GFI spins off security business

Both sets of partners to benefit from creation of ThreatTrack independent company, says CEO Walter Scott

GFI Software is spinning off its security business unit to form an independent company focused on anti-malware for SMBs.

In a letter to partners, GFI chief executive Walter Scott said the formation of ThreatTrack would benefit the vendor's resellers by allowing the firm to hone its focus on the two sides of its business.

GFI will now concentrate on its core collaboration, IT infrastructure, MSP and cloud offering for SMBs, while ThreatTrack will focus exclusively on developing high-end anti-malware solutions.

ThreatTrack's portfolio currently comprises its SandBox and ThreatTrack anti-malware solutions as well as VIPRE, a product GFI inherited through its 2010 acquisition of Sunbelt.

Sources said GFI had never managed to properly integrate VIPRE and had been looking to split out its security business for some time.

Scott called it a "strategic decision that will benefit all our partners".

"Both GFI and ThreatTrack Security will now be better positioned to provide you access to the leading solutions and services you need to more profitably capitalise on your customers' IT demands," he said.

Scott claimed there would be no disruption for partners and said a new portal for ThreatTrack partners would be up and running in the next few weeks.

ThreatTrack will continue to be based out of Clearwater in Florida and will be helmed by current security business head Julian Waits.

Waits said his firm will focus on the analysis, detection and remediation of advanced malware threats.

"In the coming months, ThreatTrack Security will unveil a new product roadmap that will augment our existing security solutions and enable us to deliver on our promise of a stronger, more secure enterprise cyber-defence," Waits said.