AVG Internet Security available off the shelf in SA

One of the world's most popular and easy to use anti-virus and Internet security suites is available locally through the efforts of software republisher Phoenix Software.

The republisher has secured the rights to package, market and sell the AVG Antivirus and Internet Security Suite across Africa, while the vendor itself has increased its presence in SA to provide additional support and market development.

According to Simon Campbell-Young, MD of Phoenix Software, AVG is already a recognised brand in South Africa and several African countries. “Some 80 million users around the world use AVG solutions, with well over a million of these in sub-Saharan Africa. That is remarkable penetration considering that estimates put the number of Internet users in this country at around 9 million,” he says.

To date, AVG has only been available as a download from international sites. However, Campbell-Young says the company, which has offices in the United Kingdom, the USA and mainland Europe, has established a local presence and will work with Phoenix to increase its market share, particularly in the consumer and small to medium business sectors.

Campbell-Young notes that a great number of South African AVG customers are already using the 'AVG Free' version, which provides basic protection against viruses and spyware (anti-virus and anti-spyware). “We are now keen to build the market for the full version of AVG Internet Security, which we are making available at an attractive rand price. This will enable existing and new users to take advantage of substantially expanded protection.” AVG Internet Security defends against viruses, spyware, worms, hackers, botnets, poisoned Web pages, Trojan horses, spam, and other cyber-threats, with a full arsenal of digital weaponry. Whether users are surfing, e-mailing, instant messaging, or downloading files, Internet security stops threats from becoming problems.

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As a software republisher, Campbell-Young says the AVG solutions will be reproduced onto optical media (CDs and DVDs), with packaging produced and printed locally. “This is a 'lean' model, which limits inventory in the supply chain; as a result, the AVG product will be competitively priced on retail shelves,” he explains. The software will also be distributed on USB memory keys, ideal for simple installation on computers that don't have a CD drive, such as increasingly popular mini-notebooks (netbooks).

In addition, Phoenix is establishing a local mirror of AVG's international Web site, providing for faster download of the software, as well as anti-virus and programme updates, http://www.avgsecurity.co.za.

AVG Internet Security will be available on the shelves by 1 October through CNA and Incredible Connection, as well as for download from www.avgsecurity.co.za. Users in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria will also be able to benefit from the new local site.

Phoenix and AVG are working together to provide not only a great product in this market, but also great support. There will be local direct access to tiered support, with Phoenix handling the frontline issues with escalation and further support from AVG.