Symantec Is Ready To Ride Windows 8 Wave
Symantec (NASDAQ:SYMC) has released new versions of its anti-virus software, ahead of the Windows 8 launch next month. The Norton Anti-Virus, Norton Internet Security and Norton 360 have all been updated and optimized to work with the Windows 8 touch interface. The latest versions come with “five layers of patented protection” according to Symantec and include stronger social networking and anti-scam protection.
This release has focused on working better with multi-core CPU’s and staying light on resources. The software is available for a free 30-day trial and will work on PCs running Windows XP SP2 or later. Prices for the licenses start from $49.99 for a single-user, 12-month license of Norton AntiVirus 2013, and a three-user license for Norton Internet Security 2013 and Norton 360 2013 will cost $79.99 and $89.99 respectively. [1]
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Social Network Security Feature Added
Symantec has focused on providing stronger protection for users on social networking sites in the latest release. Scams and fake links are rampant on social networks and the new Scam Insight tool provides warnings against potentially risky links and sites. The Norton Safe Web for Facebook app has been improved and users can scan their timelines for potential scams and malicious links. The new releases are Windows 8 touch friendly and compatible with the tile-based buttons and reboots eliminated from the install and update process.
Mobile Security To Drive Business
The bring-your-own-device (BYOD) revolution is taking off, and this has driven up demand for security in mobile devices and tablets. Symantec has a range of software including mobile anti-virus that helps prevent theft of data from lost or stolen mobile phones. This is an added feature over the standard security measures to prevent viruses and malware, and is also a big growth opportunity as smartphones are expected to grow at 55% or so and reach a yearly shipment size of one billion phones by 2015. [2]
We currently have a $27 Trefis Price Estimate for Symantec which is 40% above its current market price.
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Notes:- Symantec Releases Norton 2013, www.betanews.com, Sept 5, 2012 [↩]
- IDC Smartphone Growth Estimate, IDC [↩]