Avira strengthens its specialist reseller sector with an international channel partner program

Greater transparency: certification makes it easier to find qualified partners, guides end customers to the right Avira dealer and supports specialist resellers in expanding their business in the ever-growing security market

Tettnang, 27 April 2010 – Under the banner “Maximize your success”, IT security expert Avira launches its new multilevel channel partner program. As the company becomes more international in orientation, Avira has revised its partner program to reflect corresponding globally applicable directives and has ported it in eleven languages. The previous six partner types have been replaced with four certification levels, such as “Certified Gold” and “Certified Platinum”, also bringing the partnership structure into line with international practice. This makes it easier for end customers to choose the dealer who will best meet their needs. At the same time, Avira is offering its specialist reseller partners extensive sales and marketing support to help them generate further potential business, thus profiting from the growing IT security market.

The new Avira channel partner program will provide the basis for even more intensive dealer support and for further expanding the national and international partner network. Together, the four certifications and partner logos represent a clear promise of service and improved support for the end customer with uniform quality standards.

Extended partner support on all certification levels

In future, dealers will be able to register as Authorized Partners and can then undertake a qualification process to become Certified Gold Partners, Certified Platinum Partners or Certified Distribution Partners. Certified Distribution Partner status is awarded by Avira to dealers who represent the company outside of Germany as “Avira subsidiaries” and who themselves certify new partners. Across all these levels, Avira offers its channel partners an extensive range of services to help them sell and support Avira products. These include free licenses for all Avira solutions, online access to sales and marketing materials, as well as the training program of the Avira Partner Academy or the direct assignment of leads: When new customers enter a partner’s customer number when using test versions of Avira products, they will be entered as leads in the partner’s Partnernet account, available from Certified Gold Partner level onwards. Dealers with Certified Platinum Partner and Certified Distribution Partner status enjoy some additional benefits, such as a direct Avira contact at the support desk or extended presales and marketing support. This includes, for example, the opportunity for the relevant dealers to attend specialist events and promotions organized by Avira.

“The availability of our tried-and-tested security solutions in other languages, the expansion of our sales team and the opening of new local offices are all evidence of Avira’s drive towards greater internationalism. The expansion of our partner network is aimed at further market penetration and is an important cornerstone of our strategy, underpinned as it is with a new channel program. Specialist resellers who choose Avira can grow with Avira and exploit further potential for sales,” says Travis Witteveen, Head of Sales & Marketing Avira. “Alongside high-performance products, the loyalty and fidelity of our customers and partners represent the basis for our success. That’s why it was so important to us to make our products and services even more transparent for them with the new specialist reseller program. In addition, in future we will also offer our channel partners more help in supporting their customers on a sustained basis, strengthening their trust in the interest of long-term collaboration.”

Benefits also available for smaller dealers

Avira channel partners operate as the first contact for customers and can engender loyalty through their own consulting services. From Certified Gold Partner level onwards they are also authorized to provide direct support services. Depending on partner status, Avira offers its partners and their customers different support levels, up to and including 24/7 support. Another advantage for Avira channel partners is that they can cooperate with the Avira Security Management Center in providing support, enabling them to administer all Avira solutions on a convenient, centralized basis in one network.

The new Avira channel partner program also includes the evaluation of partners on the basis of individual target agreements. This means that even small dealers have a particular opportunity to benefit if they are measured against realistic targets that they can expect to meet. Depending on the partner status and level of attainment, partners are offered attractive discounts of over 20 percent on the purchasing price, enabling them to enjoy larger profit. From Certified Gold status onwards partners will be listed on the Avira website, enabling customers to find them.

The old dealer status levels will be transferred to the new certification categories. Avira will take care of the changeover on behalf of its partners.

About Avira

Avira wants its customers to ‘live free’ from spyware, phishing, viruses and other internet-based threats.
The company was founded 25 years ago on Tjark Auerbach's promise to "make software that does good things for my friends and family." More than 100 million consumers and small businesses now depend upon Avira’s security expertise and award-winning antivirus software, making the company the number-two market share leader globally. Avira provides IT-security protection to computers, smartphones, servers and networks, delivered as both software and cloud-based services.

In addition to protecting the online world, Avira's CEO promotes well-being in the offline world through the Auerbach Foundation, which supports charitable and social projects. The philosophy of the foundation is to help people to help themselves.

For more information, please visit www.avira.com or join the community at www.facebook.com/avira.