Computer Associates launches ISP scheme

Vendor claims new programme will increase end-user satisfaction with their ISP

Computer Associates (CA) has unveiled the global launch of its ISP partner programme following the vendor's claim that end-users now demand increased security protection from ISPs.

The programme has been running in North America since 2003 and enables ISPs to provide end-users with CA's eTrust security software, which combines antivirus, firewall, anti-spyware and anti-spam, through an internet connection.

Bobby Dhaliwal, UK manager for distribution, retail and OEM at CA, said the programme's structure is flexible enough to accommodate the requirements of varied sizes of service providers. "ISPs can take this to market as a white-label service to retain their own branding and could also offer it to SMEs under a licence structure. It will be a differentiator for ISPs and will help them to increase end-user satisfaction," he said.

CA claimed that security is no longer simply a value-add sale for ISPs', but a "necessary and expected service".

Tim Goodwin, OEM sales manager for EMEA at CA, said: "The programme will help to increase end-user’s satisfaction with their ISP. There won't be any tiering of partners and it will also suit those resellers looking to expand their portfolio into internet services."

However, Ashley Snelling, managing director of VAR ADA Networks, was reserved about the programme's benefits. "The ISP market is over saturated and can become squeezed. This may appeal to ISPs going after the SME market, but we would rather partner with an established ISP," he said.