Trend Micro Tackles Spyware With New Bundles

The new bundles, including OfficeScan Anti-Spyware Suite and the InterScan Anti-Spyware Suite, feature multilayer protection against spyware.

According to Bob Hansmann, senior product marketing manager for client server security at the Cupertino, Calif.-based vendor, the upgrades signal Trend Micro's commitment to a new and aggressive stance against threats such as adware, keystroke loggers and other forms of malware.

"Unlike many of the point products on the market, we attack the spyware problem from a variety of angles," he said. "That means there are a number of opportunities for solution providers to build services around the solution."

Wes Parker, director of inside sales at Stalwart Systems, Charlotte, N.C., is one such solution provider. Parker said he likes how the new Trend Micro products block and clean spyware and said he plans to offer the tools in conjunction with vulnerability assessment services his firm currently peddles.

"Trend solutions will be a big part of what we're recommending," he said. "You can never have too many strategies of fighting spyware."

As Hansmann explained, the OfficeScan Anti-Spyware Suite will supplement existing spyware blocking capabilities with a new automated spyware cleaning feature and new support servers. The suite also provides protection against threats such as viruses, Trojans, worms and hackers.

Pricing for the solution starts at $50.80 per user for new customers, and $13.50 per user for existing customers.

While the OfficeScan product tackles spyware on the desktop and server level, the InterScan Anti-Spyware Suite attempts to stop the threats at the network gateway, integrating antivirus, antiphishing, antispyware and optional URL filtering. This product is based on the Internet Web Security Suite (IWSS), which has blocked spyware, "phone home" communications and surfing since last year.

With the latest upgrade, the product will also include built-in spyware cleaning.

The InterScan Anti-Spyware Suite with spyware cleaning won't be available until June, when pricing for the InterScan Anti-Spyware Suite will start at $27.80 per user. But Jack Marsal, senior product marketing manager, said that customers can purchase the IWSS product without the spyware cleaning function for $20.81 per user, then add the cleaning functionality for free this summer.

"This is a great opportunity for solution providers to help their customers save $7 per seat," he said.