The Hindu Business Line : F-Secure ties up with VSNL

Internet security company F-Secure has tied up with Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) to offer a security package for small and medium enterprise (SME) customers of VSNL.

Mr Jari Heinonen, Director, F- Secure — APAC Region, said SMEs were willing to experiment with F-Secure systems, unlike established companies. "SME is a large, growing segment and we will continue to target them to establish ourselves in India," he said.

The security package includes an anti-virus solution, firewall and spam filtering solutions besides a facility to receive reports on the company's internal environment. Mr Heinonen said the tie-up was based on revenue-sharing and added that pricing of the package and other details are yet to be decided.

Initially, the package would be available for a monthly subscription on VSNL's Web site. Later, the company would also look at other SMEs (non-VSNL customers) through its marketing chain. Besides, its existing sales and marketing office at Mumbai, F-Secure is also opening another office in New Delhi next year.

To gain market share in India, the company's strategy would be to tie up with Indian ISPs, said Mr Heinonen. The company recently tied up with Reliance Communications and has over 150 ISP partners worldwide. "With the entry of wireless, Wi-Fi and broadband ISPs, the market is set to grow. We are positive that revenues from ISPs would comprise over 50 per cent of our revenues in future," said Mr Heinonen. At present, ISPs contribute 36 per cent to the company's revenues.

Mobile security — security of data that is transmitted via a mobile phone — is another focus area for F-Secure. At present, focusing on Europe, the company has tied up with seven of the 10 large service providers and handset manufacturers there, including Nokia, where certain handset models are inbuilt with F-Secure security systems.

When asked if the company had any plans to tie-up with Nokia's Indian manufacturing unit, Mr Heinonen said no.

More Stories on : Alliances & Joint Ventures | SSI | Security | ISPs | Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd

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