Asiasoft expands | Bangkok Post: tech

COMPUTER SECURITY PROGRAM

Seeking to leverage its gamer-playing base with 16 million customers, Asiasoft has expanded its business in computer security programs with the lowest price in the market, while preparing to turn its social network users into future game players.

Pramoth Sudjitporn, Chief Executive Officer of Asiasoft Corporation, the leader in online entertainment services in Southeast Asia, said the company has expanded its new business in computer security program services by partnering with China's Kingsoft Corporation.

The model offers Kingsoft Internet Security in a Thai version at fixed fee of 189 baht per year, which is one of the lowest-priced products, and gives consumers 30 product trials via its websites.

Pramoth said that apart from Microsoft Office, consumers' favourite programs include security and antivirus software. "This lead us to enter this market which is estimated to be worth 600 million baht and is an open opportunity for newcomers," he said.

"This new business can leverage its strength with over 16 million online game customers and generate recurring revenue for the company, compared with the wavering popularity in game titles from time to time. The company expects its new business to generate 10-15 percent of overall revenue within three years as well as looking to expand new online services in the near future," Pramoth added.

Simon Yan, Regional Manager, Overseas Business Division at Kingsoft, said that Asiasoft is the only partner that has a hybrid model in game operating and marketing computer security software.

"Thailand is one of the biggest markets in Southeast Asia and Kingsoft is also in discussions not only about computer security programs but bringing its games to expand in the region through Asiasoft," Yan said.

Pramoth added that in its main business this year Asiasoft will launch five new games covering casual gaming and MMORPG, including the Thai game King Naresuan Online, which is expected to be launched at the end of 2010.

Last year Asiasoft's profit grew by 45 percent, to 218 million baht, due to operation efficiency and improvements to its core network to support more users.

The online game market in Thailand is estimated to be worth 2.5 billion baht and it is expected to boost the group's revenue by 20 percent compared to last year, the highest profit in the company's history.