Norton replaces Aditi Computers with KK Software

Norton from Symantec has recently made changes into its distribution structure starting from the month of October. As per the changes, the company has discontinued its long-term partnership with Delhi based Aditi Computers and has replaced it with the appointment of KK Software. However, its alliance with Trifin Technologies remains intact.

The company has sent out this communication of distribution change to all Norton volume partners through an email (a copy of email is with the The DQ Week) saying that w.e.f from October 1 the Delhi-NCR distribution structure has changed. Aditi Computers is no more our Norton star partner (NSP) now. Instead we have a new NSP-KK Software, as an exclusive NSP for single user Norton anti-virus for Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad and Noida, wherein Trifin Technologies will be an exclusive NSP for all other SKU's.

Speaking to The DQ Week, on the rationale behind appointing KK Software as NSP for Delhi/NCR, Ritesh Chopra, country sales manager, consumer products and solutions, Symantec said, "Keeping in line with Norton's existing strategy to expand channel customer breadth, we are constantly looking at evaluating our strengths and weaknesses to better align our resources to drive expansion in business. Having said that, we have not made any change to our business model in India."

Speaking on the appointment as NSP Kamlesh Kumar Jha, MD, KK Software said, "We are very excited to partner with Norton for its anti-virus single user pack. As per the alliance, we will be responsible for increasing the sale of single user pack of Norton anti-virus in Delhi, NCR multi-fold. After the price drop of anti-virus by Rs 300, we feel at this competitive pricing, we will ramp up the sale of Norton 500% through the gamut of our 1,200 existing software dealers. Additionally, in the first three days of our appointment we have sold 5,000 boxes of anti-virus."

He also added, "After going through a turbulent period of court cases, now we have started working with software companies like Kaspersky as gold partner, Quick Heal, and now Norton."

Though KK Software and Norton are upbeat about this new partnership, on the contrary there are set of partners, who are unhappy with the decision of Norton appointing KK Software as their NSP for Delhi and NCR.

A Delhi based partner for Norton said, "We are very sad to know that a brand like Norton has partnered with KK Software, who is allegedly involved in Microsoft piracy charges and court cases have been filed against them. We want to know the rationale behind this decision of appointment from Norton?"

Chopra expressed his astonishment on partners' reacting to the appointment and said, "I am surprised to hear this. We are completely committed to our partners and work closely with them."