The makers of Norton Antivirus are beta-testing a new, integrated Internet software package that includes broad protection against spyware and adware for home users. The commercial release is expected by the end of the second quarter of 2005.
Releasing the beta version April 20, Symantec said its new Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition is aimed at the everyday Internet user, while the company remains mindful that spyware continues to cause major damage to major computer users, driving an anti-spyware market that market research firm IDC believes will hit as high as $305 million in 2008.
"Computer users are fed up with spyware and adware clogging their PCs," said Symantec vice president for consumer products Matthew Moynahan, announcing the AntiSpyware Edition beta package. "They are equally unhappy with stand-alone products that only address one aspect of their security needs.
"Users want a single, easy-to-use solution that lets them use their machines without having to become computer security experts," he continued. "Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition is being designed to meet this critical need by delivering a comprehensive, integrated Internet security solution that provides powerful protection from spyware along with spam, viruses, worms, and hacker attacks."
The new package includes real-time detection and automatic spyware removal and risk prevention tools for guarding the computer in the future. This adds to Norton Internet Security's already known package of virus, hacking, and privacy protection.
Symantec is also taking a risk of its own: selling a product that can be competitive with a free product produced by Microsoft, according to Jupiter Research analyst Joe Wilcox. "Spyware is an important category," he told TechNewsWorld.com. "Microsoft has now targeted it specifically, which going forward could mean there is less room for other companies developing software in that space."
Wilcox acknowledged that Symantec's brand reputation would help it sell even against a free offering. "Symantec has a strong brand and that is a strong asset not to be ignored," he said. "But some people are happy with free products."
