U.K. firm launches anti-virus software

By Preeti Mishra

BANGALORE, NOV. 2. Sophos Anti-Virus plc Worldwide, the U.K.- based anti-virus company, has launched its SMTP Scanner virus software to pre-empt any further assaults from worms and viruses through the Internet on the web servers and networks of corporates. The recent attack of Nimda and Code-red worms on web servers and network systems of corporate enterprises had this anti-virus company sleepless with over 12,000 calls received by the company's helpdesk in a five-day span.

``The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) scanner will enable organisations to protect their networks from random virus attacks through the Net. This software will form the first line of defence scanning all mails downloaded from the worldwide web," Sophos Anti-Virus, worldwide sales and marketing director, Mr. Mark Forrest, told this correspondent in a telephone conversation today.

The SMTP scan virus scans all mails before it reaches the mail server. If virus is discovered then the software deletes the virus code and the virus-free mail is distributed to the user. The SMTP software can be downloaded from the company's web site. Upgraded versions of the software will be available in CD format which would be released by the company on a monthly basis.

Sophos Anti-Virus also plans to expand its product portfolio with a focus on other aspects of anti-virus security like content scanning and network security products.

Sophus Anti-Virus Asia, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the U.K. company will provide the entire range of Sophus' anti-virus products to the Asian markets. The company is also looking at possible tie-ups with strategic channel partners like Ingram Micro and Wipro to market its products in India. Sophus Anti- Virus expects a turnover of $60 million this fiscal, Mr. Forrest added.

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