Two-factor authentication vendor Cryptocard has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Wick Hill following the launch of its first partner programme.

Wick Hill will now handle Cryptocard’s six UK resellers and offer training, marketing, pre- and post-sales support.

Gary Marsden, business development director at Cryptocard, said: “Having introduced a channel programme in June, the next step was to find a professional distributor to take us to some good quality channels and grow our visibility.”

Ian Kilpatrick, chairman of Wick Hill, claimed the deal would cause minimal conflict with existing authentication ally Vasco, due to the market’s expected growth.

“A Department of Trade and Industry survey in 2006 showed that less than seven per cent of UK business had strong authentication, so the available market is huge,” he said.

Kilpatrick said Cryptocard would unlock new opportunities for its resellers working in the banking sector, which Vasco serves directly.