Desktop management vendor LanDesk has launched a new security suite to combat the growing threat of spyware.

The suite, which can be sold as a stand-alone security product or as an add-on, will address the need for a converged management and security platform as the two IT disciplines merge, according to the vendor. LanDesk claimed both management and security resellers will benefit from the technology.

A recent UK survey, conducted by Omniboss on behalf of LanDesk, suggests that 57 per cent of businesses see spyware as a major security issue and 49 per cent can't remove it from their networks.

The real problem, according to Andy Baldin, LanDesk's marketing director for EMEA, is that there are hundreds of products, each designed to combat a specific threat, when corporations want a single, integrated solution.

Companies spend too much time and money fighting spyware, malware, viruses, worms and unauthorised access, said Baldin. The market is crying out for a unified security solutions, and this presents a massive opportunity for resellers, he added.

"Security and management are converging, according to the market analysts," said Baldin.

"But while security vendors are trying to add management capabilities to their products, we're building from the bottom upwards, adding layers of security onto our foundation of desktop management.

"I know which starting point I'd rather go from. Our job is going to be relatively easy."

According to Mark Nicollet, an analyst at Gartner Research, most desktop and server vulnerabilities are the result of missing patches and errors.

"This calls for an effective vulnerability management programme. The key to security is being able to evaluate, audit and marshall resources to fix configuration errors and eliminate their root cause," he said.

One reseller was guardedly optimistic. "The company has very strong technology and we do well selling its product," said Toby Parnell, sales director at Basingstoke-based Network D.

"It has to remain only a part of what we offer, though. The market is converging and it's difficult to see who will emerge as the gorilla in 18 months' time."

crn@vnu.co.uk