Kaspersky's VARs Supply Stateside Security The firm is intent on delivering security solutions to SMBs. Tim Gray
Security firm Kaspersky Lab today announced the availability of its Internet security software through North American value-added resellers (VARs).
The launch of the company's new channel sales program will provide customers with rapid response time to combat rapidly spreading viruses and Internet threats, according to company President Steve Orenberg.
"SMB channel partners will be our initial focus," Orenberg said. "They are not getting the support they need to grow their business right now, and they are out there looking for alternatives."
The program has three levels designed to blunt and halt security risks for SMBs. The Premier Partner, Certified Partner and Accredited Partner levels provide the same amount of protection but vary in the level of support from Kaspersky, according to Orenberg.
The new program also provides the channel with "non-conflict incentives," in-depth training and technical, sales and marketing support, according to the company.
Orenberg says Kaspersky is the only Internet security lab currently offering "perpetual protection." Most security software firms only provide daily updates, but one way Kaspersky plans to differentiate itself from the crowded field is serving hourly network updates.
"Today VARs are not only looking for new security offerings that deliver leading technology and world class service, they want compelling price points and ongoing support that increase their business," Thomas Fraser, Kaspersky Lab's vice president of sales, said.
The anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and firewall offerings from the firm support a wide range of operating systems and applications that focus on delivering a complete suite of security solutions. Although Kaspersky is concentrating on SMBs, it is also capable of serving the department-level enterprise markets, according to Orenberg.
Kaspersky Labs, which operates as an independent U.S.-based entity from its Moscow headquarters, opened its doors at its Massachusetts offices in February intent on delivering a complete suite of security solutions, said Orenberg.
The company plans to provide its sales channels with ongoing technical training and support for the anti-virus, anti-spam and anti-spyware and firewall products. Those products support numerous platforms, including Windows, Linux, xBSD, Solaris, Novell, Lotus, Windows CE and Palm OS.
The company provides protection at every point in the network, from firewalls and gateways to mail servers, file servers and networked workstations, said Orenberg.
