Check Point expects more from India

Pragati Simlote

BANGKOK: Internet security provider Check Point Software Technologies Ltd has divided its Asia Pacific operations into two operational geographies - North and South.

“The north region would consist of Mainland China, South Korea and Taiwan while the south region comprises South East Asia. Scott Ferguson, who has been appointed regional vice president for APAC and ANZ, would head the South East Asia operations.

Speaking at the Check Point Experience 2005, a conference of Asian partners and users, Ferguson said the division was to focus on specific countries and get the investment program in shape.

“We have outlined aggressive targets to be achieved by the end of next calendar year and this division of Asia would help us in achieving those targets,” Ferguson said.

According to Ferguson, India is one of the top focus markets for Check Point. The company plans to expand its footprint in the Indian market by opening up two offices in New Delhi and Mumbai by the end of March 2006. It already has an office in Bangalore. Check Point also plans to increase its headcount in India.

He expects Indian market to be the largest contributor in APAC by the third quarter of 2006.

Outlining the three phases of the company's Intelligent Security Strategy, which was announced last year, Check Point chairman and CEO Gill Shwed said: “We have already completed phase I of our strategy, which consists of protecting not only the parameter but also inside out. We are in the middle of phase II of unifying our products to manage security across different layers in a consistent manner. Simultaneously, we are also working on phase III, which consists of universal adaptability of our products.”