European security provider Avast Software is launching a renewed push into the Australian channel with its first-ever launch of free SMB security software.
Called Avast for Business, the software runs on Windows desktop, Windows Server and Mac, and includes file, mail and web protection, a web-based management console and reporting. There are no limits on the number of protected devices.
The Czech Republic-based vendor is the only provider – other than Microsoft – offering a free security product for the SMB market, claimed chief executive Vincent Steckler. “We started on consumer and we’re now doing it on the corporate side."
Steckler said Avast was the dominant provider of free security software in several markets around the world, with a focus on non-English speaking countries including Russia and Latin America. The company started in 1988, and Steckler is a former senior vice president of worldwide consumer sales for Symantec.
The vendor claims an 11 percent market share in Australia and 1 million PC users.
While the company has used channel partners here in the past, it’s current model is direct downloads, relying on word of mouth – a strategy it is hoping will build a bigger user base in the SMB market.
For channel partners, Steckler is pitching the free product as a “way in” to SMB accounts. “Free security becomes a platform to distribute other products and services, some of which you directly make money off, some of which you indirectly make money off."
Avast has a “pot pouri” of other products that managed service providers can support, Steckler said. MSPs could remotely manage security, as well as provide various add-on features like VPN and sync sharing facilities. Later in 2015, Avast will introduce programs for managed service providers and the reseller channel.
Schools are also key vertical for the vendor with the product used by K-12 education providers in the US.
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