Gateway secures entry to small biz

The making money mantras for PC builders large and small increasing revolve around three topics these days: wireless, security, and Internet access. All three can provide recurring revenues, although in the case of wireless, the big money kicks in for the road warriors.

This week we have seen: Dell announce plans to roll out a GPRS notebook across Europe; Evesham, one of the UK's biggest system builders unveil its small business internet access plan; and Gateway, the pan-US PC builder, show off some new security bundles for the home and new business markets.

On offer is Network-level protection against hackers and viruses, privacy options; and web filtering against nasties.

Small Biz
Gateway will also conduct on site audits for business customers for "only $199". This is a bargain basement price, but it gives the company plenty of opportunity for upselling - new kit, new cards, new software all in the name of better network security. It will do the installation too.

This is a good niche for Gateway - it is offering levels of customer service for small businesses that most big PC makers are unwilling and /or unable to afford. Instead, the company is fighting head-to-head for SME business with local resellers.

Customers who buy a Gateway 910, 930 or 935 server between Feb 25 and March 31, can get a security audit for free.

Homies
Gateway's home security offering is a straightforward software bundle, the typographically tricky Cyber:)Ware PC security package. It costs $99, and it's a rewrap of Norton Internet Security 2002 suite. This features Norton AntiVirus, Norton Personal Firewall, and Norton Privacy Control. The bundle includes a 30-minutes calling card for Gateway's helpline. After your time is up, you can recharge the card.