ESET, a leading antivirus vendor started its operation in India through ESS software to gain significant foothold in this sub-continental market. We recently spoke to Riyaz Ahmed, General Manager, ESS Software India, to understand better ESET’s strategy and vision for India and also ESET’s future roadmap to strengthen its position here.

Riyaz Ahmed, General Manager, ESS Software India.

1. How big is the market for ESET solutions in India?

The security software market in India is likely to grow to Rs 4.81 billion (US$106 million), up from Rs 1.05 billion in 2003, higher than the industry growth rate of 36 per cent, according to analysts. India has got huge potential in terms of end users and enterprise segment and it’s growing at a good pace hence, great potential for ESET India.

2. Where does ESET stand in India, when already a variety of security solutions exist? Is there anything unique in their approach?

ESET started its operation in India a year ago though us, looking at our in-depth presence in the international market, which is there since 1992. ESET develops software solutions that deliver instant, comprehensive protection against evolving computer security threats. ESET pioneered and continue to lead the industry in proactive threat detection. ESET NOD32 Antivirus, the flagship product, consistently achieves the highest accolades in all types of comparative testing and is the foundational product that builds out the ESET product line to include ESET Smart Security. ESET Smart Security is an integrated antivirus, antispyware, antispam and personal firewall solution that combines accuracy, speed and an extremely small system footprint to create the most effective security solution in the industry. Also ESET has achieved 54 VB100% awards whereas our closest competitor has on 40 which itself tell us how technically strong ESET is.

Unique proactive protection against unknown threats, faster detection speed and lighter on the system makes ESET unique in its category and leaves its competitor way behind when it comes to deliver Security.

3. What is the latest offer from ESET for Indian market?

ESET is offering to its Indian customer three user pack at the price of one. All the details are available with the local Eset partners. Initially we have this offer but as we move ahead we will have various schemes and discounts offers and exciting deals for the resellers as well as end users. 

4. What extra values have ESET added in their 4th generation security solutions?

Today's business faces both huge volumes of web and email-borne threats. Some attacks are so small and targeted they are completely missed by signature-based antivirus. The new versions are build on ESET's ThreatSense, the industry's most accurate proactive technology for detecting viruses and other malware, by adding over 20 new capabilities that improve malware detection, enhance system diagnostics and recovery, and improve management. The latest release continues ESET's tradition of delivering ultimate security with fast, transparent operation and minimal load on system memory, disk or CPU. ESET's unrivaled ability to deliver industry-leading proactive malware detection and high system performance can literally extend the life of PCs and laptops while improving their security.

5. Is there any specific strategy for Indian market?

We have various strategies planned to tab the huge potential that the Indian market offers. Our aim is to increase the channel network across India through various channel empowerment programs. 

6. How have you structured the price models considering the Indian price sensitive attitude?

We have competitive pricing policy having good value for the Indian customers as well for the channel partners. Eset offer strong post implementation technical support through our qualified technical members. So, the customers achieve maximum RoI and a trustworthy relation. The ESET retail product pricing is much more than what the customers have demanded.  It is for the first time, a premium product is available at an aggressive and exciting pricing.

7. How fast and efficient is the ESET security response team?

ESET has strong Proactive detection which takes care of more than 80% of ZERO DAY threats. Our experience technical team members respond immediately in few hours after the virus outbreak. So the users are protected from the upcoming malwares and threats.

8. What is latest offering from ESET in smartphone security market?

Mobile devices like Smartphones and PocketPCs are exploding in numbers. Malware that targets them is bound to follow. Detecting and disabling these emerging threats requires sophistication beyond signature-based antivirus. ESET Mobile antivirus for Smartphones with heuristics engine is the best protection for individuals and businesses that depend on mobile communication. Fast and thorough scanning keeps your files free of malware and our SMS spam filter keeps your text message folder uncluttered.  The best part with ESET Technology is they are light on Resources.

9. How strong are the ESET security solutions to be proactive to prevent complicated and sophisticated blended attacks?

Even with one month old virus database Eset NOD 32 can proactively detect current threats and stops its activities. Eset is been recommended by AV comparatives’ (www.av-comparatives.com) for its innovative feature. ESET Smart Security combines an advanced management console and award-winning ThreatSense engine with firewall and antispam. Its fast and thorough scanner stops even SSL-encrypted network- and email-borne threats. ESET's advanced heuristics protect your endpoints from known and new threats, so, your users can focus on business.

10. How do you see the future of ESET in India considering the current tough economic situation?

Indian antivirus market is growing very fast, as I mentioned earlier and it has got huge potential. Today’s turbulent economic conditions are definitely affecting each and every industry but antivirus is such a requirement which you can’t skip. Also these conditions are temporary for few months once market is up its very good platform of growth for ESET in India.

—By: Riyaz Ahmed, General Manager, ESS Software India.