G Data embarks on UK VAR hunt
Germany-based vendor seeks resellers to push its dual-engine AV technology into the UK market
Home security: G Data launched in the UK in April and is keen to sign up a second distributor as well as VARs
G Data is searching for VARs to help it win replacement anti-virus sales after expanding into the UK from its native Germany.
G Data, which is based in Bochum, launched in the UK in April. It claims that it consistently achieves a top-three ranking in independent tests courtesy of its dual-engine technology.
It currently uses BitDefender and Avast, although it shifts allegiances as the performance of its partners changes.
James Coombes, UK channel sales manager at G Data, said: “This gives us a much higher protection rate than our competitors.”
G Data recently appointed Securedis as its first distributor and is searching for a second, alongside VARs in the SMB market. Coombes said the firm’s sweet spot was up to 2,000 seats.
“We have to be realistic that the AV market is a replacement industry,” said Coombes. “People are starting to realise the big names are not necessarily the best products and are evaluating what is out there for themselves. If we can raise our brand name, people will take a look at us.”
Coombes said G Data’s long-term ambition was to pocket between 10 and 15 per cent market share.
Doug Clements, director of VAR Antivirus Market, said: “It is nice to see a new product in the market with a bit of ambition and its detection rate is fantastic with the dual engine.
“Given the way in which the company is approaching the channel and the technical support it offers, it does have a good chance because customers are looking at what else is out there.”