Tally counts on channel support

Channel partners required to sell WebCensus to SMEs

Asset management software vendor Tally Systems is looking for new channel partners to sell its WebCensus product to the SME marketplace.

WebCensus is a remotely hosted service that provides an inventory of a firm's IT assets via the Web, said John Mahon, vice-president European operations at Tally Systems.

He said this would help with software licence compliance and reports for internal auditing and budgeting.

"Firms need an inventory of their PC hardware and software but simply don't have the time to do it," he said. "With WebCensus, the results are available immediately."

The software represents a servicing opportunity for the channel, said Mahon, as well as a chance for security and helpdesk software VARs to embed the technology in their existing offerings, or just use WebCensus as a standalone product.

"As WebCensus is a hosted service, it completely eliminates the need for installing, configuring and updating complex software," Mahon said.

Currently the plan is for Tally Systems to host the software, but it would be possible for a channel player to do its own hosting if the revenue opportunities are there, he added.

"Because this product is so new to the market, we are waiting to see the response from the channel before any pricing structure is decided," Mahon said.

Tony Lock, senior analyst at Bloor Research, said asset management is an area that is often ignored by companies.

"Asset management offers a lot of potential for businesses to save money, mainly because any company beyond two or three users doesn't have a clue what PC assets it has," he said.

The technology can lower the cost of ownership, especially in terms of licensing, Lock added.

"I wouldn't say this was going to be a market for many VARs, otherwise they wouldn't have a competitive advantage. Tally will have to pitch the product at just the right area and price to ensure a successful take-up," he said.