Santa Clara, California-based McAfee said some customers were unhappy with IBM’s purchase of ISS for $1.3bn in late August and hopes to be the vendor they will turn to instead.

We’re hearing from customers that they are concerned that their level of security will decrease following IBM’s acquisition of ISS, said Chris Kenworthy, SVP of worldwide marketing at McAfee. Our dedicated focus on security ensures that it will never take a back seat to systems, servers or semiconductors.

McAfee’s so-called ISS Switch Program includes free installation, training and support for its risk management wares, including IntruShield and Foundstone. ISS customers who buy IntruShield also will get its Security Manager for free.

McAfee also hopes to entice ISS resellers with on-site technical training and selected partners might get additional incentives, said McAfee, but it did not elaborate.