Zero Networks adopts channel-first model to grow UK partners

Zero Networks has expanded its global partner ecosystem after moving to a 100% channel-first go-to-market model and updating its Zero to Sixty partner programme.

Partners now sit at the centre of how the security vendor sells its identity-driven containment platform. Zero Networks framed the shift as a response to how quickly intrusions can develop, with attackers moving laterally and escalating access in minutes while many detection and response processes take longer.

Zero Networks sells an identity-based microsegmentation product designed to limit lateral movement inside an organisation's network by segmenting access based on identity and policy. It also positions the platform as a way to reduce incident impact by limiting what an attacker can reach after an initial compromise.

Programme changes

The Zero to Sixty partner programme now includes a revised tiering structure, linking partner levels to investment and performance and offering greater margin opportunities at higher tiers.

Discounting and deal registration have also been updated, with the aim of reducing friction and maintaining price protection regardless of partner size.

Other updates include expanded sales and technical enablement, including new training tracks and self-service resources. Marketing development funds have been aligned towards strategic, high-engagement partners.

A modernised partner portal is also part of the update, with deal registration, training and performance tracking.

Channel expansion

Over the past year, the partner model has shifted from 30% partner-led to 100% channel-first. Zero Networks also reported 45% year-over-year growth in managed service provider partnerships.

Across resellers and systems integrators, it said it has gained traction in North America with partners including Presidio, Optiv, GuidePoint, Trace3, SHI, AHEAD and WWT. Outside North America, it listed TRC, Mas Orange, SCC, Saepio, DTS, Bulwarx, NTT and Madcoms.

In distribution, Zero Networks said it has expanded its footprint with Exclusive Networks across Europe and Australia. It also cited SRC, Insentra and Data Group IT, and named Marubeni in Japan.

“Partners are central to how we go to market,” said Adam Hofeler, VP of Channels at Zero Networks. “The Zero to Sixty program is designed to help partners move quickly while delivering real cyber resilience. By starting with containment and identity-driven segmentation, our partners help customers limit blast radius immediately, reduce operational risk, and prevent incidents from escalating into business disruptions.”

Exclusive Networks is among the distributors included in the expanded footprint, and its UK operation said it is already seeing early results from the relationship.

“Early in our partnership we are already seeing strong channel momentum and success with Zero Networks in the UK&I. We've jointly onboarded several new partners, are closing deals, and unlocking significant opportunities, especially within our Palo Alto Networks ecosystem where Zero Networks' proposition is very complementary. Traditional microsegmentation technologies have focused on the Enterprise market, but with Zero Networks' proposition we're seeing a strong play into the commercial market, opening up new opportunities for existing and new partners to address the commercial sector. We're excited by what lies ahead,” said Neil Brosnan, Vendor Alliances Director at Exclusive Networks UK.

Containment focus

Zero Networks positioned the partner push around the idea that containment has become a baseline requirement for cyber resilience. It described a “speed gap” between attackers and defenders, with machine-paced attacks outstripping human-led response processes.

It said partners are adopting its approach because it provides immediate containment through identity-driven microsegmentation, while avoiding the deployment burden and operational overhead associated with traditional segmentation products.

Beyond segmentation, Zero Networks markets the platform as combining network segmentation, identity segmentation and zero trust network access. It also cites network-layer multi-factor authentication as part of the offering.

Partner events

Zero Networks said it will host two Executive Partner Summits in 2026 focused on collaboration, sharing best practices and aligning on the next phase of channel-led growth.