Symantec will broaden its mobile security product line by shipping new products designed for Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Mobile devices.
The software will come in two versions: a consumer product called Norton Mobile Security for Smartphones and Symantec Mobile Security 5.0, designed for enterprise users. Both versions will be available May 29, a company spokesman said on Monday.
Symantec already sells a suite for phones based on the Symbian operating system, as well as antivirus software for Windows Mobile but these new products will support a much broader range of security features, Symantec said.
The new Windows Mobile software will include antivirus, antispam, firewall and data encryption capabilities, to keep data secure, even if the smartphone is lost. Symantec will also sell an optional virtual private network component for users who want to securely connect with their corporate servers.
The enterprise software will have advanced IT administration and auditing features. For example, administrators could wipe data off the phones remotely, or check an audit log to see everything that was done with the device after it was lost. Administrators will also be able to lock down certain mobile phone features, making them unavailable to users.
Norton Mobile Security for Smartphones will cost US$49.95. Symantec Mobile Security 5.0 will be priced at $79.95. Symantec will ship a similar 5.0 update to Symbian smartphone software in about six months, a company spokesman said.
