TechBridge, a premier technology distributor, announced a strategic partnership with Object First, the creator of Ootbi (Out-of-the-Box-Immutability), the ransomware-proof backup storage appliance purpose-built for Veeam®.
This collaboration enables TechBridge to distribute secure, simple, and powerful backup storage solutions across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
Veeam founders Ratmir Timashev and Andrei Baronov founded Object First to address the growing demand for secure and reliable backup storage solutions. Ootbi, purpose-built for Veeam, was designed to enhance the Veeam ecosystem by delivering a seamless, tightly integrated storage solution tailored to Veeam’s backup software.
The partnership comes at a pivotal time when cybersecurity threats are escalating dramatically. According to Group-IB’s 2023/2024 Hi-Tech Crime Trends report, ransomware attacks in the MEA region surged by 68% in 2023, targeting sectors like financial services and real estate.
“We chose TechBridge because we share a 100% channel approach and a dedication to offering the right solutions to protect businesses against ransomware”, said Pete Hannah, VP Sales for Object First. “In a world where businesses fall victim to ransomware every 11 seconds, Ootbi provides a critical last line of defence with its ransomware-proof and immutable out-of-the-box storage”.
Steve Lockie, General Manager of TechBridge, added: “We are continually seeking to introduce exceptional solutions to the dynamic MEA market. Object First’s offering is particularly compelling as it meets a vital need amidst escalating cybersecurity threats. As the region progresses in its digital transformation efforts, secure and dependable backup storage is crucial for ensuring business continuity. We are truly excited about this partnership”.
Ransomware continues to target backup data, and traditional security measures are falling short. According to Object First’s latest survey, 93% of IT professionals consider immutable backup storage, built on Zero Trust principles, a must-have to protect against ransomware threats. As outdated backup technologies, lack of backup encryption, and failed data backups leave organizations vulnerable, it’s clear that immutability is non-negotiable to ensure data safety and quick recovery.
Ootbi stands out as the only immutable backup storage solution purpose-built for Veeam customers, offering:
- Ransomware-proof and immutable storage out-of-the-box
- Ingest speeds up to 4.0GB/s
- Veeam Instant Recovery tested for 80 VMs
- A hardened operating system ensuring zero access to root
Object First sees significant potential in the MEA region, anticipating substantial market growth in 2025 and beyond. This growth is driven by the region’s continued investment in digital transformation and cybersecurity infrastructure, including initiatives like the UAE’s security budget for 2022-2026 and Saudi Arabia’s CyberIC program. The company’s survey of IT workers worldwide revealed substantial challenges in data security and backup protection, with 40% lacking sufficient storage fortified against ransomware, 44% taking months to recover backup data, and 56% experiencing company-wide disruptions. 97% plan to invest in unbreachable and immutable backup storage.
This partnership marks an exciting milestone for Object First as the company looks to expand its global presence and bring innovative solutions to the MEA region.
Image Credit: Object First & TechBridge
