Panda Updates Hosted Security Application

IT security provider Panda Security has announced the addition of new functionality to Panda Managed Office Protection, the company’s hosted security-as-a-service solution for small and medium businesses.

The company’s latest version of Panda Managed Office Protection, version 5.03, released last week, offers SMBs improved features and benefits, such as a Web-based management console that allows administrators to resolve deployment challenges remotely from one centralised dashboard for any computer that has an Internet connection and increased reporting flexibility, whereby administrators are able to select from an expanded set of security reports, including executive, activity and detection reports.

Other features include a streamlined software deployment procedure, simplified computer management that offers expanded search capabilities and the ability to run and export reports for analysis with third party analytical tools and improved service management, so IT managers are now able to better service infected or threatened end-devices due to advanced search functions for computers and detections.

Carlos Zevallos Panda Security’s security evangelist and threat researcher, says given the grim economic outlook and the correlated rise in malware attacks, SMBs need to continue protecting their IT infrastructure while relying on fewer fixed costs and human resources.

“Without a dedicated internal IT department and a tendency for multitasking, SMB owners value cost efficiency and insured productivity as essential product attributes in IT security solutions,” Zevallos said. “Based on feedback from Panda’s customers and our comprehensive TCO comparison, it’s clear that business owners and IT administrators need to make the evolution from traditional anti-virus to SAAS.”

The Silicon Valley Association of Realtors in Cupertino, Calif., with more than 36 workstation computers and servers spread across two locations, implemented Panda Managed Office Protection and quickly noticed the ease-of-use and administration benefits.

“Within two hours I was able to install, monitor and run specialized reports on the security status of more than 36 end-devices without ever having to leave my desk,” explains the company’s IT administrator, Bob Johnson. “The simplicity of the hosted management portal allows us to scan and fix any security issues from anywhere, at anytime via a basic Internet connection. We can now dedicate more time to other pressing projects and customer service.”

As many reports have made clear, the turbulent economic situation is exerting extreme economic pressure on SMBs to be as efficient and resourceful as possible to maintain their bottom lines. According to a recent IDC research report, a growing number of organizations are opting for user-friendly, scalable subscription software services that require little to no capital expenditure. IDC recently increased its SAAS growth projection for 2009 from 36 percent to 40.5 percent growth over 2008.

Panda Security said Managed Office Protection licenses are sold by the seat in one-, two- and three-year subscription packages and vary depending on the number of seats purchased and are available immediately.