Symantec announces Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server

Version 5.0 Adds Quarantine and Scan and Deliver Features, Norton System Centre Integration, as well as Micro-Definition Updates and Increased Support for Compressed Files

TORONTO -- August 21, 1998 -- Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC), the world leader in utility software for business and personal computing, has announced Norton AntiVirus (NAV) 5.0 for Windows NT Server, the latest version of the industry's leading automatic, comprehensive virus protection for Windows NT Server. Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server offers global customers an easy-to-manage anti-virus solution that uses the most advanced detection and removal technologies to provide the most complete protection from known and unknown viruses.

Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server combines unsurpassed anti-virus technology with easy-to-deploy, fully automated administration capabilities, thereby simplifying the management of virus detection and removal on Windows NT-based servers while preventing virus infections from moving to workstations. Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server is completely supported by the Symantec AntiVirus Research Centre (SARC) for virus definition updates and emergency virus-infection response.

"With Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server, Symantec brings its unparalleled understanding of anti-virus technology together with its unique experience with Windows NT Server technology. The result is a set of new, advanced service features that will provide our customers with unparalleled protection and ease-of-use," said Enrique Salem, vice president of Symantec's Security and Assistance Business Unit. "This new version gives Windows NT Server administrators direct access to the Symantec AntiVirus Research Centre as well as advanced file handling and software management capabilities that make virus protection easier and safer than ever before."

"Microsoft Windows NT Server provides a reliable and scaleable platform that gives users access to critical information and resources more easily and effectively," said Mike Nash, director of marketing for Windows NT Server and infrastructure products, Microsoft Corp. "We are excited that Norton AntiVirus for Windows NT Server will provide customers with a great solution for protecting critical information."

Enhanced Security
In addition to continuing to provide 100 per cent detection of in-the-wild and macro viruses through Symantec's powerful Bloodhound heuristic scanner, Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server also provides protection and security via a new Scan-and-Deliver capability. This feature enables administrators to encrypt potentially infected files, e-mail them to SARC for analysis, and receive a fix within 24 to 48 hours.

Version 5.0 also includes a new Quarantine option, which extends virus protection to the desktop by allowing users on client workstations to send suspicious or infected files onto an isolated area of the server. The Quarantine option is included in the Repair Wizard, which simplifies system cleanup after a virus infection and allows the administrator to step through a cleanup and have viral files moved or stored in a safe location and quarantined from the rest of the system.

With the enhanced LiveUpdate feature in Norton AntiVirus for Windows NT Server, administrators can be sure they always have the most up-to-date virus protection for each Windows NT Server in the organisation. LiveUpdate now delivers virus definitions must faster with compact, low-bandwidth micro-definition files from SARC. In addition, SARC now delivers virus definition files weekly. As a result, administrators will find it quick and simple to keep their Windows NT Server completely protected from the latest virus threats.

In addition, Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server features improved handling of compressed file formats, including ZIP, LZEXE, LHA, LZH and ARJ files, thereby providing international users with virus protection for regional compressed file formats and protecting Internet users from the growing threat of virus infection through compressed file e-mail attachments.

Ease of Deployment, Management
Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server integrates with Norton System Centre, a plug-in for the Microsoft Management Console that allows administrators to deploy, configure, monitor, and update anti-virus software from a central point. Norton System Centre eliminates the difficulty administrators have in maintaining up-to-date virus protection without a central control vehicle. In addition, using Norton System Centre reduces the costly overhead typically associated with installing, updating, and upgrading software. Norton System Centre consolidates critical administration tasks into a single convenient console, thereby providing a cost-effective yet secure alternative to manual network administration.

Norton Event Manager, a component of Norton System Centre, includes centralised alerting capabilities. These centralised virus alerts provide a confirmation of the results of its virus elimination attempts, thereby offering administrators a more complete understanding of their system status and an improved sense of security.

Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server is part of Symantec's suite of multi-tier virus protection products designed to protect the enterprise at the desktop, server, groupware servers, Internet, and gateway levels. Symantec's Norton AntiVirus products have received numerous awards since January 1998, including PC Magazine's Editor's Choice in 1998 for Best AntiVirus Utility for the third year in a row, as well as the magazine's 1997 Best AntiVirus Utility award, PC World's Best Buy, and PC Computing's A-List. Symantec AntiVirus Research Centre Norton AntiVirus 5.0 is backed by the Symantec AntiVirus Research Centre (SARC). SARC is the industry's largest dedicated team of virus experts. With offices located in the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands, the sun never sets on SARC. The centre’s mission is to provide swift, global responses to computer virus threats, proactively research and develop technologies that eliminate such threats, and educate the public on safe computing practices. As new computer viruses appear, SARC develops identification and detection for these viruses, and provides either a repair or delete operation, thus keeping users protected against the latest virus threats.

Pricing and Availability
Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server is available approximately US$499.95, which includes licenses for one Windows NT Server and 10 workstations. Site licenses are also available. For a free demo, visit the Symantec web site at www.symantec.com/trialware/index.html. Virus definition updates are free for the first year. Corporate customers who purchase Upgrade Insurance will get the virus definitions for free for the term of the insurance. After the first year, customers without Upgrade Insurance can buy a subscription for the virus definitions starting at US$49.95.

System Requirements
Norton AntiVirus 5.0 for Windows NT Server requires an Intel or DEC Alpha system running Windows NT Server or Workstation 4.0, 16MB of RAM minimum (32MB or higher recommended), a CD-ROM drive and 24MB of free hard disk space.

About Symantec in Canada:
With 250 employees, Symantec’s Canadian operations are headquartered in Toronto with offices in Montréal, Ottawa and Vancouver. For information on Symantec products or current promotions, contact the Canadian office at (416) 441-3676 or access the World Wide Web

About Symantec
Symantec Corporation helps 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. 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 Café product lines in Internet development tools.

Founded in 1982, the company's global operations span North America, Europe, Japan and several fast growing markets throughout Asia Pacific and Latin America. Traded on Nasdaq under the symbol SYMC, Symantec Corporation is based in Cupertino, California and employs more than 2,000 people. Information on the company and its products can be obtained by calling (800) 441-7234 toll free, (541) 334-6054 or accessed on the World Wide Web.

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