InfoWatch, a global IT security vendor, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Mumbai headquartered network security solution provider, Communication Links Pvt Ltd (ComLinks). The latter will be its exclusive partner for the Southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. This is InfoWatch’s first direct exclusivity agreement in the Indian region. The partnership will see ComLinks distributing the entire range of software solutions from InfoWatch, including Data Loss Prevention & Protection (DLP), Intellectual Property Protection (IPP), Compliance & Risk Management solutions, as well as Customer Experience and Reputation Management solutions coupled with Digital Rights Management & Licensing (DRM) products.
Mathew Tharakan, Chief Executive Officer of Comlinks, said, “ComLinks’ comprehensive network, credentials and domain-specific industry experience will significantly boost our market penetration potential in this region where green field opportunities prevail. Engaging into this partnership will help us reach wider community of enterprises in India that will receive direct access to InfoWatch’s global solutions and expertise, combined with the local know-how and pre and post-sales support from ComLinks.”
This agreement will allow ComLinks and InfoWatch to work closely together to provide comprehensive customer support, greater flexibility and immediacy in terms of access to the local team, as well as delivering broader access to InfoWatch solutions than was previously possible in the region. Conceptually, this partnership with ComLinks serves as a significant milestone for InfoWatch. India represents a promising growth opportunity for the company. While no independent assessment of the Indian market has been done, InfoWatch informally estimated (with the help of its partners) the entire Indian DLP market to be between $8-11 million as of Q4 2011, and growing steadily at about 16% annually. InfoWatch sees the clear trend of demand for DLP for Intellectual Property Protection. India is among the world’s leaders in research, development and manufacturing. More and more companies from this segment are interested in Data Monitoring, Data Leakage Prevention and Digital Rights Management solutions. This demand drives the growth of the market.
As noted by Tharakan, “Cyber security is constantly increasing in importance. InfoWatch is a key global player in the Data Leak Prevention field. Through our excellent reach and on-the-ground resources, we hope to realize maximum growth potential in the market bringing solutions to corporations that value the privacy of their data and are seeking world class technology.”
Natalya Kaspersky, Chief Executive Officer of InfoWatch, said, “We have reached a pivotal point in our start-up India phase, and these top-notch business professionals will play a key role in managing the incredibly fast-pace of building a revolutionary DLP distribution platform. Having top level security solution providers come on board from such established field of sales and technical support, Data Loss Prevention & Protection on a global scale and India in particular speaks volumes for what we are building at InfoWatch.”
ComLinks’ established network of six offices across the three states through its wide network of distributors, VARs and various other technology resellers will enhance the reach and ability to deliver InfoWatch security and data protection solutions to customers in South India. Comlinks’ customer base spans verticals including BFSI, Construction and Infrastructure, Airlines, Entertainment & Media, and especially in Manufacturing. ComLinks will provide direct support to its local resellers, as well as work tightly with InfoWatch on being the direct point of contact with local customers, providing them with ongoing technical support.
The InfoWatch Group is founded and headed by Natalya Kaspersky, the co-founder of Kaspersky Lab. The company is known for its annual analytical study of data leaks, based on a database that has been maintained by InfoWatch analytical experts since 2004.
InfoWatch operates in India entirely through partners. The company aims at creating a consistent distribution chain with highly competent partners that know the market specifics and are not just resellers but also developers and integrators with deep knowledge of technologies and market demands.