The recent virus attack on the online version of the Common Admission Test
(CAT) for the IIMs and other business schools that slowed down examination
process and led to some being canceled across the country, is a perfect example
of why we need an effective security solution. Given that enterprises, big and
small, are concerned with the security of their content and are evaluating
options from various vendors to avail the best security suites, anti-virus, as a
product and solution, is here to stay.
Significance of anti-virus
According to Jagnath Patnaik, VP-Sales & Marketing, Quick Heal Technologies,
"Enterprises of all sizes and even single PC users rely on the Internet to meet
their day-to-day needs. In choosing to use the Internet puts users in a
vulnerable position in which they are open to attacks from malware, viruses,
Trojans. It is therefore important for them to invest in an anti-virus solution
so that they are able to browse without fear."
Sharing a similar train of thought, Amit Nath, Country Manager-India and
SAARC, Trend Micro, said, "Malware is forcing enterprises and PC users to opt
for the best anti-virus solutions to avoid loss of data, productivity and
business not only at the end-point but also for servers and Web solutions."
Market overview
According to a recent Gartner prediction the Asia-Pacific security market is
growing at an average of 28 percent, even as the worldwide market for anti-virus
solutions at large is growing at 12 percent.
The above figures are indicative of the fact that the security market is
likely to witness a boom in terms of sales and growth in the coming years. While
user awareness about having a legal anti-virus software installed is one of the
primary reasons for the growth, PC and broadband penetration are some of the
other reasons for the growing demand.
Anil Gupta, Head-National Sales, Microworld pointed out, "Awareness around
legal anti-virus has solutions have increased amongst the users. In addition,
anti-virus as a product is being technically updated to ensure greater security.
Few years ago, viruses were being sent as programs, while now hackers have
started using technically advanced ways to crack into a PC."
Nath of Trend Micro further opined, "As vendors we need to be cautious as the
enterprise customer is still a deserving customer and is looking at opting for
vendors who are ahead of the curve. With virtualization gaining prominence and
security moving towards cloud computing, customers are looking to opt for an
anti-virus that offers maximum security." Patnaik from Quick Heal stated, "In
the last few years, the security software market has not grown in proportion to
the PC market. It is only now that it has started showing signs of growth.
However, the market is yet to mature fully and anti-virus as a product still has
to grow both technically and in terms of commercial sales. There was a time when
a single-user anti-virus was priced between Rs 1,800-2,000 and now it is
available between Rs 500-600."
Opportunities for SPs
With the market scenario improving, companies are increasingly looking at
Capex investments. 2010 will see more and more companies investing in Web
solutions, virtualizing solutions and data leakage solutions. Nath of Trend
Micro pointed out, "In the first place, SPs need to distance themselves from
reactive selling to a proactive one. Partners will have to convince their
customers that their businesses are not fully secure. SPs must also provide
consultation to customers when they require it. This way, the SPs will be in a
position to identify the gaps in the organization and will then be able to
suggest a relevant security suite."
Patnaik from Quick Heal concluded,"Partners who are looking to go beyond
selling anti-virus as a box item can look at venturing into managed security
services. They will then have to bundle the software along with services," he
opined.
Puja Sharma
poojas@cybermedia.co.in