Trend Micro has appointed subscription software distributor NewLease to concentrate on building and supplying dedicated managed service providers.

The partnership will offer Trend Micro’s full range of security products to virtualisation and cloud set ups.

Australian business and professional solutions provider Fred IT, has come on board as the first ANZ customer.

Trend Micro Managing Director ANZ, Dave Patnaik, said, “Virtual MSPs are one of the fastest growing and most exciting security markets in ANZ today. NewLease’s subscription software experience and Manu’s prolific expertise in the sector will enable us to deliver extensive security options to businesses of all sizes in a flexible, scalable, penalty-free arrangement.

“This marks a milestone for businesses that already manage their IT infrastructure through MSPs and completes the supply chain of security products to the market. Small businesses can now have access to the best virtualised security and we’re delighted with Fred IT’s confidence in this new capability.”

Trend Micro has also announced the appointment of Manu Sharma, ex-SP manager for Australia and New Zealand.