Free product doubles AVG sales

Word of mouth has helped security software vendor Grisoft double its 2006 sales, according to Larry Bridwell (pictured), AVG's global security strategist.

The Czech company achieved global sales revenues of US$40 million for the 2006 calendar year. The company achieved sales of US$19.5 million in 2005.

Bridwell said the company's use of a free, trial version of the company's AVG products had been the key factor in driving sales of licenses to SMBs and small enterprise organisations.

“People are definitely attracted by the free aspect of our software - AVG Anti-Virus Free and AVG Anti-Spyware - for private, non-commercial, single home computers. It then leads people to purchase licences for their business or recommend the purchase of licences,” said Bridwell.

Although the company sells its products online, over half of AVG’s licence sales have been for companies with 100 seats or more, he said.

“People tend to say 'I have been using a free product and I don’t have a problem with it, I’m going to continue on with the licensed product for the business because I know how to use it,'” he said.

In Australia and New Zealand products are distributed through Avalanche.

Bridwell remained cautious and said sales will slow down in the coming year.