Symantec sells security online

MUMBAI: Symantec is looking at tying up with some leading Indian B2C portals for selling its range of security products. According to the company, it is considering online shopping sites like Rediff, Fabmart and Baazee to make its product available on the net. "This move is an attempt to reach home/SOHO users more effectively. We have found that many of these users are ignorant about where to procure Symantec's products, largely anti-virus (AV) software," said Symantec sales and marketing manager, Ambarish Deshpande.

According to him, by making the products available online, company can also improve its reach to end-users in C and D-class cities. Deshpande also feels that with this initiative, rampant cases of software piracy can be brought down. "Even the pirated version expires after a year. And so, when the user realizes that he needs to renew the license, he would have the option of buying a renewal pack online," he commented.

Symantec's partners too welcome this move. Remarked Alladin Multimedia genie-sales Rajiv Warrier, "This is a very good initiative and will help end-customers in home segment immensely. In case a user faces a virus attack, instead of waiting for placing an order and then getting delivery of the same, he can directly purchase and activate the AV software on the internet itself."

While modalities for how the distribution chain will work for online sales is yet to be worked out, Deshpande is confident that online channel will soon emerge to be a very significant element in Symantec's business.

(CyberMedia News Service)