TechSelect "Outstanding Program Member" Award

I had a great time at the TechSelect partner conference in Orlando, FL (Nov. 12-15, 2009). TechSelect is a national community of solution providers with proven leadership in the IT industry. The Community is a unique cooperative among over 400 IT VARs and manufacturers, working together to deliver technology and business solutions. Wasatch Software's participation in the TechSelect community allows us to work with peers to share and enhance technology best practices, network with vendors, and obtain training for our sales and technical staff. Each of these items helps us bring more value to our customers.

I was certainly surprised and honored to accept TechSelect's "Outstanding Program Member" award on behalf of Wasatch Software. This award is given to a partner who brings exceptional value and participation they bring to the Community.

Many kudos and thanks to Tech Data and their event staff for their continued commitment and excellent execution at this event. We certainly appreciate the TechSelect program and look forward to being members for years to come!

Wow! 3 Big Honors in 3 Months for Wasatch!

It’s been awhile, but I guess that means you’ve been keeping us busy at Wasatch Software, and that’s a good thing! Let me update you on a few exciting awards we’ve received here recently. In August we were ranked by Inc. Magazine in their annual “Inc. 5000” list, which recognizes the fastest growing private companies in the United States. What an honor to come in at #568!

In September, Utah Business magazine listed us as the 7th fastest growing company in the State of Utah. I’ve long been a fan of this publication, which made this an even more special treat.

Finally, just this past week I was honored to accept a Utah 100 award on behalf of Wasatch Software. This accolade is sponsored by the Mountain West Capital Network and also honors the fastest growing companies in our industrious state. The awards luncheon was quite a treat. Speakers included Lex Watterson, President of MWCN, and the Governor of Utah, Gary Herbert. It was a pleasure to be acknowledged by the Governor for this award and to have my picture taken with him.

Of course, these awards are a testament to the great people working at Wasatch Software and also to our great customers. Many thanks to each and every one of you!

Wasatch Software Receives 2009 Kaspersky ‘Rising Star’ Award

It was my pleasure to accept the 2009 Rising Star award at the Kaspersky Lab America’s Partner Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico last month. The ‘Rising Star’ award honors a Kaspersky partner who has displayed exceptional sales and growth over the past year, and was presented by Eugene Kaspersky (CEO, Kaspersky Lab) and Steve Orenberg (President of the Americas, Kaspersky Lab). Wasatch Software was among 4 partners in the United States who received awards.

Kaspersky themselves can also be considered ‘Rising Stars’ in the world of antivirus software and computer security. Over the past few years, they have gained plenty of market share in the United States to coincide with their already strong international customer base. This is largely due to the strength of their product when it comes to virus detection, virus neutralization, ease of administration, and license costs. All of this is certainly drawing attention from players in the I.T. industry, as well as competitors. Following is a breakdown of antivirus market share worldwide as presented at Kaspersky’s recent conference:

Company, Market Share (%)
Symantec, 40%
McAfee, 17%
Trend Micro, 6%
Kaspersky, 4 %
Others, 33%

Of course, Wasatch Software partners with all of the organizations listed above. However, in most cases we find ourselves recommending Kaspersky to our clients based on the best fit for their needs. Certainly let me know if you have any comments, or if we can be of assistance in regards to your perimeter or endpoint security needs.

Utah Business: "Forty under 40" List (2009)

Wow! What an honor to be named to Utah Business magazine's "Forty under 40" list, which recognizes 40 executives under the age of 40 making waves in our state. This is a list I have followed for a number of years, and have awed at the talent that is annually applauded.

This award is more a tribute to the talent and hard work or our team here at Wasatch Software than to me. Even during this economic downturn, Wasatch Software has been able to grow our revenues substantially, and we hope this will continue throughout 2009.

What are the reasons that we have been so successful in this economy, and have garnered awards of this nature?

• Our sales team has improved drastically in terms of taking good care of our customers. Kudos to Trevor Brandol for his efforts on this.
• Our relationships with key distribution partners have garnered better margins and more opportunities. Jake Boden has been and will continually work to improve this area.
• Our marketing efforts have been a huge success. Our team continues to find new ways to locate new customers and maintain existing ones. From web efforts to outbound telemarketing, we’ve been on target. Also, Danielle VanHorssen has been great in planning and managing our customer events, including our Utah Jazz event last November.
• We continue to raise our profile with key vendors based on our sales volume and growth. Some of these vendors include Microsoft, Symantec, Kaspersky and HP, among others.

Again, thank you to everyone on our team here at Wasatch Software (and also to Brandy Wilkins) for the work that you’ve done in helping me achieve this award. Also, thank you to everyone at Utah Business magazine. Be sure to pick up their January issue, or check out their website today!

Spencer Ferguson
President
Wasatch Software, Inc.

2007 Susan Ferguson Memorial Scholarship Awarded

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It was my pleasure to present the 2007 Susan Ferguson Memorial Scholarship at Snow College in Richfield, UT this past Friday (May 4). The award has been issued annually since the passing of my Mother (a long time nurse and instructor) in 2003, and honors a graduate of Snow College's 2007 Practical Nursing course who will be furthering their education by attending Registered Nurse classes the following year. The winner is selected based on academic achievement, and a dedication to service in their field, among other criteria.

This year's recipient was Nanda Steed. Nanda was a co-valedictorian and an easy selection once the praise of her instructors was considered. Though I was only able to meet with Nanda briefly, her bright spirit and warm personality were unmistakable.

The pinning ceremony for this year’s graduates was excellent! Many wonderful speeches were offered. Most of them included the loving irreverence that my Mother (and most nurses) would enjoy. I was thankful for the opportunity to share a few thoughts with the audience before announcing this year’s winner. I was especially thrilled when I was approached by former students and colleagues of my Mother, each of whom had a special story or memory of her.

I would like to thank Pat Brian, Susan Hildebrand, Amber Epling and the rest of the Snow College South nursing staff for their cooperation. My family eagerly anticipates next year's event!