Enterprise software firm ManageEngine is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia as it marks two decades of operations in the region, citing strong growth in the Philippines and rising demand for integrated IT and cybersecurity solutions.
Speaking during the company’s recent Partner Meet in Chennai, India, Arun Kumar, vice president for revenue operations at ManageEngine, reflected on the firm’s 20-year journey in Southeast Asia, highlighting its evolution from a small-business-focused software provider into a major regional IT management player.
Founded in 2002, ManageEngine initially focused on developing user-friendly and rapidly deployable IT management tools for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including network, server, and application monitoring solutions.
While the company first gained traction in English-speaking markets, it later shifted its strategy to address the distinct requirements of Southeast Asian businesses.
By 2006, ManageEngine began building a strong local channel partner network to better serve regional markets. Over the following decade, it expanded its portfolio to more than 30 products covering IT operations, infrastructure management, and cybersecurity, enabling customers to scale from small businesses to large enterprises.
The company established its first regional office in Singapore in 2012, designating it as its Asean headquarters to deepen engagement with customers and partners across the region.
In the Philippines, ManageEngine reported 40% growth in 2025, outperforming the overall Asean average. The company now serves more than 600 enterprise customers locally and recorded a 20% increase in new customer acquisitions.
Despite the strong performance, Kumar said cybersecurity remains a major concern, particularly as many Philippine companies lag in security investments while pursuing digital transformation initiatives.
“We are witnessing an urgent need for integrated cybersecurity management and increased awareness among employees and citizens,” Kumar said.
He noted that while the government continues to strengthen cybersecurity and data protection frameworks, threats such as ransomware and phishing attacks remain widespread and often underreported.
Looking ahead, ManageEngine plans to expand its partner network and local workforce to improve technical support and consulting services for enterprise clients. The company also intends to increase investments in both on-premise and cloud-based solutions.
Among its key regional initiatives is the planned establishment of an Asean data center that will meet certification requirements for data sovereignty and regulatory compliance, similar to its facilities in Europe.
Kumar said the company remains committed to localization and collaboration with partners despite challenges such as uneven market maturity and talent shortages.
With more than 7,500 enterprise customers in Southeast Asia and an average annual growth rate of 25%, ManageEngine is positioning the Philippines as a key market amid growing demand for digital transformation.
For 2026, the company plans to roll out modular product offerings that allow customers to select solutions based on their specific needs. It also aims to expand education and training programs to support long-term digital ecosystem development in the region.
