New Tool Helps WatchGuard Channel Partners Streamline Management of Customer Subscription Services

WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WGRD), a leading provider of network security solutions, recently launched the Customer Renewal Tool, an online application designed to help channel partners proactively manage customer subscriptions to add-on security services for WatchGuard's full product line, including WatchGuard Firebox X integrated security appliances. These services include LiveSecurity Service, Gateway AntiVirus for E-mail, and WebBlocker and SpamScreen filtering subscriptions.

"The new Customer Renewal Tool makes it even easier to monitor WatchGuard subscriptions at each and every one of our customer sites," said Glenn MooreVin Maguire, systems consultantManaging Director for Complete Computing, Inc.Sec-1 Ltd., a WatchGuard Secure Partner in Little Rock, ARthe UK. "These services represent an ongoing revenue stream for us, as well as giving us another opportunity to 'touch' our customers on a regular basis and make sure we're fulfilling their network security needs. Having a tool that helps us manage these subscription renewals is extremely valuable in helping us maintain customer relationships and service levels."

WatchGuard's reseller partners can access the Customer Renewal Tool, which replaces WatchGuard's Subscription Manager, via a secure Web site. They can then enter or import historical data and update Renewal Tool accounts with new sales and customers as they accrue. With the customer's approval, resellers can also view a list of all WatchGuard products at the customer account - not just the products or services that they sold specifically - enabling the reseller to better understand the history and individual needs of each customer. Once these steps are completed, resellers can use the tool to generate customizedcustomised package quotes with synchroniszed renewal dates for all WatchGuard subscription services, regardless of the original subscription purchase or renewal date. The Renewal Tool monitors each account and can automatically send e-mails in advance of expiration dates, enabling resellers to maximisze the value of each sale, cut down on administrative tasks and help their customers maintain continuous protection.

"Growing enterprises need help from their value-added resellers to manage security and keep their defenses current against emerging threats," said Christine Pomeroy, director of channel marketing, WatchGuard. "The Customer Renewal Tool is another example of WatchGuard providing resources that help our channel partners add value and capitalisze on the revenue opportunities they need to be successful. This tool will take some of the administrative work off their hands and allow them to spend more time managing the relationship and serving as the network security expert for their customer base.