RSA Conference News Roundup, Day One

No sooner did Microsoft disclose the existence of Azure Sphere than Phoenix-based Avnet Inc. revealed that it’s Microsoft’s lead distribution partner for the new offering.

“As more and more of the devices we use every day connect to the internet, securing both the devices and the data they collect is paramount. Azure Sphere brings together Microsoft’s expertise in software, cloud and silicon to deliver a unique solution that provides security from the silicon to the cloud,” said Rodney Clark, Microsoft’s vice president of IoT and mixed reality sales, in prepared remarks. “We are thrilled to be working with Avnet as a strategic partner and the first Azure Sphere distributor. Avnet is well positioned to collaborate with a broad set of partners and customers to bring innovative Azure Sphere solutions to market.”

Avnet has been exclusively dedicated to the Internet of Things and embedded systems markets since its September 2016 sale of its technology solutions business to Tech Data Corp. of Clearwater, Fla., for $2.6 billion.