Solution development, however, is conducted in regional centers utilizing virus information fed in from each country. Information gathering activities are conducted throughout the company's network and basically left up to each country.
Although the staffs are dispersed across the globe, it manages to capitalize on the strengths of each location while striking a balance between local autonomy and central coordination for each function. Trend Micro's activities share the single objective of developing and providing anti-virus measures faster and more effectively than anyone else. The company uses these system integrators as its sales channel, and provides system integrators with extensive support. Instead, Trend Micro works with system integrators who are familiar with the networks of major companies. In the case of Japanese companies, however, there is no guarantee of finding a capable IT manager working in-house. Such companies generally have experienced IT system management staff in-house, allowing Trend Micro to adopt a direct sales approach. When entering overseas markets, Trend Micro targets large corporations that are on the "Fortune 1000" list. Trend Micro's sales approach varies for the Japanese and overseas markets, although the company always target major businesses. Even after the expiration of the guaranteed support period (one year from the date of purchase), a customer need only purchase the updated contents and support services rather than having to pay for the entire package again. Trend Micro provides products and extends services that range from the prevention of virus contamination, to isolation and recovery services. They collect, research and analyze data on computer viruses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Over 250 research staff - carefully chosen for their skills - are stationed in the Philippines, Taiwan, California, Munich, Paris and Tokyo.
Trend Micro maintains teams of engineers in various locations in the world, including Japan, the U.S., Taiwan, Germany and China, and these teams all work closely together to develop new products through the real-time sharing of information over their network.