Symantec Announces New Software as a Service Platform, Launches Beta Program

Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) today announced Symantec Protection Network, a software as a service (SaaS) platform designed to deliver easy-to-use security and availability offerings to small and mid-sized businesses at a price they can afford. The first SaaS offering from Symantec, Symantec Protection Network – Online Backup Service will enable cost-effective, reliable backup and restoration of business-critical data from the convenience of a web browser. Today marks the beta launch of Symantec Protection Network – Online Backup Service, scheduled to become available later this year.

Companies of all sizes are increasingly reliant on information and technology considered critical in running their business. Organizations that do not protect their IT infrastructure put their business at risk by being unable to retrieve data in the event of system downtime or major catastrophic incident, failing to comply with industry and government regulations, and jeopardizing productivity. Symantec Protection Network will deliver proven technologies based upon Symantec’s market-leading offerings that will allow customers to address their total IT infrastructure needs. Designed specifically for small and mid-sized businesses, these services will be cost-effective and easy-to-use and manage—from signup to use-based pricing, setup and configuration.

“Small and mid-sized businesses require the same high levels of service reliability and data security as their enterprise counterparts,” said Arthur Wong, senior vice president, Symantec Security Response and Managed Security Services. “Until now, however, many small and mid-sized businesses have not had the ability to get the reliable and secure service they need due to cost and lack of resources. Building on our reputation as a trusted IT solution provider, Symantec is dedicated to removing these barriers and delivering the secure, proven technology these organizations demand in a highly economical online business model.”

Symantec is committed to working with its channel partner network to add greater value in delivering a portfolio of offerings online. Symantec’s large ecosystem of channel partners will also enable businesses to work with the Symantec partner of their choice and take advantage of customized service offerings to meet business requirements as they evolve. Businesses also have the option of subscribing to the service directly with Symantec through the web and can manage and monitor their service from any Internet connection.

“The Symantec Protection Network offers us, as a Symantec reseller, the capability to provide our customers with custom-managed solutions,” said Geoff Sinn, vice president, Managed Services, Strategic Technologies, “By leveraging Symantec’s offerings together with our own expertise and services, we have a unique opportunity to expand our business model and deliver a new level of IT infrastructure management to our customer base.”

Symantec’s initial SaaS offering, Symantec Protection Network – Online Backup Service, addresses one of the most immediate and pressing problems for small and mid-sized businesses today: disaster recovery. By subscribing to this service, organizations can significantly expand their disaster recovery capabilities and stay current with advancements in backup and recovery technology but without the costly migration or upgrade processes required with traditional solutions. In addition, Symantec Protection Network - Online Backup Service provides a low-cost way for small and mid-sized businesses to get their critical data stored offsite in Symantec’s state-of-the-art data centers.

“Ingram Micro values Symantec’s relationship and its ability to provide innovative solutions to customers and resellers from a name they know they can trust,” said Jodi Honore, vice president, Vendor Management, Software, Ingram Micro Inc. “Symantec’s brand recognition in security and availability technology makes it even more compelling for our team to conduct business with them.” As more services are added, customers who invest in the Symantec Protection Network for comprehensive IT protection will benefit from a common portal, platform and support model that will be able to leverage a variety of bundles created for their needs as well as an open platform that can integrate with other services.

“Small and mid-sized businesses, like their enterprise counterparts, are facing new and significant challenges pertaining to data protection,” said Doug Chandler, program director at IDC. “Symantec Protection Network - Online Backup Service leverages the software-as-a-service model to offer sub-enterprise firms a more affordable way to get access to proven data protection technology.”

About Symantec

Symantec is a global leader in infrastructure software, enabling businesses and consumers to have confidence in a connected world. The company helps customers protect their infrastructure, information, and interactions by delivering software and services that address risks to security, availability, compliance, and performance. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has operations in 40 countries. More information is available at www.symantec.com.