Symantec Targets ISPs

Virus protection and content filtering program packs a powerful punch for Internet access providers seeking value added services — as long as the network operates on Solaris or NT and utilizes Inktomi cache services.

by Jim Wagner of internetnews.com [November 14, 2000]

Starting next month, Internet service providers could offer subscribers a combined anti-virus, content filtering option from security software developers Symantec Corp.

The Symantec I-Gear system for Inktomi Traffic Servers us in its final stage of its beta testing. The program allows ISPs that utilize Inktomi, Inc. cache systems the opportunity to set content filtering standards and let subscribers set their own anti-virus configurations.

I-Gear will be commercially available in December, after the final round of testing is completed by the three participating ISPs.

Top secret
Although Symantec would not release the names of the ISPs participating in the pilot program, it's safe to assume EarthLink Inc. is included. The national ISP has a close relationship with the security company and already offers Symantec's Security Check to it subscribers for free. Security Check analyzes a computer for potential security hazards, referring them to Symantec's software products if there is a potential breach.

Gary Warren, Symantec senior vice president of service provider solutions, said the product is the first to combine two essential security options in one integrated program.

"I-Gear is the first set of integrated plug-ins to offer both content filtering and carrier-class anti-virus protection," Warren said. "This product will give Internet service providers an exciting new value-added service, helping them to stand out in a highly competitive marketplace."

Are you sure you want to see this?
BloodHound, Symantec's patented direct-document review software, scores downloading pages for words that might be considered offensive. Depending on the parameters set by the ISP, the tabulated page either finishes its download or is rejected by a user when prompted with a "page is deemed too offensive" notice.

The software also reviews every Web document the user downloads. Windows files, even compressed .zip, .lzh, .arj, and .arc files are scanned against Symantec's database of viruses. What makes the software unique is its ability to determine whether unknown viruses may be present, as all viruses leave certain "signatures" which can be detected. Don Cahoon, Symantec product services manager, said the service is available only on Inktomi's machines, with no plans to include caching systems. Additionally, I-Gear will only work on Solaris and Windows NT platforms.

"As of right now, I-Gear is directly tied and dependent on Inktomi and we don't have any plans to include other (caching products)," Cahoon said. "What you have with I-Gear is a world-class solution using the best enterprise-level caching machine. We don't see a need right now to expand on it."

Ask your asking price
Pricing for the service is established on a per-user basis, Cahoon said.

"The ISP can sell access to the package in any way it sees fit," Cahoon said. "Bloodhound is set by the ISP, not the user, but the anti-virus solution is completely manageable by the user. After the ISP installs the software in it's servers, they don't have to do much to get it running."

Cahoon added that the system is setup with ISPs in mind because I-Gear allows technicians to loadbalance the network between two different servers, one running the Inktomi caching program and the other running Symantec.

Bundled to buyers
To gear-up for ISP adoption of I-Gear, Symantec setup a dedicated technical support center for technicians and network administrators to call with questions. Training is also available for helpdesk staff that need to get up to speed on Symantec's software.

Symantec has been looking at providing an Internet option for almost a year, since it acquired the I-Gear web filtering technology from URLabls, Inc. I-Gear had until then, been primarily marketed as a Web content filter for schools and public institutions.

Symantec quickly retooled the service, pinning its anti-virus capabilities into the package offering the combination as an all-in-one security bundle for corporations, ISPs and international clients.

— End    

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