Specialty distributor Alternative Technology announced a deal Jan. 2 with Secure Computing to add the vendors enterprise messaging gateway offerings to its line card.

Alternative Technology has been working with Secure Computing since 2002 to provide authentication, VPN and firewall products.

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"Since Secure Computing has expanded their offerings across messaging security, we felt that it was a great opportunity for us to further expand our offerings of their solutions as well," said Bill Botti, president and chief operating officer of Alternative Technology, in a prepared statement.

"The demand for gateway security across the enterprise continues to grow and messaging security is a key area for many enterprises. We are excited to be able to meet those additional needs of our VARs through this relationship with Secure Computing."

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In order to facilitate the successful launch of Secure Computing's messaging security solutions, both businesses will provide numerous training and incentive programs to Alternative Technology sales representatives and VARs throughout North America, officials at both companies said.

These programs will include onsite and electronic sales training, system engineer technical training, recruitment programs and technical support, officials said.

"Working with Alternative Technology, we have been able to distribute many of our solutions throughout the channel," said Rob Pollock, director of North American channel sales for Secure Computing in a statement.

"The addition of messaging gateway solutions will help to broaden both companies outreach as well as provide VARs and customers with additional technologies with which to further protect their enterprise IT infrastructures."