Here’s an ironic twist: Labtech Software, the remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform provider, has embraced AVG’s anti-virus offerings. The move comes several months after Labtech rival Kaseya differentiated beyond AVG to promote Kaspersky Lab’s anti-virus. Here’s the update on how anti-virus companies are trying to work more closely with MSPs and RMM software providers.
Let’s start with this week’s news. According to a joint statement from AVG and Labtech:
“Under this offering, LabTech will leverage Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) to provide its channel partners worldwide with the latest AVG Antivirus Business Edition and AVG Internet Security Business Edition. AVG’s leading anti-virus detection and performance coupled with its ease of use will enable managed service providers (MSP) to better mitigate and address security threats.”
Reality Check
On the one hand, anti-virus software is a commodity in the minds of most VARs and IT buyers. But on the other hand, security remains a low hanging fruit that most MSPs can easily promote and sell to their end-customers. Plus, most anti-virus software companies have been adjusting their licensing and sales models to offer service provider pricing — or pay-as-you-go models for MSPs.
Some key moves have included:
- N-able continuing to promote a freemium endpoint security strategy. For existing N-able partners, the free security endpoints allow MSPs to begin first-time conversations with target customers and upsell conversations with existing customers.
- Security and storage companies such as CA Technologies, Sophos and Symantec reworking their licenses to include pay-as-you-go pricing.
- Established pay-as-you-go security companies like Trend Micro starting to integrate with a range of RMM dashboards.
Generally speaking, the endpoint security market seems to be ever-evolving. Strategic relationships come and go. Just make sure your AV provider and your RMM provider are writing to open APIs, so that you’ve got some flexibility and avoid vendor lock-in.
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Posted In: Managed Security Services | Remote Monitoring & Management Software | Software as a Service and Hardware as a Service
Tags: AVG Anti-Virus | CA Technologies | endpoint security | Kaspersky Lab | LabTech Software | Managed Security Services | N-able | Sophos | Symantec | Trend Micro
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We use Labtech and this is a bit disappointing. AVG is not a top notch solution. Labtech’s previous partnership with Storagecraft worked for me because I feel Shadowprotect IS a top notch solution and it made me feel good that Labtech chose it.
This choice makes me feel that they are just out for the buck. I certainly won’t be offering AVG to my customers even if they were offering it for free.
Last I heard Labtech was already offering AVG, Panda and Kapersky to their partners? I would be suprised to see them make a move backwards so I suspect this is more PR than anything.
Lane
Hey Tony, Lane: I’m no expert on AV, so I’m not in a position comment on whether this is a step forward or back for Labtech. But we do appreciate reader comments such as yours.
Tony: I assume you represent an MSP rather than a Labtech or AVG rival? We always push for full-disclosure so that our readers can understand the relationships that may or may not influence reader comments.
Lane: Thanks for the continued thoughts.
Readers: Lane represents Do IT Smarter, one of the better-known Master MSPs in the market.
-jp
Tony,
I have personally used and distributed AVG Anti-Virus products for 10 years, and now am now part of the US arm of AVG.
I hate to hear reseller comments like this and would very much like to understand what has made you dislike AVG so much. Was it product? Support? How can we we change your mind?
I’ve used & tested dozens of products and understand everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Give us the opportunity to change your mind, your time will not be wasted.
Yes, I’m definitely an MSP. http://www.hightechhousecall.com
We use Labtech. We also use Vipre and of course with GFI’s acquisition of Sunbelt I can see why they didn’t form a partnership with them.
In addition to our business customers, we have a lot of residential customers and we see a LOT of viruses come through our office so I think I’m a pretty good position to see which AV is effective and which isn’t. I’m also in a position to see what performance impact AV software has on a PC. AVG isn’t so bad when it comes to effectiveness. But when it comes to performance impact, it’s really problematic in my opinion.
This announcement doesn’t affect me in any way: Labtech will still work with Vipre. However, it concerns me when a company that seemed to me to be very technology focussed makes what, in my estimation, is a very non technology driven decision.
Luke: Thanks for jumping in and disclosing your affiliation with AVG.
Tony: I realize product opinions will vary from one MSP to the next. Thanks for sharing your perspectives.
-jp
We signed up with LabTech last month. They recommended ESET, not AVG.
Hi Everyone! My name is Erinn Davis and I’m the Community resource for LabTech Software. We really appreciate all your feedback! We feel very strongly about providing choice to our community; in fact, many of the vendors we have chosen to partner with have come with the support of our User community.
In regards to who we partner with, there does seem to be confusion – our apologizes. To clarify – we currently work with ESET, AVG and Vipre for our antivirus solutions. We partner with StorageCraft for Back-up. Please let us know if you have any other questions and we are happy to help!
Erinn: Thanks for the additional insights. And keep us honest, too. If MSPmentor makes factual mistakes please let me know.
-jp