Tag Archives: MSP

AVG

AVG Business responds to evolving channel needs with enhanced Managed Workplace platform

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Since we launched our flagship AVG Business Managed Workplace 9.1 in April 2015, the ongoing dialogue and feedback from our channel partners has been crucial. Managed Workplace 9.2 – the latest version of the platform, available today, addresses the needs our partners have raised. We are confident that the additional capabilities we have included in the expanded platform align to MSPs’ business objectives more closely than ever before.

An important feature in Managed Workplace 9.2 is the Premium Remote Control capability, through our partnership with enterprise remote desktop software provider, ISL Online, that has enabled us to integrate a premium Remote Control capability into our platform for the first time. By building in the remote control at no further cost to our partners, we are able to reduce not only the need for MSPs to work across disparate systems, but also the need to purchase additional, expensive, third-party tools. Offering greater control and visibility to resolve issues and deliver support more quickly, the Premium Remote Control enables MSPs to quickly and easily access remote computers, transfer files, chat, record sessions and perform administrative tasks for their clients, without switching interfaces.

Those of you who attended our Cloud Summit last October will remember discussing remote controls in detail – it’s a great example of you telling us what you wanted, and us listening and responding.

We want to help small enterprises and our MSP partners feel that they are doing everything they can to protect their data. At the same time, we recognize that monitoring so many different systems requires a streamlined workflow. Managed Workplace 9.2 now includes integrated Backup and Disaster Recovery, so that MSPs can easily control workstation backups, capture Bare-Metal-Recovery images for servers, as well as monitor and manage devices from one central dashboard.

Further details on the key features of the Managed Workplace 9.2 platform, including AVG Device Manager for Mac OS X and integrated AntiVirus enhancements can be found here.

With Managed Workplace 9.2, we move one step closer to a complete, managed IT solution – one which provides ease of use, security and control of the entire IT infrastructure (devices, applications and networks) from a “single-pane” of glass. We understand that our channel partners’ technology needs are always evolving and we are committed to doing all we can to streamline the experience while delivering the best services possible.

We are listening. Thank you for your ongoing feedback and please keep sending it our way.

AVG

Secure your business this Small Business Week

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Small businesses don’t typically make the headlines when it comes to cyber security. Fortunately for small businesses, those stories remain the domain of large enterprises. However, cyber security for small businesses has the attention of hackers, insurers and the government.

While large enterprises may be the ultimate treasure, small businesses often represent easier targets, and compromising enough small business can add up quickly.

A recent Business Journals article citing a National Small Business Association survey reported that half of small business report that they’ve been a victim of a cyber-attack and that the average amount of money stolen through those attacks rose to $19,948 by the end of 2014.

The tools that have become so critical to small business success also create multiple points of vulnerability. Laptops, tablets, and smartphones continue to proliferate and with BYOD becoming a reality, the ability to control and manage access to data and applications has become overwhelming for many small and medium sized businesses.

Clearly, a comprehensive security review is essential for all companies and in many cases a good starting point is evaluating and addressing the risk of attack through the range of devices connected to a company’s systems.

Whether your business has its own IT department or works with a Managed Service Provider, be sure to spend time during Small Business Week 2015 to address the following vulnerabilities:

Mobile devices:

The ability to easily authorize and de-authorize mobile devices for specific applications and data sources, even BYOD, is critical. Your mobile device management system should allow for complete reporting of all connected devices, who they belong to and what they can access. This not only saves time as new employees come on board, it allows instant removal of access when an employee leaves. In the event a device is lost or stolen, locking and/or wiping of the device can be managed quickly and effectively.

Identity and password management:

Employees simply have too many passwords to remember and resort to repeatedly using the same password or writing them down on post-it notes. To make matters worse, when passwords are forgotten, employees call support which reduces their efficiency and increases costs to a small business. Single sign on with multi factor authentication and easy integration with Office 365 is an essential security component and will help protect systems, reduce costs and improve employee efficiency.

Not all attacks simply take information

They may also delete or remove critical business data. It’s essential that a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery system is implemented to ensure that your operations can continue even in the event of a natural…or un-natural disaster.

Small business cyber security doesn’t require huge budgets or even a dedicated IT department. MSPs like those that work with AVG Business can help evaluate your systems and recommend a set of security measures that will help your company to operate effectively and efficiently, even in the face of uncertain attackers.

For more information on keeping your business secure check out our AVG Small Business Digital Policy Guide

AVG

70 Percent of MSPs Must Adapt Services to Capitalize on Internet of Things, AVG Study Reveals

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AMSTERDAM and SAN FRANCISCO – October 22, 2014 – Roughly 1-in-4 (26 percent) small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and managed services providers (MSPs) expect the Internet of Things (IoT) including multiple devices, wearables and Cloud-based services in general to generate more money for them than any of the other current big IT trends, according to a new survey announced today by AVG Technologies N.V. (NYSE: AVG), the online security company for devices, data and people. Almost three out of five (57 percent) SMBs agreed that IoT will help boost their revenues, a sentiment that was echoed by around two-thirds (67 percent) of MSP respondents. However just 18 percent of SMB respondents thought their IT provider was ahead of the curve regarding IoT management while 70 per cent of MSPs themselves admitted the need to adapt their services to meet customer expectations in this regard.

“Our MSP partners are telling us that the ‘Internet of Things’ is the one IT trend making an immediate difference to their bottom line and the business customers that they serve. A massive 7 out of 10 stated they need to amend their offerings to enable business growth.”  said Mike Foreman, AVG’s general manager, SMB

The study*, which interviewed 1,770 small businesses and MSPs in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Germany and Australia, also revealed more than half (55 percent) of MSP respondents say customers are demanding Internet of Things related services and over three quarters (77 percent) are planning to expand their service/product portfolio. However, they had better adapt quickly. Of those SMBs with an IT provider, 68% feel that their provider could improve their service with regard to Internet of Things offerings and understanding.

“The study shows clearly that as businesses grow to rely more and more on the Internet of Things and Cloud-based services to help generate revenue most MSPs are still some way short of being ready to help customers’ manage this,” continued Mike Foreman. “The research strongly indicates that MSPs need to significantly up their game and demonstrate enhanced levels of protection and control over their customers’ ever changing data and device needs.”

A summary of the other key findings in the study were:

SMBs

Almost half (46%) of SMBs think that the Internet of Things will be the IT trend that has the greatest impact on their organization over the next five years. An even higher proportion -around seven in ten (71%) – say that due to the Internet of Things their organization will need to take extra steps to secure and protect their data

  • Around three fifths (62%) of SMB respondents report that their organization has budget specifically assigned over the next 12 months for the development of Internet of Things solutions. 49% have a moderate or substantial budget assigned for these solutions.
  • Only 18% of SMB respondents say that their IT provider is completely ahead of the curve with regard to the Internet of Things and the potential for their business. Of those with an IT provider, 68% feel that their provider could improve their service with regard to Internet of Things offerings and understanding.
  • The majority (84%) of SMB respondents say that their organization has purchased mobile devices within the last year, spending an average of over $6,500 on these devices. Of those who have purchased mobile devices within the last 12 months, SMB respondents estimate that their organization spends an average of around $4,500 in hidden costs annually.

MSPs

  • Over half (55%) of MSP respondents state that customers are demanding Internet of Things related services and seven in ten (70% but only 56% Germany) say that they will amend their services based on the wants of the customer.
  • However, less than two fifths (38%) of MSPs say that their organization currently has an integrated remote monitoring and management platform.
  • Around three fifths (58%) of MSP respondents say that they will need to join up with cutting edge partners in order to successfully offer Internet of Things-related services. Currently only 38% of MSP respondents feel that the vendors they work with are cutting edge.
  • Furthermore around three in ten MSP respondents feel that their current vendor helps make efficiency savings (31%) or productive gains (25%) for their customers.

* AVG commissioned independent technology market research specialist Vanson Bourne to undertake this research.  1770 interviews were carried out during September 2014 with IT and marketing decision-makers of organizations with of 1 – 500 employees with and 85/15 per cent split between SMBs and MSPs. Interviews were performed across five countries: UK, US, Canada, Germany and Australia. Respondents to this research came from a range of industry sectors, with only the public sector excluded.

For more information, please see our video on the survey findings:

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/70-percent-of-msps-must-adapt-services-to-capitalize-on-internet-of-things-avg-study-reveals-573155550.html

About AVG Technologies (NYSE: AVG)

AVG is the online security company providing leading software and services to secure devices, data and people.  AVG has over 182 million active users, as of June 30, 2014, using AVG’s products and services including Internet security, performance optimization, and personal privacy and identity protection. By choosing AVG’s products, users become part of a trusted global community that engages directly with AVG to provide feedback and offer mutual support to other customers.

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