Distribution Central Pty Limited recognised as APAC Distributor of the Year by Palo Alto Networks

Sydney, Australia, 11 September 2014 - Distribution Central Pty Limited^Ò, a leader in technology distribution and channel services, has announced that it has been named ANZ Distribution Partner of the Year and APAC Distributor of the Year by Palo Alto Networks. The awards were presented at the Palo Alto Networks Partner Conference held in Bali on 28-29 August 2014.

Distribution Central (DC) was appointed as an ANZ distributor by Palo Alto Networks in June 2013.

“To be named APAC Distributor of the Year is a significant accolade for Distribution Central especially given that we’ve only been in partnership with Palo Alto Networks for a year,” said Nick Verykios, Managing Director, Distribution Central.

During his presentation of the award, Palo Alto Networks Country Manager Armando Dacal highlighted exceptional growth and momentum in DC’s first year as ANZ distributor, including 129% achievement of business plan objectives and the creation of new channel relationships, in addition to strong execution in channel marketing and partner development.

“It’s recognition for the commitment we’ve made to the Palo Alto Networks channel. We’ve created channel services to support and grow the Palo Alto Networks business and invested in a team that can deliver pre-sales and post-sales support; training and enablement tailored for Palo Alto Networks partners; and marketing support and campaigns; which have all contributed to a successful partnership for both DC and Palo Alto Networks,” said Verykios.

DC launched a new remote install service designed specifically for Palo Alto Networks partners in April 2014, called PANassist, and has been hosting regular POWERup enablement sessions for partners in Australia and New Zealand. DC has also invested in an extensive evaluation pool that is heavily utilised by Palo Alto Networks partners to learn about the product and also to use in end user opportunities, supported by DC’s online evaluation program, making evaluation stock applications simple, easy and efficient.

DC also offers a 24x7x365 Authorised Support Centre for Palo Alto networks – DC ChannelSupport – that provides certified local Level 1 and Level 2 Helpdesk Support Engineers who have access to their own Palo Alto Networks hardware to support end users, build configurations, troubleshoot issues and manage RMAs.

“We are impressed with the level of professionalism seen from Distribution Central and its employees,” said Armando Dacal, Director Regional Sales Australia and New Zealand, Palo Alto Networks Australia. "The attitude has been exceptionally positive from Pre-sales and Account Management all the way through to marketing, purchasing, support services and the quotes team.”.

Distribution Central has grown from $1.6 million in FY2004 to more than $275 million in FY2014 in revenue. The company currently employs 120 staff across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Distribution Central was also named the 2011 BRW ANZ Successful Private Business of the Year (turnover greater than $100 million) and a finalist in the 2014 Telstra Business Awards (Medium Business Category). Its senior management has been recognised through the ARN Hall of Fame (2012 and 2013), Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2009) and CEO Magazine IT Executive of the Year (2013).