Compaq has chosen Network Associates as their anti-virus software partner for the vendor`s new locally assembled PCs. This agreement sees Compaq`s two locally assembled models within the Evo D300 range bundled with McAfee VirusScan 6.0 anti-virus software at an African price.
Says Christopher Bray, Network Associates country manager in South Africa: "Network Associates has discounted their VirusScan 6.0 software by fifty percent when purchased with Compaq`s locally assembled PCs. It is shameless to demand a United States price for a product sold to the African market, a market that has been penalised by the falling value of the rand."
"There has been little choice for a reasonably priced anti-virus software package locally, and before the launch of our retail products, we have seen competitors prices creep as high as R800.00. In addition, McAfee`s VirusScan 6.0 comes with a perpetual license, meaning the software does not need to be renewed every year, and virus-signature updates are free for the life of the product. Combined with the special Compaq bundle price, this represents real value to the South African consumer"
Says Gary de Menezes, channel and CRM director at Compaq: "Compaq recognised Network Associates McAfee anti-virus software as a best of breed product and the requirement for a world class product to complement the locally assembled PCs made McAfee`s VirusScan v6.0 a natural choice."
McAfee`s VirusScan v6.0 coupled with Compaq`s Evo D300 desktops creates an opportunity for Network Associates to penetrate the Small Medium Business (SMB) market as well as expand on its consumer sector.
Bray continues, "This is a strategic move for Network Associates as our McAfee anti-virus product set has already captured the corporate market. Providing a superior product to the SMB and consumer market will further Network Associates plans to extend its market penetration."
"The threat of viruses cannot be downplayed when considering there are 57 000 known viruses `floating` around the Internet. Couple this with the fact that 87% of viruses arrive through the Internet and the other 13% gain entry through other points, a serious problem is posed. The advent of mobile workers has exacerbated this, as PDA`s and smart phones are the newest and fasted growing vulnerability."
To combat this threat, McAfee`s VirusScan v6.0 includes a PDA synchronisation feature which is compatible with Palm OS, Packet PC, Win CE and Symbian EPOC operating systems, eliminating vulnerabilities associated with mobile computing. The hostile activity watch kernal (HAWK) feature constantly monitors suspicious activity that may indicate the presence of a virus. For example, VirusScan v6.0 recognises a potential threat if e-mail is sent to more than 75% addresses within a persons address book or if files with double file extensions are received.
Other features include:
* Email, download, PC scanning
* Comprehensive Internet filtering
* Instant updater
* Intrusion detection
* Windows XP support
Share
Editorial contacts