Symantec working with IBM Global Services to migrate world's largest companies to Norton AntiVirus

TORONTO, December 24, 1998 -- Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC) has announced expansion of its program to educate corporations about the need to install leading-edge anti-virus software that is updated monthly so that infection from the latest viruses can be prevented.

The new initiative is targeted at three groups of customers: those who have no anti-virus protection on their computers now, those who have anti-virus software from IBM and companies using anti-virus products from Network Associates (Nasdaq: NETA).

The initiative follows the May/98 announcement that Symantec licensed IBM's immune system technology and patents and would combine them with its own technology to produce a range of products and solutions to support IBM platforms. As part of that agreement, IBM assigned its existing anti-virus customers and OEM contracts to Symantec and is encouraging its customers who currently have installed IBM anti-virus software to convert to Symantec's Norton AntiVirus software to get the monthly virus signature update files that IBM is no longer providing.

More than 3,500 companies, representing approximately two million seats, have committed to transition from IBM AntiVirus to Norton AntiVirus since the alliance was announced. By working together, Symantec and IBM Global Services are aiming to help additional customers using IBM AntiVirus and other anti-virus products make the transition to Norton AntiVirus as well. IBM Global Services is now recommending Norton AntiVirus to all new customers as its standard anti-virus solution.

"As IBM and Symantec continue to grow their businesses, a natural next step is to seek out companies that are not aware of the exposure they have to computer viruses that can shut down their entire organisations. We are also targeting IBM Global Services customers who haven't converted yet to Norton AntiVirus, as well as others who use Network Associates' products," said Enrique Salem, vice president of Symantec's Security and Assistance Business Unit.

"Through our alliance with IBM and purchase of Intel's anti-virus business in September, Symantec can offer these customers a single solution that incorporates the best technology available to detect and eliminate viruses across an entire network.."

"We will be seeking to educate companies and enterprises of all sizes, regardless of whether they are using IBM AntiVirus or any other anti-virus product," Salem added. "Most importantly, we're concerned that a large number of companies have no virus protection today. These companies are at risk of losing critical data."

George Welyczkowsky, director of technology, service delivery at IBM Global Services, said: "IBM entered into its alliance with Symantec because we believe Norton AntiVirus is the best product in the industry and for our customers. Our companies are jointly developing the Norton AntiVirus technology to provide an even better solution. By helping IBM Global Services' customers migrate to Norton AntiVirus, we are delivering on our commitment to provide them with the best technology and service to meet their needs."

About Symantec in Canada:
With 250 employees, Symantec's Canadian operations are headquartered in Toronto with offices in Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver. For information on Symantec products or current promotions, contact the Canadian office at (416) 441-3676 or access Symantec's Canadian Wide Site. Symantec is an active member of the Canadian Alliance Against Software Theft (CAAST).

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.

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, Calif., 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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