Marshal opens local headquarters

Johannesburg, 21 Jun 2006

Content security vendor Marshal has had a seven-year presence in SA through local distributor 10Net, but last week opened its Middle East and Africa headquarters in Johannesburg.

The company is best known for its e-mail and Internet security software, MailMarshal and WebMarshal.

"SA is an untapped market with the most buoyant economy in Africa and it is a cost-effective market for us," says Ed Macnaire, CEO of Marshal.

African and Middle Eastern support was previously run from the UK.

"Marshal has enjoyed a 60% to 70% market share in SA and would like to retain this figure by accommodating sales, pre-sales technical support, marketing and software development in the local offices," says Macnaire.

"I really value the forward thinking South African market. SA is very accepting of new technology."

Recruiting

Marshal is looking to recruit local staff for its South African office and is on the look out for three software developers to add to an existing two.

"There is really good talent in SA, like our worldwide development head, Chris Nel, who is now based in New Zealand," says Macnaire.

"Software development is a vital part of the business and we are excited about using the massive local potential," he says.

Other global offices are also being established in Munich and Sydney. "We are negotiating leases for the premises," says Macnaire.

"We are also investigating a possible presence in Nigeria," he adds.

Released today

"This is an exciting time for us, especially as two new products have been released today, almost in conjunction with our new offices."

The Image Analyser scans images in e-mails and on Web sites and blocks those suspected of being pornography.

"Pornography is a huge legal risk for companies today. Employers have a duty to provide a safe environment - one that is free of abuse and distracting pornographic elements. Image Analyser uses deep scan image composition analysis to identify features like facial characteristics and body positioning to identify pornography," Macnaire explains.

WebMarshal has been updated after two years and WebMarshal 2006 was released as a beta version today. The update includes spyware and built-in anti-virus. The final product will be released in July, according to Macnaire.