We manage hundreds of PC's with TrendMicro products and have a hard time keeping track of which machines are expiring when. Regardless of which version of TrendMicro we are using, we would find the ability to log into our TrendMicro account and export the complete list into Excel so we can build reports for us to keep track of upcoming expiration dates for our customers so they aren't left unprotected. Currently, you have to log into your account, then click on each and every serial number to view which machines that serial number was installed on. We and TrendMicro are missing out on sales because too many of them fall through the cracks and don't get renewed. Also, we register all our customers under our company name and email address to help us monitor activity and expiration dates. TrendMicro is pretty good about sending out emails to remind the user that their TrendMicro software is about to expire. However, they never include the serial number they are referencing so we can look up which customer we need to contact to get them renewed prior to the expiration date. These two features would help tremendously to help us work more efficiently and keep customers current. Fact is, TrendMicro is a BIG part of our income because we will usually get the ok from our customers to come on site or remote in and uninstall the old version of TrendMicro and any add on malware scanners we may be using, download all the Windows updates, clean up junk programs and provide a good annual tune up for the customer that usually generates about 2 hours of billable time per computer for the extent of tune up processes we use.
We have experienced numerous issues with customers computers that may be running old versions of TrendMicro, McAfee, Norton, AVG etc. When these programs are "uninstalled" there are left over traces all over the hard drive and registry that are not removed. Most cases involve a corrupt firewall that will not allow you to fix it or reinstall the latest version of TrendMicro. You can do the installations and begin to install TrendMicro and it locks up, stops, uninstalls itself or simply won't launch after rebooting. TrendMicro needs to have a fool proof firewall restore tool so we can get the newest version updated without having to spend hours troubleshooting the firewall or what ever junk was left over from the previous version of anti-virus protection just so we can install the latest version of TrendMicro software and be on our way. When we arrive on site to update our customer's computers, they are expecting a couple of hours to do their annual tune up and getting TrendMicro installed and working. We have experienced random computers that we have had to spend 6, 7, 8, hours for FREE trying to resolve the problem just so we can reinstall the latest version of TrendMicro software. Most anti-virus programs have their own version of an uninstaller tool. But none of them are 100% when they are done some times forcing you to go back to their product for protection because you can't get TrendMicro installed properly. Here's a way for Microsoft to make more money, provide a Microsoft approved label that certifies that when you uninstall any piece of software, there are no traces left over after the removal and they restore the settings back the way they were prior to installing their software. They could sell the certification label to every software manufacturer out there. Wouldn't every tech love that feature?
In summary, every piece of email, renewal notices, service tickets etc. should include the referenced serial number with it. Exporting information in my TrendMicro Account into Excel, and creating a sure fire fix for the firewall that is damaged from previous anti-virus programs including TrendMicro.
