Symantec Tackles SMB Endpoint Security From The Cloud

Call it one shop stopping: a new SaaS security service from Symantec offers cloud-based protection for all of an SMB's Windows-based endpoints, desktop, laptop or server.Symantec's unveiling of its cloud-resident endpoint security service for small and midsized businesses aims to provide comprehensive security for Windows-based devices throughout an organization without requiring additional hardware or software.

Symantec Hosted Endpoint Protection, according to the company, delivers Web-based single-portal deployment and control of "antivirus, antispyware, firewall and host intrusion prevention for desktops and laptops and antivirus and antispyware for file servers."

The always-on (assuming an Internet connection) service is presented as offering a comprehensive security solution for both location-based and mobile endpoints, with updates delivered and new endpoints added either automatically or by administrator download.

The service can be purchased as a separate product or in concert with other Symantec offerings; pricing was not specified in initial releases, although a free trial (registration required) is available here.