Kaspersky launches Green Team scheme

Anti-virus vendor has harmonised prices across Europe to bolster share of the corporate market

Russian vendor Kaspersky Lab claims new scheme will ensure consistency for partners

Anti-virus vendor Kaspersky Lab has launched a channel programme offering higher margins and improved marketing support as it aims to gain more share in the corporate space.

Under its Green Team partner programme, Kaspersky has harmonised pricing across Europe to ensure consistency for multi-national partners and customers.

Entry-level partners will now enjoy discounts of 20 per cent, compared with 15 per cent under the old setup. The Russia-based vendor is also offering increased marketing support around joint campaigns.

Malcolm Tuck, UK and Ireland managing director of Kaspersky Lab, told CRN: “The focus and investment has previously gone into consumer, but this year the next big wave of investment will be in corporate.”

Tuck said Kaspersky is aiming to double UK sales in 2009. To this end, the vendor will kick off a partner recruitment initiative offering VARs free not-for-resale software and tools to scan end users’ machines for malware in mid-February.

Robin Draper, finance director of Kaspersky distributor Arc Technology, said that Green Team clarified the vendor’s direct touch and partner management strategy.
“Doubling sales is a tough target, but is achievable given the momentum of Kaspersky,” said Draper.