AEP Networks Moves to Single Distributor Model in EMEA Countries

SOMERSET, NJ--(Marketwire - May 18, 2009) - AEP Networks today announced a new distribution model for EMEA countries that is designed to deliver numerous benefits to partners and customers alike across all regions. The focus of channel activities through a single distribution partner in each geography will ensure that emphasis and focus is given to the AEP Netilla SSL VPN product range, enabling the planned, accelerated market growth to be achieved.

The sole distribution partner for the U.K. is Westcon Security, and Magirus will cater for demand in the Benelux region. These partners have been distributors for the Netilla products for many years and are closely aligned with the AEP Networks channel. This ensures that consistency is maintained for resellers.

"We are planning to aggressively grow the Netilla business in EMEA and AEP was looking for distribution partners who would dedicate personnel to selling Netilla, carry stock to meet immediate demands from resellers, have trained engineers and have the potential and willingness to grow the Netilla business in these adverse economic conditions," said Peter van de Geest, Managing Director for AEP Networks. "Westcon (UK) & Magirus (Benelux), with their long trading history with AEP, were the only ones that could fulfil all of these criteria."

Resellers will benefit from a tiered pricing structure that will protect partners who invest in Netilla training and focus on Netilla. Other benefits will include deal registration and targeted usage of marketing funds.

John Calder, Director of Enforce Technology, said, "Enforce Technology have been a partner of both AEP Networks and Westcon for the last 6 years. The support provided by both organizations to both us and our clients has been excellent. The move to a sole distribution model will enable both us and AEP to provide, and support, more of their products effectively to the market. After all, AEP's SSL VPN product set is, in our opinion and that of our clients, the best, most flexible and cost effective in the market today."

Kay Bruen, CEO of Westcon Security, commented, "I am delighted that AEP have appointed Westcon Security as sole distributor for the Netilla SSL VPN range of appliances and load balancers in the U.K. We have successfully sold these excellent solutions for six years and already have the majority market share. The decision taken by AEP to give us sole rights will encourage us to bring more focus to promoting their technology, and allow us to reward those reseller partners who truly invest in selling and supporting AEP's solutions."

Mike del Prado, General Manager for Magirus in the Benelux, commented, "Of course we see this decision by AEP as a vote of confidence in our role as a value added distributor. We will continue our drive to service our resellers in a flexible way and support AEP in achieving further growth in the Benelux market with the AEP Netilla portfolio."

Servie Janssen, Marketing Manager for Qi ict, added, "Magirus is an ideal and strong partner for us. They have helped us greatly in expanding Qi ict's market position due to their extensive access to vendors and outstanding expertise in the IT solutions field."

The new structure is the result of a full review of the AEP Networks channel programme. During this process existing partners were asked to provide feedback regarding their requirements from the distributor. A sole distribution structure, through Westcon Security (UK) and Magirus (Benelux), garnered support from resellers.

"Our top resellers feel the decision was a tremendous re-focus by AEP Networks," van de Geest claimed. "They also feel there's now a lack of dilution and competition between distributors. We expect that going through a sole distributor will help bring back more margins for our partners."

About AEP Networks

AEP Networks offers secure communications, networking and application access for government, enterprise and carriers. We work with systems integrators, managed service providers and the distribution channel to deliver integrated solutions incorporating our leading edge products:

--  Enhanced-grade secure voice and multi-service data platforms (based on
    the vadOS operating system) that support a wide range of communications
    protocols and network topologies
--  High assurance networking via IPsec-based VPN encryptors for site-to-
    site security and remote access
--  Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) for cryptographic key management and
    storage
--  Secure remote access to networks and applications -- including virtual
    environments -- via application-layer security gateways and SSL VPNs.
    

Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, AEP Networks has key hub offices in the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Australia. For more information, visit www.aepnetworks.com.