News
Westcon Comstor delivers Proofpoint professional services WESTCON COMSTOR has expanded its relationship with Proofpoint by becoming the first distributor in Europe authorised to deliver the vendor’s professional services. The development follows Westcon’s entry into
Proofpoint’s Certified Deployment Partner (CDP) programme and introduces a set of standardised deployment packages designed to give partners faster access to production ready implementations. The model is intended to support scalable services delivery and shorten time-to-value for channel partners. Westcon will begin with deployment services for Proofpoint’s email security portfolio, enabling partners to offer customers specialist implementation support. Additional services covering other Proofpoint technologies are expected later in the year. The move builds on a series of recent milestones between the two companies. In 2025, Westcon Comstor became Proofpoint’s first Authorised Training Partner (ATP) in Europe,
giving the distributor the ability to deliver certified training to partners and end users. Proofpoint has also joined Westcon’s AWS Marketplace programme, providing partners with an additional route to procurement and billing. Martin Flensburg, Vice President Services Delivery and Go To Market, Europe at Westcon Comstor, said the authorisation broadens the services options available to partners. “Professional services represent a significant growth area for the
channel. This agreement with Proofpoint strengthens our ability to support partners as they expand their services capabilities.” Kent Breaux, Senior Vice President, EMEA at Proofpoint, said effective deployment remains central to customer outcomes. “Through our Certified Deployment Partner programme, Westcon Comstor will deliver professional services that help partners implement and operationalise our solutions, improving security posture and accelerating time-to-value.”
Arrow Electronics signs exclusive agreement with Oaka Studio
ARROW ELECTRONICS has signed an exclusive agreement with Oaka Studio to broaden the support available to Microsoft channel partners across the UK. Oaka Studio, a consultancy specialising
in Microsoft partner advisory and go to market strategy, will work with Arrow to deliver targeted guidance, enablement and commercial support for resellers and managed service providers developing their Microsoft practices. The collaboration brings together Arrow’s distribution reach with Oaka Studio’s expertise in Microsoft alliances, marketplace engagement, co sell readiness and partner growth planning. According to both organisations, the joint focus will be on helping partners navigate changes within Microsoft’s partner programmes, improve alignment with Microsoft priorities, and strengthen commercial performance through clearer governance, positioning and engagement models. Oliver Harvey-Jones, director of cloud UK&I at Arrow’s enterprise computing solutions business, said Oaka Studio’s experience reflects the challenges partners are currently working through. “This agreement strengthens the support we can offer resellers and MSPs as they look to mature their Microsoft practices and capitalise on new opportunities,” he said.
Lucy Bourne, director at Oaka Studio, said the collaboration formalises work already underway. “Arrow plays a critical role in the Microsoft ecosystem, and this agreement allows us to extend practical, hands-on support to channel partners who want to grow with clarity and intent,” she said. “Our focus is firmly on helping channel partners turn Microsoft opportunity into measurable outcomes.” The agreement takes effect immediately, with joint activity planned throughout 2026 across strategy, enablement and go to market execution.
8 | March/April 2026
Synaxon and Acer partner to support SMB and education resellers
SYNAXON UK has entered into a new partnership with Acer aimed at strengthening support for resellers operating in the SMB and education sectors. The agreement adds Acer to Synaxon UK’s vendor portfolio and is intended to broaden the options available to partners seeking growth in these key markets. According to Synaxon UK Managing Director Mike Barron, the collaboration will focus on helping resellers identify and compete for new business opportunities. He said Acer’s addition provides partners with further choice backed by Synaxon’s established account management and support services. Acer’s Senior Distribution Account Manager, Shammi Mistry, noted that the companies share similar target markets and said the partnership is expected to help more UK partners engage with Acer’s product range. As part of the agreement, Synaxon will
provide access to Acer promotions, including the Acer STEM Rewards Programme, which offers schools a £10 reward for each eligible Chromebook or Windows device purchased.
www.pcr-online.biz
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