Distribution Central has been awarded Palo Alto Networks APAC Distribution Relationship of the Year for the second year running.

Distribution Central was only appointed as the Australian and New Zealand distributor for Palo Alto Networks in June 2013, and has been recognised each year since by the cybersecurity vendor, claiming ANZ Distributor of the Year last year as well as APAC Distribution Partner of the Year.

Nick Verykios says two accolades in two years is testament to the strength of the distributor's relationship with Palo Alto Networks.

“We continue to deliver results after two years of significant investment, delivering channel services that support the Palo A lot Networks partner community through out Land, Expand, Extend, Protect (Leep) strategy,” Verykios says.

“And most importantly, we have responded to partners' requirements by developing new services delivered through our Leep strategy to support them in delivering Palo Alto Networks solutions.

Armando Dacal, Palo Alto Networks Australia and New Zealand regional vice president, says Distribution Central ‘is committed and has done an excellent job in providing sound technical expertise to Palo Alto Networks customers'.

“We look forward to strengthening our relationship and continuing to provide organiations in Australia and New Zealand with the most comprehensive security protection and cyber threat prevention platform in the market,” Dacal says.

Earlier this year Verykios told ChannelLife the distributor was seeing strong growth in its Palo Alto Networks business, which he said was ‘going nuts'.

Palo Alto ringfenced its channel for one year when it appointed Distribution Central in 2014. Verykios says after the first nine months as a Palo Alto distributor – during the period Distribution Central couldn't touch existing Palo Alto partners – Distribution Central had 70% market share.

The distributor picked up the latest award at the recent Palo Alto Networks Sales Kickoff in Las Vegas.

The award continues a stellar run for Distribution Central with Palo Alto. As well as the previous distribution awards from Palo Alto Networks, Distribution Central was appointed a Palo Alto Networks Elite Authorised Training Centre – the first ATC appointment in ANZ – earlier this year.

The distributor also achieved Elite Authorised Support Centre status around the same time.