Anti-Spyware Leader Webroot Software Announces Comprehensive Channel Partner Program


Channel Edge Program Designed for Solution Providers to Capitalize on the Fastest Growing Security Category

BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 27 /-- Webroot Software, Inc., the leading provider of anti-spyware software and other security technologies for the enterprise and consumer markets, today introduced its new enterprise channel partner program, Channel Edge. Designed specifically to increase profitability for each solution provider, Webroot's Channel Edge Partner Program empowers solution providers to capitalize on the growing anti-spyware market leveraging Webroot's leadership in industry market share, product effectiveness, product awards and customer satisfaction. The Channel Edge program also offers partners an unrivaled lineup of comprehensive training tools, ROI-driven marketing materials, and superior technical and sales support.

The pervasive and malicious nature of spyware has led to heightened demand for best-of-breed enterprise anti-spyware solutions. A recent report by the analyst firm IDC predicts that anti-spyware is the fastest growing market among all Secure Content Management categories with a 45.9 percent CAGR (compound annual growth rate) through 2009(1). Webroot believes this anticipated industry growth and the increasing demand from enterprise customers presents solution providers with a wealth of revenue opportunities and the company is well positioned to assist in its partners' success.

"We consider our channel partnerships to be a crucial element in our company's success. Therefore, we developed Channel Edge to strengthen our existing partnerships and broaden our channel relationships," said David Moll, CEO of Webroot Software Inc. "The predicted growth of the anti-spyware industry is a great opportunity for solution providers to further grow their businesses. By providing the right tools and our proven anti-spyware solution, Spy Sweeper Enterprise, our solution providers are assured success."

Supporting Channel Edge is a seasoned team of proven channel business leaders who have built and managed highly successful programs in the past for some of the largest security companies in the industry. This team created Channel Edge with its solution providers' needs as the driving force behind all facets of this comprehensive program that includes:

o Driving Profitable Business Opportunities -- offers partners competitive pricing, higher margins, and tools that provide professional services opportunities to enhance product sales and shorten sales cycle.

o Comprehensive Training -- prepares and educates partners to sell Webroot solutions through on-site and Web-based training, the Channel Edge Partner Portal, product collateral and localized resources.

o Unrivaled Marketing Support and Programs -- helps to create ROI-driven marketing programs with a solid focus on demand generation through reimbursement via the Webroot marketing development funds (MDF) program for Premium Partners, regular lead distribution, access to free customizable collateral, and a variety of marketing resources available on the Channel Edge Partner Portal.

o Technical and Sales Support -- provides both inside and outside sales support from Webroot account managers, access to pre-sales engineering support, a dedicated toll-free support hotline for Premium Partners, access to Webroot support material, and free copies of Spy Sweeper Enterprise for internal use.

The new Webroot Channel Edge program offers two distinct categories of membership: Standard and Premium. Each category offers its own corresponding benefits and requirements aimed at helping partners increase revenues and enhance their market position. The program is now available to solution providers in North America and Europe. Channel Edge will roll out in the Asia Pacific region later this year. Interested partners based in North America and Europe should contact a Webroot Channel Account Manager or visit www.webroot.com/partners to access more information about the Webroot Channel Edge Partner Program.

"Spyware and rootkits have rapidly become the clearest and most dangerous threat to hit networks in some time. Many security solutions today fail to address the growing threat of spyware attacks leaving enterprises vulnerable to theft of proprietary data, customer information and employees' personal identity. Webroot's Spy Sweeper Enterprise is considered the best software in this space, combining detection, disinfection and above all prevention of spyware attacks. Couple this fact with a tight channel distribution program and you get an excellent product which is sold by quality VARs with excellent revenue opportunities," said M. Richard Harber, president and CEO of Decision Digital. "Webroot's Spy Sweeper Enterprise and Channel Edge program enable us to round out our security portfolio of products and deliver a complete solution. This best-of-breed approach is ideal for our customers and gives us the opportunity to expand our presence in the security market, realize new revenue opportunities, and provide our clients with a strong sense of assurance that they are well protected"

"We know that just providing an "edge" anti-spyware solution is a disservice to the customer. We have performed large audits in organizations were they have an "edge" solution deployed and found all kinds of spyware on the desktop computers. Enterprises must be doing both to be fully protected," said Greg Hanchin, principal of DirSec. "Webroot's approach to the spyware problem, and their willingness to provide us with valuable tools like Spy Audits, sets them apart from any one else we are working with, including the big three that claim they have the 10 years experience. Webroot by far has the real lead in understanding this problem."

"We have experienced tremendous growth through our channel relationship with Webroot," said John McCann, managing director of Staisnet. "Spy Sweeper Enterprise is a fairly easy sell when customers realize just how exposed their data is to spyware attacks. Our customers trust us to stay ahead of the latest IT security trends and threats so often it's simply a matter of educating our customers. With the added resources Webroot is now making available through its Channel Edge program we anticipate even faster sales cycles and continued revenue growth in this market."

ABOUT WEBROOT

Webroot Software, Inc. is the creator and publisher of the award-winning Spy Sweeper line of anti-spyware products for consumers, small businesses and enterprises worldwide. Based in Boulder, Colo., the company is privately held and backed by some of the industry's leading venture capital firms, including Technology Crossover Ventures, Accel Partners and Mayfield. Webroot's software consistently receives top ratings and recommendations by respected third-party media and product reviews, and has been adopted by millions globally. Spy Sweeper and other Webroot products can be found online at www.webroot.com and on the shelves of leading retailers throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. Webroot products are also available as either branded solutions or on an OEM basis. To find out more about Webroot, visit www.webroot.com or call 1-800-772-9383.

(1) Source: IDC, Worldwide Secure Content Management 2005-2009 Forecast Update and 2004 Vendor Shares: Spyware, Spam, and Malicious Code Continue to Wreak Havoc, Doc No. 34023, November 2005

Source: Webroot Software, Inc.

CONTACT: Kate Speights of Webroot Software, Inc., +1-303-442-3813, x153,
or kspeights@webroot.com; or Ashley Cox of 104 degrees West Partners,
+1-303-522-0783, or ashley.cox@104degreeswest.com, for Webroot Software, Inc.

Web site: www.webroot.com/
http://www.webroot.com/partners

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