Panda pitches at corporates
Vendor follows up on home-market success with relaunch of its partner programme
Internet security vendor Panda software is tempting its channel partners with two new products and is looking to push further into the lucrative corporate space.
Titanium Antivirus 2005 and Platinum Internet Security 2005 feature TruPrevent Technology that works by pre-empting and blocking a virus or threat, before it has the chance to reach the network.
Titanium Antivirus 2005 is aimed at the home-user market and Platinum Internet Security 2005 is designed for the corporate market, which will be Panda's focus over the coming year, according to Julie Crosby, Panda's marketing director.
"We have made great inroads into the home market already, but 2005 will see us focus on the corporate space," she said. "We will be targeting corporate resellers to bring them up to date with the range of corporate software we have to offer."
Panda is working with distributors and enterprise VARs to provide them with sales and technical training, before moving down the food chain to smaller resellers. Additional support will be available via the vendor's partner web site.
All 750 channel partners are being sent a tailored partner CD this month, which will include sample advertising, email marketing, sales proposals, white papers, pricing and licensing.
Panda will also be sending out launch packs to VARs, comprising data sheets, evaluation CDs, personal technical support and account management details.
"We are in the process of relaunching our channel programme, and it is our aim to increase partner trust in Panda and expand our reach into key corporate markets," Crosby said.
Robert Crawley, software business manager at distributor Enta Technologies, is confident of success.
"We are expecting dramatic growth in sales of Panda products in 2005," he said.
"In fact, we are predicting a doubling of revenue, especially with the recent addition of its bolt-on intrusion prevention product.
"That has increased sales to our system builder and larger reseller partners. Panda is still quite a small name in the UK, but I think that will change this year.
"The new products are very good and have already been well received by the channel. Some of the larger security vendors don't provide much partner support, but Panda provides excellent support and our resellers are very comfortable using its products."