Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 detects, eliminates virus threats on OS/2 workstations

Symantec delivers on commitment to protect OS/2 customers with automatic, comprehensive anti-virus solution

SYDNEY --NSW - May 5, 1999 -- Symantec, the world leader in utility software for business and personal computing, today announced the release of Norton AntiVirus for OS/2, the only anti-virus solution for OS/2 recommended and marketed by IBM. Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 is currently available on the Norton AntiVirus Solution CD 3.03 or later.

"With the release of Norton AntiVirus for OS/2, Symantec is delivering on its commitment to provide OS/2 customers, many of whom are in the banking and insurance industries, with the best anti-virus solution to protect their mission-critical data," said John Donovan, general manager, Symantec Australia and New Zealand.

While there are very few viruses written specifically for OS/2, customers need to be aware of the potential threat of passing files from an OS/2 environment to Windows or across other environments without scanning first for viruses. It is possible that these files could contain a virus which might cause harm on another platform. However, with Norton AntiVirus, this threat can be eliminated.

Automatic protection for OS/2 users
Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 includes Symantec's revolutionary heuristic technology called Bloodhound, which provides the best protection available against new and unknown viruses. Bloodhound stops viral files before they can enter a system and cause harm. Symantec's AutoProtect feature, included in Norton AntiVirus for OS/2, monitors a system in the background using real-time scanning in DOS and Win-OS/2 sessions from OS/2, thereby minimising interruptions and increasing user productivity.

Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 also features LiveUpdate, which looks for virus definition updates at system boot from a central location on the server and automatically downloads and installs the latest definitions onto the user's system. Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 also includes NAVEX, Symantec's exclusive modular engine technology. It allows the Symantec AntiVirus Research Centre (SARC) to provide the most advanced, up-to-date anti-virus solutions to all customers across all platforms.

Using NAVEX, Norton AntiVirus customers have received instant protection for Office 97 viruses, Java viruses, Trojan Horses, 32-bit viruses and more without a single product re-installation, lowering the overall cost of ownership. LiveUpdate delivers these engine updates, but NAVEX is what keeps these changes small enough to download over the Internet. With LiveUpdate and NAVEX, users are assured that they are always protected against the latest virus threats.

Easy to use and administer
Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 v5.0 detects and removes IBM AntiVirus for OS/2 during installation, streamlining the migration process for IBM customers. In addition, because Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 utilises the familiar OS/2 interface, customers will find Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 easy to use. Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 allows corporate administrators to silently deploy Norton AntiVirus over the network via login scripts. Administrators can use a command-line scanner to scan end-user systems on demand without end-user intervention, thereby giving administrators greater control of their OS/2 installation. In addition, administrators can create an internal LiveUpdate site on a server for central updating of end-user virus definitions.

Pricing and availability
"Symantec is committed to providing the latest anti virus products to our OS/2 customer base. By releasing Norton AntiVirus for OS/2, Symantec is ensuring our customers are protected against a range of viruses for a minimal financial cost," said Denise Rainey, marketing manager, Symantec Australia and New Zealand.

Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 is available on the Solution CDs from May 31. The product also is available through IBM's Passport Advantage program. Updates for the OS/2 platform will continue to be provided by Symantec.

System requirements
Norton AntiVirus for OS/2 v5.0 requires an industry-standard; Intel 80386 DX or higher (Intel 486 recommended); OS/2 2.11, Warp, Warp Connect, Warp 4, or OS/2 Warp Server; 16MB of RAM (32MB recommended); 24MB disk space; and a CD-ROM drive.

About Symantec
Symantec Corporation helps make computer users productive and keep their systems safe and reliable anywhere, anytime. The company is focused on addressing customer needs in three main application areas: the Norton product line of anti-virus and PC-assistance products; the pcAnywhere, WinFax and ACT! product lines that cater to remote user productivity; and the Cafe product lines in Internet development tools.

Founded in 1982, Symantec maintains corporate headquarters in Cupertino, California with regional offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Hong Kong, Beijing, Taiwan, Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore and Malaysia. Traded on Nasdaq under the symbol SYMC, Symantec is ranked in the top ten international software vendors and employs more than 2,300 people worldwide. Information on the company and its products can be obtained at the Symantec Asia-Pacific Press Centre.

All information contained in press release is accurate and valid at of the date of issue. All content is subject to change. For the latest information about Symantec Corporation and Symantec products, please contact: www.symantec.com.