SMB Security Software: Well Hello There Sophos
Talk about a familiar theme. Last week, Kaspersky Lab talked about dominating the SMB security software market. This week, McAfee is making SMB security software claims. Next week, Sophos will step into that spotlight — perhaps sharing details about Sophos Unified Threat Management (UTM). Here’s why.
The Sophos Partner Connections 2012 conference is set for May 21-23 in Las Vegas. Yes, The VAR Guy will be on hand for channel partner discussions. Familiar themes involving mobile security and network security should pop up. But there are two or three very intriguing topics channel partners should track:
1. Expanding Product Portfolio: Sophos acquired the unified threat management (UTM) company a year or so ago. It sounds like the Astaro brand will fade away (just a hunch…) but it sounds like Sophos will play up the UTM term in a big way. A new offering, Sophos UTM 9, is in the making and it combines endpoint protection, the Sophos antivirus engine, secure remote access and wireless hotspot support.
Meanwhile, Sophos this week unveiled new Compete Security Suites. According to a prepared statement from Sophos:
“The Complete Security Suites combine key functions like endpoint, data and web and email protection, along with mobile device management and protection for Microsoft Exchange and SharePoint. The new offerings give partners a competitive edge in the industry—one vendor, one license, ease of management and deployment. “
2. New Channel Leadership: Emmanuelle Skala was recently named VP of global channels, succeeding Steve Hale. The VAR Guy believes the Sophos fiscal year started on April 1. So our resident blogger wonders: Is Skala making any channel changes in the new year?
3. End to End Security: Who’s got it? And ultimately, how does the Sophos product line and partner program compare against up-n-comers (example: Kaspersky Lab) and established giants (McAfee, Symantec).
The VAR Guy will be on hand digging for answers.
