Webroot partner launches migration helpline

Infosec Technologies draws up list of six alternative vendors in wake of official communication from Webroot

A leading Webroot partner has launched an "end-of-life helpline" for customers and resellers hit by the vendor's sudden exit from the email security market.

Following weeks of speculation, Webroot finally emailed partners yesterday to confirm it will be exiting the email security market, adding that it will no longer accept new business or renewals for the service.

The formal communication also detailed how Webroot has offloaded its archiving business to Sonian and has introduced a new minimum order value of £2,500 for its Web Security Service.

Infosec Technologies, which claims to be one of Webroot's top UK partners with about 400 customers, immediately announced the launch of a free and impartial helpline open to both Webroot customers and other partners.

Following a review of the email and web security-as-a-service market, Infosec has identified a portfolio of six vendors it claims best fit Webroot's customers. These are Mimecast, Websense, iCritical, Symantec, IntY and Spamina.

The helpline will give advice not only on alternative vendors but also on how and when to migrate users' protection.

Pete Sherwood, managing director of Infosec Technologies (pictured, with Infosec technical director Steven Malone), said: "We wanted to find a constructive and immediate way to help Webroot customers and share our understanding of how this development impacts their operations and review the options open to them both technically and commercially."

In its email to partners, Webroot said it will now focus all its efforts on the cloud-based end-point, web and mobile security market.

The launch of a new anti-malware end-point solution for businesses, based on the technology behind its SecureAnywhere consumer solution, is slated for later this quarter.

Of its decision to exit some product lines and modify the transaction requirements for others, Webroot said: "These decisions have not been taken lightly and are ultimately strategic determinations for building into our overall company strategy and giving our customers the highest level of protection."