Symantec Rolls Out New Cloud-Based Endpoint Protection Solution For SMBs

Symantec has made its first major product launch since its blockbuster acquisition of cloud and web security company Blue Coat Systems last month, unveiling Tuesday a new cloud-based endpoint protection offering.

The Symantec Endpoint Protection Cloud (SEP Cloud) is aimed at the SMB market and offers cloud-based endpoint protection and advanced threat prevention capabilities, including traditional anti-malware, firewall, network protection, advanced endpoint protection, and mobile device management for device security and access configuration.

The offering also features a cloud console and dashboard for policy management, events and alert management, device management, general setup capabilities, user management, user authentication and integration with Altiris Endpoint Management 8.0. Partners also can sell add-on capabilities for native encryption key management.

[Related: Sources: Symantec Names Sales, Channel Leadership Lineup As Blue Coat Integration Continues]

SEP Cloud is sold as a subscription service with per-server or per-user pricing, providing protection for up to five devices per user.

The launch of SEP Cloud is Symantec’s first launch since its $4.65 billion blockbuster acquisition of web and cloud security company Blue Coat Systems, which closed in early August. John Engels, principal product manager at Symantec, said this first product launch won’t include any specific integration from the Blue Coat portfolio, but is the ’precursor’ to what the two companies will do together in the future.

’SEP Cloud does a good job of putting a first stepping stone into the cloud platform we will leverage to tie things together down the road,’ Engels said. ’It’s the first step in a long-term strategy of working together with Blue Coat.’

Jason Eberhardt, vice president of strategic alliances at Chicago-based Conventus, said he is glad to see the first signs of the Blue Coat acquisition taking hold, saying he is ’most excited about bringing the solutions and expertise together to take security to the next level.’

’This is an exciting time at Symantec. I feel I have this special ticket to a ride that is taking off full steam ahead,’ Eberhardt said.

SEP Cloud is targeted at SMBs as well as enterprises with smaller franchises or branch offices, Engels said, and will appeal to partners who want to offer their SMB customers an easy-to-deploy endpoint security offering with a simple pricing model and intelligent protection capabilities.

Eberhardt said he is excited to see Symantec continue to roll out offerings for the SMB market, saying SEP Cloud is a ’tremendous asset for SMBs.’ He said he particularly liked how the offering had central management and automation capabilities, which are important for short-staffed SMB companies.

’This solution does not only solve the need for stronger security in SMB, but will help limit the attacks on larger organizations as well. The more doors of access you close on cyberthreats, the better it is for everyone,’ Eberhardt said.

SEP Cloud will be available to U.S. customers and partners immediately, with global availability expected by the end of the year.