Change in Eset leadership???

[Fubie]

Hello everyone! My brother and I are avid users of NOD32 at home and we both would love to move our companies systems over to NOD32. My brother has to convince his boss and I am more or less in charge of the decision process myself. But after talking to my brother this weekend we are concerned about rumors of a change in direction/leadership with Eset. Is it true that someone high up from Websense is being brought in to lead Eset?
The reason I ask is that I not only use NOD32 because it is light on system resources and works great, is very fast, but isn't costly. My brother moved his boss this direction too and the price quote for all their workstations and servers for NOD32 was awesome to say the least (When being compared to Symantec). But when his boss called to speak directly with a sales rep at Eset there was talk of some substantial price increases from the quoted price and also discussion by the sales people about the leadership change with someone from Websense coming over and dictating the price changes to make Eset more competative and profitable.
Am I way off here? I would love to bring my organization into the NOD32/Eset realm but I am concerned. Let me know any info you have. Thanks.

[hollywoodpc]

Unsure of a change but , to say they will raise prices to be competitive ? NOD is already one of the highest priced AV programs available . If they raise the price , say bye bye . They cannot be that stupid . Unless you got a great discount deal . Then , they may say , NO DISCOUNTS and raise you up to normal price . They are in NO WAY cheap !

[JimIT]

Hogwash.

Online Prices USD (single-user license schemes only):

Norman VC: $64.18
F-Secure: $64.00
Norton: $49.95
Trend Micro IS: $49.95
Kaspersky: $41.50
McAfee: $39.99
NOD32: $39.00
AVG Pro: $33.30 (2 year license)
CA EZ AV: $29.95

Looks like a pretty good deal to me. :-\

[dwood]

We have just moved over to Nod from Sophos and the only reason for the move was price! They were half the price of Symantec and they were the next cheapest. Sophos didn't even come close!

I hope they don't raise there price, it makes the competition work hard to compete.

Dan

[Notok]

Especially if Microsoft is going to be putting an AV on the market..

[webyourbusiness]

{QUOTE-> But when his boss called to speak directly with a sales rep at Eset there was talk of some substantial price increases from the quoted price <-QUOTE}

I hear that one all the time - it's a sales ploy to get a prospect to move NOW... surely you've had someone play that game with you!

{QUOTE-> and also discussion by the sales people about the leadership change with someone from Websense coming over and dictating the price changes to make Eset more competative and profitable. <-QUOTE}

Are you sure that this was Eset, and not a reseller?

[anton]

Hello all,
Yes, it is true that there is new leadership at ESET. Because of the strength of our product and the hard work of our reseller partners we have been fortunate enough to continue growing the company. Part of our objective is to increase the brand awareness and sales of ESET's solutions in North America and the rest of the world. We also continue to innovate new solutions to the evolving threats on the Internet that are putting our customers at risk. We were fortunate to have Rick Moy join the company last month to head sales and marketing and assist us with these objectives. He was instrumental in Websense's success and has since assisted numerous other security companies launch and grow their businesses. I can personally assure you that we remain committed to providing our loyal customers and partners with best-of-class security solutions at a great value.

anton

[FanJ]

Hi Anton,

It's always nice to see you on the board !!! :D

Thanks for the info !!!

Keep up the good work ESET !

Best Regards,
Jan.

[hollywoodpc]

{QUOTE-> Hogwash.

Online Prices USD (single-user license schemes only):

Norman VC: $64.18
F-Secure: $64.00
Norton: $49.95
Trend Micro IS: $49.95
Kaspersky: $41.50
McAfee: $39.99
NOD32: $39.00
AVG Pro: $33.30 (2 year license)
CA EZ AV: $29.95

Looks like a pretty good deal to me. :-\ <-QUOTE}

Have you ever tried to cut a deal with any of your mentioned programs ? And those are only a few . Gee . How did you forget the many free AND AVs priced at 29.95 or less . And to say hogwash ? Aren't you nice . I say again . NOD is high . They cut no deals . On renewal you save , as you do with most . Next time , if you wish to be rude , start quoting some of the many available AVs that are , INDEED , priced less than NOD . AND . Norman ? Last I checked , it took an act of congress to use it on a home pc . They usewd to only carry a , basically , corporate version . Thanks for the kind words and have a wonderful day

[NAMOR]

{QUOTE-> I say again . NOD is high . They cut no deals. <-QUOTE}
If I remember correctly the do offer a student discount. I would say that NOD32 is mid-priced.

[hollywoodpc]

{QUOTE-> If I remember correctly the do offer a student discount. <-QUOTE}
I did not mention that as it is too hard to get . It is a nice one though . Oh yes . Like $ 22. 00 or $ 23 . 00 for a year . Now THAT cannot be beaten for what you get .

[JimIT]

{QUOTE-> How did you forget the many free AND AVs priced at 29.95 or less . <-QUOTE}

I didn't forget them. There aren't very many. ;)

{QUOTE->
And to say hogwash ? Aren't you nice . <-QUOTE}

Yes I am! ;) Sorry if you took it personally--it was only referring to your description of NOD32 as a high-priced AV. It isn't, IMO--and in comparison to most AV's I listed. Here are a few more, btw:

Online Prices USD (single-user license schemes only):

Norman VC: $64.18
F-Secure: $64.00
GDATA AVK: $53.02
Norton: $49.95
Trend Micro IS: $49.95
Kaspersky: $41.50
McAfee: $39.99
Avast! Pro: $39.95
Dr. Web: $39.82
NOD32: $39.00
AVG Pro: $33.30 (2 year license)
CAT Quickheal: $30.00
CA EZ AV: $29.95
Command: $19.95

Have a nice day yourself, hollywood! ;)

[Detox]

Isn't the $39 only for the first year? I believe renewal is $29 a year after the first for NOD.

[JimIT]

{QUOTE-> Isn't the $39 only for the first year? I believe renewal is $29 a year after the first for NOD. <-QUOTE}

'Tox--yes, $39 for the first year. $23 and change for renewal.

[Fubie]

{QUOTE-> I hear that one all the time - it's a sales ploy to get a prospect to move NOW... surely you've had someone play that game with you! <-QUOTE}Sure I've had other businesses do this to me. But I went with Eset because of their treatment of users and their very fair pricing practices. That is exactly why I left Symantec. And what I was (who knows now) going to do with my job site.

{QUOTE-> Are you sure that this was Eset, and not a reseller? <-QUOTE}Yes it was an Eset sales rep...not a reseller who jokingly admits to playing pricing games

{QUOTE-> Hello all,
Yes, it is true that there is new leadership at ESET...We were fortunate to have Rick Moy join the company last month to head sales and marketing and assist us with these objectives. He was instrumental in Websense's success and has since assisted numerous other security companies launch and grow their businesses. I can personally assure you that we remain committed to providing our loyal customers and partners with best-of-class security solutions at a great value. <-QUOTE}Thank you very much for that reply. I see that the sales rep that my brothers boss spoke to was giving out truthful information. But my lingering question, especially now that you've said Rick was instrumental with Websense, is how soon before we see these price increases. As a home user I am not to worried. NOD has saved my bacon more times than I care to remember and as long as the price isn't changed hugely I won't be leaving. But at my place of business price is everything. Right now we are with Symantec but I need to purchase quite a few more licenses for other systems. Apparently there is enough concern with my brothers boss after his discussion with the Eset sales rep that he is reconsidering his (large) businesses AV purchase. If he (he has many more years experience) is pausing to consider I am too.

[alglove]

Doing a quick Google search on "Rick Moy", it appears that he has a bit of a San Diego background. Assuming this is the same person, it makes sense that he would join Eset.

[webyourbusiness]

{QUOTE-> I did not mention that as it is too hard to get . It is a nice one though . Oh yes . Like $ 22. 00 or $ 23 . 00 for a year . Now THAT cannot be beaten for what you get . <-QUOTE}


hard to get? How is that?

I don't know about OTHER resellers, but we make it easy - place your order online, fax or email a scanned copy of either:

i. a current student ID
ii. a letter from a tutor, department head, faculty member on school headed paper

Now I appreciate that it's a bit of a hoop to jump through, but any student should already have ID etc, scanning is trivial - for a 50% discount, I don't call it much work... but it all depends on how you value YOUR time.

Discounts are heavy - do you expect Eset, or every reseller to have to do all the work for less money? Come on... play fair!

[webyourbusiness]

{QUOTE-> Sure I've had other businesses do this to me. But I went with Eset because of their treatment of users and their very fair pricing practices. That is exactly why I left Symantec. And what I was (who knows now) going to do with my job site.

Yes it was an Eset sales rep...not a reseller who jokingly admits to playing pricing games <-QUOTE}

Run that by me again - are you saying I play pricing games? I meant I heard it from suppliers - I certainly NEVER tell someone a lie to get a sale.

{QUOTE-> Thank you very much for that reply. I see that the sales rep that my brothers boss spoke to was giving out truthful information. <-QUOTE}

So it would appear... now why am I surprised to learn that resellers are among the last to hear - it's common way to manage your resellers, staff, minions... etc... isn't it called mushroom management?

{QUOTE-> But my lingering question, especially now that you've said Rick was instrumental with Websense, is how soon before we see these price increases. <-QUOTE}

I don't know... use shrooms are the last to know - don't you know... ;)

If that's the case, we'll have to make our own judgements when it happens ... price shouldn't be the ONLY deciding factor, but it is often one of the biggest deciding factors for clients...


{QUOTE-> As a home user I am not to worried. NOD has saved my bacon more times than I care to remember and as long as the price isn't changed hugely I won't be leaving. But at my place of business price is everything. Right now we are with Symantec but I need to purchase quite a few more licenses for other systems. Apparently there is enough concern with my brothers boss after his discussion with the Eset sales rep that he is reconsidering his (large) businesses AV purchase. If he (he has many more years experience) is pausing to consider I am too. <-QUOTE}

It would be nice if we all knew what was going on - I'd say that any delay might cost if price increases are already being mentioned - spending now on a two year license deal might be the prudent decision... at least that's how I'd be leaning... who knows where the market will be in two years!

[NOD32 user]

I've been following this thread and now I hear drumming....the natives are growing restlesss....


{QUOTE-> spending now on a two year license deal might be the prudent decision... <-QUOTE}Or a three year deal.
Really though we live in an inflationary society. Surely nobody expects that the price would drop in the near future?

[NoPriceIncrease]

Well NOd32 is $39.99 and Kav is ~42.00 so if NOD32 does increase their priceing structure I can tell you this that I will not think twice of jumping ship to KAV.
Afterall you sacrifice a bit of performance for a hell lot better protection.

[flyrfan111]

{QUOTE-> Well NOd32 is $39.99 and Kav is ~42.00 so if NOD32 does increase their priceing structure I can tell you this that I will not think twice of jumping ship to KAV.
Afterall you sacrifice a bit of performance for a hell lot better protection. <-QUOTE}

Oh come on, stop with the BS. So in other words you are saying that you use NOD only because it is cheaper? I say if you truly feel that way you should using KAV now as the difference is only a whooping $2.01, if that 2 bucks really breaks the bank, perhaps you should not wasting money on a computer in the 1st place.

[NoPriceIncrease]

Well I had the 2 years plan but over the two years I realized that some of the NOD support is lacking. And I have also read a lot of reviews and belief stories.

So if NOD32 does indeed ups the price to let say $50.00 then once my subscription runs out I might as well jump ship. Since there will be no incentive to stay with one company if the prices are compared to a much better and well supported company.

Mainly Virus signatures within hours after submission and not weeks.

[NOD32.name]

As far as I know prices will remain as is for now.

There has been no price increase for 2005 as of yet and
from my understanding prices will remain this way.

Hope this helps.

[Blackspear]

{QUOTE-> Surely nobody expects that the price would drop in the near future? <-QUOTE}We did about a year ago, I think every other AV is priced higher than Nod32 in Australia.

Cheers ;D

[NOD32 user]

{QUOTE-> ....I think every other AV is priced higher than Nod32 in Australia.

Cheers ;D <-QUOTE}All the other major AV's I'm aware of in Australia are more expensive. Let me be the first to admit I'm not aware of every AV available in Australia let alone all the AV's available to Australia and that'll save anybody else needing to point it out.
And if the price does lower or at least stay the same then in real terms its got cheaper anyhow compared to what a dollar buys after inflation.

[anotherjack]

{QUOTE-> Hello all,
Yes, it is true that there is new leadership at ESET. <-QUOTE}

Anton - Could you define "new leadership at Eset" ? I presume that you're still holding the reins...

Jack

[not32 user]

If something is wrong with Eset I'm switching to KAV in the near future unless version 2.13 will be a serious improvement.

[alglove]

{QUOTE-> Anton - Could you define "new leadership at Eset" ? I presume that you're still holding the reins...

Jack <-QUOTE}
to quote Anton...
{QUOTE-> We were fortunate to have Rick Moy join the company last month to head sales and marketing and assist us with these objectives. <-QUOTE}

[anotherjack]

{QUOTE-> to quote Anton... <-QUOTE}

Perhaps it's a different context that I'm reading - "new leadership" at a corporate level means different things to different people. When Carly F. went to HP, that was "new leadership" to me. The Rick Moy change would be "we have a new sales & marketing director..."

Like I said - different context. Ain't language fun?

Jack

[windstrings]

{QUOTE-> Oh come on, stop with the BS. So in other words you are saying that you use NOD only because it is cheaper? I say if you truly feel that way you should using KAV now as the difference is only a whooping $2.01, if that 2 bucks really breaks the bank, perhaps you should not wasting money on a computer in the 1st place. <-QUOTE}

Its about what the market will bear..... NOD in my opinion is a better product, but its still building its reputation.... reputation tends to carry more "clout" than real performance. Some companies are now inferior, but still have power due to their past reputation of being the best "back, once upon a time".
I'll be a good boy and not name names.... "this time!"

I don't think NOD will raise too much in price because it would kill too many of the first time users who don't know which to try. Until its obvious to everyone that NOD is the best... they will need to keep a good entry level price.

Lets face it.... price is a big deal "until" you get a nasty virus you can't shake?... then you would gladly pay 100 bucks to get rid of it?... when you figure what you loose in information and hours fighting with your system to clean a nasty bugger.... money becomes of little importance?
But when you get a nasty one.. and NOD prances in and takes it out for you when the other couldn't.... you won't mind paying more.

Many see AV as merely an insurance program... for the "what ifs". And they don't want to pay anymore than they have to.... but once you get nailed.... you'll pay for quality the next time!... and you tend to get what you pay for... unless its still an unknown like NOD, and is still upcoming in its fame.
NOD is still a bargain, because its still unknown.... and hes right.. the tests of all the planted virues can be so inaccurate and they don't take into account compatibility and speed, or which NOD rates an A!

I tend to go for the best.. and the price is what it is.. because I don't like viruses more than I don't like paying the price!

The price will be what the market will bear.... thats a fact of life....if you don't like the price.... use another at your own risk.

And if the new sales CEO reads this... the best way for NOD to get richer.... for now, is to make itself known! Price won't be much of an issue once the fame is spread.

Even now we don't buy AV because we feel warm and fuzzy toward the companies and just want to make them rich.... .its because its now a necessity of life if you will be on the internet...... period....

To buy or not to buy????... Its about the lesser of two evils..... everyone has to figure that out for themselves...
The jungle out there is only getting meaner and meaner..... we as customers have no choice but to buy what we think is the best....

Now its NOD's job to prove to the world.. they are the best?

[liquidmetal]

As an IT consultant who often assists my small business customers in deciding what software/technology to purchase, I'd like to point out that one of the biggest reasons I recently switched one of my customers from NAV to NOD32 was NOD32's very low/reasonable prices, combined with the fact that when I spoke with an Eset sales rep they were extremely accomodating in negotiating a volume license deal that was both fair and flexible enough for the needs of the business.

Sure, the single-license retail cost might not be all that cheap ($39), but Eset's volume licensing is among the most affordable, convenient, and reasonable I've seen.

I'm looking forward to trying to switch more customers over to NOD32 as their NAV licenses start to expire. I hope the volume license prices aren't going to be increased, because, NOD32 may be one of the best AV programs out there, but, especially given its lack of brand recognition, being better than NAV/etc doesn't get its foot in the door at most companies. On the other hand, the winning factors for NOD32 in convincing companies to switch to it, in my view, are:

1. Very competitively-priced volume licenses and license renewals.
2. Very flexible volume license structure.
3. Minimally-expensive transition costs: Remote Install (when it works, that is -- I've had some issues with it), plus NOD32 (not using Remote Install) still only takes a minute or two to install + 1 reboot -- NAV can take forever...
4. Remote Administration --makes administration much easier, and easier administration = less $$$ spent on your IT person to maintain things.
5. Small footprint -- one of the businesses I switched to NOD32 has a lot of very old Pentium 3 machines. Switching from NAV 2004 to NOD32 made for a nice performance boost on these very-slow machines.

You'll notice that nowhere on that list is "NOD32's antivirus technology is better than NAV." That's because I've yet to see a small business that considers that argument a persuasive reason to switch to NOD32. Of course if they're not already using any AV program, that may be a point of persuasion, but otherwise, the above list seems to be more convincing.

Bottom line for businesses: "NOD32 will save you money by A) reducing your year-to-year licensing costs (through cheaper per-seat licenses and more flexibility in the licensing deal), and B) reducing your IT consulting costs through easier administration"

One last thing: I'm aware that Symantec and other companies have corporate versions of their software, and that they include centralized administration software. I've never tried these, but I would like to note the following regarding small businesses:

1. Symantec (and several other AV companies, if I remember correctly) tend to market their "small business packs" (3, 5, or 10-packs) to small businesses. These packs (aside from being completely inflexible from a licensing POV) are essentially the same as the home version. They provide no central administration software, nor are they compatible with such. There is no way to centrally-manage computers using this product scheme. Symantec also will not let you "upgrade" from the small-business editions to the corporate versions.
2. Typically the corporate versions (which have a higher minimum-license requirement) are more expensive if you want centralized management. NOD32 is around $60 for the management software, and it's compatible with any version of NOD32 you've got.

Why other AV companies presume that I wouldn't want to have enterprise-level administration functionality for an office of 9 or 10 computers is beyond me. Of course I want that!

Anyway, my main reason for posting is simply to say that I think a price increase (at least for volume licensing, no comment on single-license home versions) would be a mistake at the current time. Eset does not have any brand presence, no one's really heard of them. For many of their new customers, the very reasonable prices are the main attraction. Keep the prices low and you'll gain customers faster.

[NOD32 user]

yeah, what he said...