grid, and beginning works on the 50MW Kincardine offshore wind farm.

Currently under construction in Scotland, that will be the world’s biggest floating offshore wind farm.

Ben was also delighted to see BGB Scaffolding gain ISO 9001/14001/45001 accreditations with the support of Fulcrum Scaffolding Safety and Training and The Scaffolding Association.

From painting, rope access and blasting to training and even a drone and underwater inspection division, they are very much a multi-disciplined operation and going forward will also focus on larger infrastructure schemes in alternative sectors including rail and construction.

However, safety continues to be their number one priority, and ensuring every one of their 40 direct employees has a career development pathway.

“We are growing and working to internationally recognised standards, and that is pivotal to our future success at home and overseas,” said Ben.

“This is a challenging time, but we are in a strong position and a lot of that is down to us looking further and wider at what opportunities are out there, strengthening and expanding our offering and making sure staff are well-trained and supported.

“Last year we unveiled plans to double in size and that’s the way we are heading; creating lasting relationships with the sector in the Asia-Pacific region will play a big part in that.”

He added: “I would like to thank each and every member of our team for their efforts in helping achieve what we have so far and look forward to creating a long-lasting future with them all at BGB.”

For information and support on offshore, marine, bridges or land-based projects, email info@bgbscaffolding.co.uk. Alternatively, visit the website www.bgbscaffolding.co.uk or call 01745 339755.