Preview Release of Mobile Essentials 2.0 now Available for Free Download

Software enables IS managers to create and deploy configuration settings that allow end-users to quickly adjust to different work environments

Cupertino, Calif. May 17, 1999 - Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC), the world leader in utility software for business and personal computing, announced that a preview release of Mobile Essentials 2.0 is now available on Symantec's web site at www.symantec.com/me. Symantec is providing a free, fully functioning trial version of Mobile Essentials that will work until July 15 and then time out.

Mobile Essentials 2.0 will decrease the cost of supporting a mobile workforce. The product is a tool used by IT departments to create laptop configuration settings once and then quickly deploy those settings to mobile professionals. As a result, mobile workers place fewer calls to the helpdesk for support, and the IT department spends less time on mobile support issues.

Mobile Essentials allows mobile professionals to quickly adjust to different work environments consisting of different network, TCP/IP, dialing, printer settings and much more. Because mobile professionals will no longer require telephone support with every location change, they will experience a significant increase in productivity.

How It Works
Mobile professionals typically spend 20 minutes adjusting their PC settings every time they arrive in a new location, such as remote offices, international sites, hotels, or even client sites. These mobile workers also spend a significant amount of time resolving problems caused by incorrect settings, such as network and Internet protocol configurations, which are especially difficult for less technical users to configure. Mobile Essentials drastically reduces this downtime.

IT departments use Mobile Essentials 2.0 to create location profiles-the laptop settings that must be adjusted when workers travel to different locations-and then deploy them to their mobile workforce. These location profiles include TCP/IP settings for Internet access and all aspects of network configuration, such as switching between NetWare Bindery and NDS, changing NDS trees and context, specifying a Windows NT domain, turning login scripts on and off, and identifying which drives are mapped and which are shared. Location profiles also include default printer settings, dialing settings-including area code, calling card, prefixes, and dial-tone detection, and settings for popular applications such as cc:Mail, Lotus Notes, WinFax, Internet Explorer, and Netscape.

The IT dept.can deploy location profiles through e-mail or by placing location files on a web site or network server. If deploying settings via e-mail, the IT department can install an optional e-mail agent on the client machine to automatically intercept the e-mail, add the location profile, and delete the e-mail without end user intervention.

Once the location profiles are installed, the laptop user starts Windows and selects a location profile. All of the settings change automatically and instantly, resulting in a dramatic decrease in downtime and a significant increase in productivity. When a location profile requires updating, IT deploys the update via e-mail. The update installs automatically, without user intervention, thereby further preventing the possibility of downtime and lost productivity. In addition, if allowed by the IT department, laptop users can add or modify locations when necessary.

Pricing and Availability
Mobile Essentials 2.0 is expected to be available on June 24. Volume site-license pricing is available by calling (800) 745-6054.

About Symantec
Symantec is the world leader in utility software for business and personal computing. Symantec products and solutions help make users productive and keep their computers safe and reliable anywhere and anytime. Symantec offers a broad range of solutions and is acclaimed as a leader in both customer satisfaction and product brand recognition. Symantec is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol SYMC. More information on the company and its products can be obtained at www.symantec.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, view the Symantec Press Center at www.symantec.com/PressCenter/ on Symantec's Website.

Brands and products referenced herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. All prices noted are in US dollars and are valid only in the United States.