US-based, Symantec Corporation, world leaders in providing Internet security solutions, has introduced Symantec Enterprise Security (SES), a comprehensive and modular internet security solution for enterprise computing environments.

An umbrella product, SES includes a range of Symantec products falling in four distinct categories -- anti viral, intrusion detection, content filtering and manageability (IT tools for managing network). The solution allows a corporation to proactively manage its information technology security risk, protect its business performance and manage complete security lifecycle of its computing environment from assessment and planning to implementation and monitoring.

SES also enables customers to build the best security solution for their organisation by helping them choose from its multi-platform internet security products, manageability, administration tools, professional services and support.

SES enables protection in three major security categories namely intrusion prevention, virus protection and content filtering. Together these solutions determine, monitor and enforce precise security levels and practices to secure critical business and e-commerce assets. Symantec Enterprise Security products currently support Windows NT, Solaris and Windows 2000 platforms.

Though Symantec sells its products to both, individuals as well as corporates, SES is directed towards the later. Speaking to domain-b Mr. Joy Ghosh, country manager for India said that the retail market in India is not as large as in the US. The company’s focus in India is in the enterprise or the corporate market where the scope is much larger. On a scale of 100 the company estimates enterprise: retail as 70:30.

As per IDC or International Data Corporation report, the present world Internet security and products market is estimated at $3.5 billion and is expected to touch $7.5 billion by the year 2003. Broken up into individual components the anti-viral, content scanning and filtering market, currently estimated at $ 1.5 billion, is expected to notch a 32 per cent compound annual growth rate and reach $ 4 billion by 2003. The VAID or vulnerability assessment and intrusion detection market, currently estimated at $ 150 million, is expected to grow 48 per cent CAGR to $ 1 billion by 2003 and the firewall market, currently estimated at $ 500 million, is expected to grow 26 per cent CAGR to $ 2 billion by 2003. The security services and consulting business is expected to be even higher in the years to come.

Speaking to the press Mr. Gary Sexton, vice president - Asia Pacific, Symantec Corporation said, "Security is at the top of the agenda in boardroom''s around the world and Symantec Enterprise Security is designed to provide organizations with the most comprehensive security solution. Symantec remains dedicated to provide technology and support corporations need to protect their reputation and credibility as they conduct business in today''s internet-enabled business environment."

Mr. Joy Ghosh, Country Manager, Symantec India added, "in keeping with our strategy of working with leading technology consultancies we are currently working with Ernst & Young to launch an awareness building program through a series of seminars across India on internet security risks and their solutions. We have grown by about 350 per cent in the last three years. The need for security is still in a growing phase. The market is still at a very nascent stage. We are the first movers in the industry and are going through this awareness building program to increase our reach and target audience."

Symantec has already entered into a partnership with Bangalore based iLANTUS Technologies, a company engaged in integrating infrastructure and security management services, to sell Internet security solutions as well as services to customers across the country. iLANTUS Technologies will also use Symantec''s products at client sites to manage and implement security solutions. Mr. Ghosh said that the company was working towards forming working partnerships with a few more security consultants across the country and the deals were to be finalized over the next few weeks. The company has also entered into a contract with HCL and Zenith Ltd. to market its products.