Following the acquisition of specialist IT security solutions distributor Arrow ECS, Dubai-based Mindware, has said it is steadily building out its security team and, has a healthy spread of security specialists installed in every key country across the the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
The distributor has also developed robust capabilities in conducting demos and proof of concepts (PoCs) pertaining to every single one of its security vendors in conjunction with its system integrator partners.
Mindware said its security portfolio is well-represented and the company is building a team that comprises of product managers and, certified and highly skilled pre-sales engineers.
Nicholas Argyrides, general manager – Gulf at Mindware, said the PoCs carried out by Mindware and channel partners are often executed by deploying the product in a virtual setting in the end customer’s data centre, which is fast becoming the favoured mode when it comes to testing.
Alternatively, added Argyrides, the company also supports partners in conducting PoCs by physically installing products on their premises. “These demos allow potential customers to test the solutions prior to a full-fledged implementation, which is invaluable in demonstrating the effectiveness of a particular offering,” he noted.
He explained that the pre-sales engineers are not only proficient in helping partners conduct PoCs, but upon request, also supporting when it comes to the actual implementation. This is especially helpful for those partners that are yet to develop their skill sets for particular solutions or technology verticals.
Aside from the PoCs, Mindware has agreements with its various security vendors to act as their Authorised Training Centre (ATC). The VAD regularly conducts training and certification programmes across MEA for end customers as well as channel partners.
Argyrides said when it comes to IT security related skills, the general consensus is that there is a need for continuous education in the MEA region. “To help enhance skills, we plan and conduct very dynamic seminars and training programmes every month, which are attended by both end users and partners,” he said. “These sessions take into account the constantly evolving security landscape and the specific market needs at that point in time.”
