2. SOPHOS PARTNERS’ MEETING
Sophos held its annual partners’ meeting in Bangkok on 17-18 July at Dusit Thani Hotel. Gilbert Tan from Systems Design attended the conference. The purpose is to create a forum for open discussion and sharing of experience selling Sophos Anti-Virus in Asia. Key staff from Sophos head office including sales, marketing, product management and technical were available to share the company’s direction with the participants.
About 60 participants from all over Asia attended the conference. Sophos Asia achieved a 435% year on year growth for 2002/2003 bookings target. It has shown its commitment by investing in more staff (from 12 to 17 total head count). Last year’s “Fly the Flag” incentive program was won by SoftNext Technologies Corp (champion), followed by Microgenesis Business System (runner-up) and E-Lock Corporation Sdn Bhd (2nd runner-up).
For this year, Sophos Asia wants to continue a 3X year on year growth for 2003/2004 bookings target, target more strategic alliance business (OEM/ISP) and build on renewals. Sophos plans to spend more on marketing to create better market awareness and bring more products into the market place. There is another incentive program for 2003/2004 called “Changing Gear” for partners in Asia.