Ingram Micro Acquires Cloud Harmonics To Beef Up Security Expertise, Add Palo Alto Networks Offerings

As demand for data protection skyrockets, Ingram Micro has acquired a next-generation security distributor that brings the Palo Alto Networks security platform to its U.S. and Canadian line card.

Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Cloud Harmonics maintains relationships with top vendors – such as Aruba Networks, Arista Networks, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Nutanix – and multiple emerging security vendors, including Imperva, Infoblox, Menlo Security, and ScienceLogic. The company supports more than 500 channel partners, offering them an array of education, training and enablement services.

Tim Ament, senior vice president of advanced solutions at Ingram Micro, likened the Cloud Harmonics deal to his company's 2012 acquisition of data storage specialist Promark Technology.

"It is very similar in the sense that they have reputation and relationships in that space, and people looking to go through the channel are coming to them for their expertise," Ament told CRN. "As a reseller, you can depend on Ingram to continue to be at the cutting edge of bringing those emerging technologies to market."

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Ament also highlighted Cloud Harmonics' partner training capabilities around a differentiated set of vendors that augment Ingram Micro's broad line card. He said solution providers that want to expand their security practices to include Palo Alto products, for instance, can rely on Cloud Harmonics for vulnerability assessments and expert recommendations.

Cloud Harmonics will continue to be led by CEO and founder Pradeep Aswani as a separate business unit within Ingram Micro, reporting directly to Ament. Ingram's preexisting networking and security business unit will remain responsible for its vendor portfolio and report to Ament, who said he would look at how to drive synergies across both teams.

"There's very little overlap today with their portfolio of vendors. It's very complementary with our offering," Ament said.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Ingram Micro's purchase of Cloud Harmonics further bolsters its line card at a time when security risks are top of mind for executives at businesses of all sizes. Emerging threats and the growing presence of IoT-enabled devices have enhanced the need for distributors to offer a robust security solution set, Ament said.

However, the deal also continues the wave of consolidation sweeping the IT distribution industry as top players aggressively pursue expertise through mergers and acquisitions. Tech Data enhanced its security strength with its acquisition of Avnet Technology Solutions. Arrow Electronics also maintains expertise in that area.

Ament attributed much of that consolidation to investments Ingram Micro has made over the past decade. With Cloud Harmonics in the fold, he said the company's Advanced Solutions business increases its position as a U.S. market-leader.

"Whether you're already an expert in security or you're a customer looking to get into security, we have built our offerings to really help both those types of partners," Ament said.