AVG plans wider channel approach

Web security vendor AVG Technologies plans to appoint a clutch of business development managers to forge ties with more UK channels, including large resellers.

Last month, AVG launched AVG Internet Security 8.0, which it claimed is the only technology on the market to offer real-time protection from drive-by downloads.

Mike Foreman, managing director of AVG Technologies UK, said: “We want to move into larger VARs, new retail areas, ISVs, education and OEMs, so we will take on some new staff to develop these areas.”
Foreman claimed that 46 per cent of PC users are aware of the AVG brand, making it an easy sell for potential partners.

Ian Dunstan, managing director of AVG reseller Cobalt Computers, said that the vendor’s expansion plans will force it to take on its first UK distributor.

“If AVG is looking for larger resellers it would have to start selling through distributors, rather than adding staff to its own call centre,” he reasoned.