MailGuard appoints Firewall Systems as first local distributor

The distributor now has access to MailGuard’s suite of products which includes MailGuard email solution which aims to give businesses a layer of protection against web-based virus attacks, and allows organisations to manage, control and report on internet use.

Both companies have forecast a 25 percent increase in sales of MailGuard services Australia-wide, by the end of 2008.

Nick Verykios, marketing director at Firewall Systems, told CRN he is witnessing two trends become a reality: Software-as-a-Service and outsourced or out managed security.

“MailGuard addresses all of this, so resellers can start to build annuity streams of income as a recurring commission when they sell the solution to their customers – and in the trial their customers are definitely asking for it and we already have about 40 resellers gearing up to sell MailGuard as a subscription service,” he said. “We expect there will be hundreds to follow and could get huge but is part of a greater initiative we are working on that combines annuity services and outsourced services for resellers to offer their customers.”

Verykios said the signing is an extension of the distributor’s managed security service strategy, FireWatch, which currently includes the work it does with Network Box.

“We are the first venture into distribution for MailGuard. They essentially like our FireWatch strategy and its success and their service suits this channel model perfectly. We are truly jumping on each other’s bandwagon. They won’t be appointing anyone else. We touch all the market they want. We also have the unique experience of “distributing” out managed and outsourced services,” added Verykios.

Craig McDonald, director of strategy at MailGuard, said: “MailGuard is delighted to be working with the highly experienced team at Firewall Systems. We are confident that there will be genuine market stimulus created through this partnership.”