Milestone Intractive to distribute AVG security products in India

Amsterdam-based global security software leader AVG Technologies has appointed Mumbai-based distributor of digital devices, peripherals and interactive games and software, Milestone Interactive Group, as its India distributor.

AVG has over 80 million users in 167 countries with over two decades experience in combating cyber crime. it has one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating web-borne threats from around the world.

Milestone, which is just entering internet security, has substantial experience of distributing software spans over a decade, since its inception in 1997. AVG expects that Milestone, with its vast knowledge of the Indian software market, extensive channel spread and pan-India presence, will propel AVG products reach a rapidly expanding consumer base for anti-virus products in India.

''Given the rapidly growing installed base of computers and internet users in India the time seemed just right for us to expand into the ICT security space," said Jayant Sharma, chairman and ceo, Milestone Interactive, at a media meeti in Mumbai to announce the tie up.

Sharma said, "The fact that AVG has put their faith in us even as we step into this business speaks volumes of our market credibility.''

Milestone currently has a presence across 1,200 retail stores in the country ranging from large format retail stores, hypermarkets and consumer audio video stores, IT and computer stores to traditional single door retail stores.

Peter Baxter, vice-president, business development, AVG Technologies, said, ''With Indian internet usage continuing to grow at a phenomenal rate, hitting 50 million users in '09, it is inevitable that cybercriminals will, if not already, start to pay attention to Indian consumers. AVG's products will allow consumers and all types of users, the confidence to surf and work online with the knowledge they are protected by AVG.''

Milestone will initially bring a select range of AVG products to India targeted towards personal computer users. The offerings include products like the basic AVG Anti-virus package priced at Rs999, the AVG Internet Security Solution for up to three users at Rs1,999 and Rs2,499/- respectively.

AVG also offers a unique proposition in identity protection- you an surf, search, bank, pay bills, shop, work and play online with confidence knowing your personal information is safe from cyber-thieves. AVG's identity protection solution is priced at Rs499.

AVG Technologies provides a comprehensive range of security solutions, from standalone anti-virus and anti-spyware software to all-in-one internet security suites and network solutions for the Windows platform.

Incidentally it holds a Microsoft Gold Partner certification and regularly achieves 100-per cent certification in tests undertaken by Virus Bulletin. All AVG products incorporate the latest protection against drive-by downloads and other sophisticated cyber attacks, provided by the LinkScanner technology, acquired in 2007 through Exploit Prevention Labs.

Fielding media queries as to the timing of the launch of AVG products in the Indian market, Baxter said that the Indian market has continued to grow despite the conditions elsewhere and they looked forward to gaining a good share of the Indian growth market.