Sirocom helps Tiscali plug VPN gaps

Managed Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider Sirocom has signed a deal with Tiscali to resell the Internet Service Provider's (ISP) Internet Protocol (IP) VPN services into the corporate and enterprise markets.

Tiscali is determined to increase revenue from its business services division and is looking to the channel to help. The agreement will see the new IP VPN service made available throughout Europe and will be carried over Tiscali's own IP network.

"Tiscali's B2B arm is becoming a strong player in the UK market, and their comprehensive UK and European product portfolio has made them a wise choice for business," said Simon Rogan, managing director of Sirocom.

Phil Mehrtens, partnership director at Tiscali said it needed a number of partners to fill some holes in the business.

"We saw some gaps that needed to be addressed by the channel," said Mehrtens. "Our business services unit is pretty small compared to our consumer unit and we want that to grow."

He added that Sirocom had a proven track record in providing managed services and that it would compliment Tiscali Business Services' existing product portfolio.

"Their alliance with us is proof that they see Tiscali as a complementary partner that can provide them with a solid and robust telecoms infrastructure," Mehrtens said.

Tiscali's Business Services unit started life as Telinco before being bought by Dutch ISP WorldOnline. Tiscali subsequently bought that ISP in December 2000. Sirocom joins other Tiscali resellers Essential Network Services, Repton and SecureNetworks.