David Elke, Shavlik director APAC channel sales
1. What will be the key channel plays for 2015?
In 2015, we believe there will be a strong channel business in helping organisations extend and secure their existing investments in technologies such as Microsoft SCCM and VMware with third-party patching and software asset management. If 2014 has taught us anything, it is that corporate data is at risk: in the datacentre, on endpoints, and via mobile devices.
2. What will be the key technology for 2015?
With all the breaches in 2014, we expect security technologies to continue to be big sellers in 2015. While people may consider patching to be ‘old news’, 75 per cent of breaches could have been avoided by simply applying patches that were readily available. The fact that these critical patches are delayed, sometimes indefinitely, is usually the result of organisations not realising how much the right solutions can simplify the process and help reduce risk.
3. What is your key message to the channel for 2015?
2014 was the "Year of the Breach," bringing security back to the forefront of everyone's attention. Companies know they have to up their game, which puts our partners in a fantastic position - poised for explosive growth in 2015.
4. Your key warning to the channel for 2015?
Channel partners are leaving money on the table. They sell Microsoft; they sell VMware; maybe they are even selling MDM solutions. However, their customers are still at risk. The channel can make more money and better serve their customers' security needs by simply attaching Shavlik solutions in these environments.
5. Key to Shavlik for 2015?
The Shavlik growth strategy is tied to the success of our channel. In 2015, we are focused on enabling our partners to grow their businesses with solutions that can help keep their customers out of the headlines.
