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IT Skills Shortage Crisis Proving Channel SaaS Opportunity, Says Webroot

Channel Adapts To Create Role Of Virtual Security Officer As SME Demand Grows

The skills shortage crisis within the IT security sector is proving a major opportunity for the channel as SME adoption of Software as a Service (SaaS) security continues to increase apace, according to Webroot, a leading provider of security solutions for the consumer, enterprise and SME markets. With security experts attracting relatively high salaries, SMEs are struggling to compete on compensation, facilitating the channel increasingly adopting the role of trusted advisor and, in some cases, Virtual Security Officer to meet this increasing demand.

In addition to the problems associated with the skills shortage, a significant number of the 4.3 million (*) businesses that form the UK's SME sector - remain exposed to the many threats that exist. With less than one in four having taken advantage of resellers' increasingly tailored approach to addressing their security requirements, Webroot's estimates indicate that around 3.25m UK businesses are potentially in need of security via SaaS. Consequently Webroot is currently aggressively recruiting new partners - in the UK and indeed globally - to meet this demand.

As a direct result of the skills shortage crisis, Webroot's reseller partners are finding considerable advantage in positioning themselves as the 'Virtual Security Officer' for SMEs, acting in the role of trusted service provider and delivering functionality equal to that of the corporate market through cost effective delivery of a managed security system to a broad customer base. Webroot's powerful yet simple 'turn it on' service enables its partners to address this need, securing the end customer and empowering the reseller to become more valuable to the end customer's business.

The typical small business receives the same malicious and offensive content as the large corporate - with the spammer, phisher, virus writer and spyware creator undiscerning as to whom their unwanted content targets. The combination of channel knowledge, services and support ensures that Webroot's partners' managed security service offerings deliver an ideal solution to these growing business issues.

Neil Hammerton, VP EMEA, Webroot, commented: "Many commentators have identified the IT skills shortage. However it seems that the channel is waking up to the vast opportunity that the SME sector offers and appreciates that the skills shortage is yet another reason for the smaller business to look to them for assistance, advice and support. With only around a quarter of the market being currently served by SaaS, the reseller community's ability to adapt and offer industry leading security solutions both virtually and highly cost effectively is proving absolutely essential."

Simon Kean, Director of Webroot partner Data Connect, commented; "We find that many smaller businesses look for third party advice on their security tools and approaches - and this is where we can step in and assist, often acting as a Virtual Security Office. The provision of SaaS security services really lets us help our customers do more for less in protecting their business from the increasing volume of internet threats."

Steven Malone, Director of Webroot partner Infosec Technologies, added: "For many of our clients we act as the virtual security officer, advising them as a trusted partner to their business on the best approach and technology to utilise to ensure their business is protected in today's ever threatened technology world."

Neil Hammerton, VP EMEA, Webroot, concluded: "From the customer's perspective, the skills crisis can be addressed by more efficient and selective choice of solution and partner. Whilst this is undoubtedly an issue for the market as a whole, with the National Outsourcing Association recently stating that the sector needs to attract 140,000 new IT students, the majority of businesses simply want a cost effective solution in place and are not in a position to meet a security specialist's salary demands to take them in-house."

For more information regarding Webroot Perimeter Security Services, visit http://www.webroot.com/uk.

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(* Statistical Press Release URN 06/402, Office for National Statistics)

About Webroot
Webroot provides industry leading security software for consumers, enterprises and small and medium businesses worldwide. Globally recognized for its award-winning Spy Sweeper line of antispyware and antivirus products, Webroot security software consistently receives top review ratings by respected third-party experts and has been adopted by millions globally. Webroot AntiSpyware Corporate Edition (formerly Spy Sweeper Enterprise) is a comprehensive, centrally managed solution that aggressively blocks, detects and eradicates spyware on desktops across the network. Webroot AntiSpyware Corporate Edition with AntiVirus offers combined protection for spyware and viruses. Webroot recently entered the Software as a Service market and will now offer a comprehensive range of web-based email management and protection services. Webroot products can be found online at www.webroot.com and on the shelves of leading retailers worldwide. To find out more visit www.webroot.com/uk or call 0870 141 7070.

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