Symantec does SaaS

April 20, 2007: It was only a matter of time before Symantec pounced on software-as-a-service. It has announced its first on demand offering - Symantec Protection Network - for back up and disaster recovery targeting SMBs.

One factor inhibiting the take up of SaaS-style back up is the cost of transmission and how long it takes to upload. Many Australian organizations face relatively high cost Internet access. Also USB network based back up has traditionally been faster and more secure than sending over the Internet.

Where Symantec says it can address costs is data migration and upgrades of traditional solutions backup solutions as well as leveraging Symantec’s data centre network, thus improving DR capabilities.

Backup and restoration of business-critical data will be enabled via web browser. The service is scheduled to become available later this year to US subscribers. Symantec will be relying on its extensive global partner network to market the service however businesses also have the option of subscribing to the service directly with Symantec through the web and can manage and monitor their service from any Internet connection.

“Small and mid-sized businesses require the same high levels of service reliability and data security as their enterprise counterparts,” said Arthur Wong, senior vice president, Symantec Security Response and Managed Security Services. “Until now, however, many small and mid-sized businesses have not had the ability to get the reliable and secure service they need due to cost and lack of resources. Building on our reputation as a trusted IT solution provider, Symantec is dedicated to removing these barriers and delivering the secure, proven technology these organizations demand in a highly economical online business model.”

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