Kaspersky responds to Microsoft Security Essentials with update for SMBs

Antivirus vendor ignores Microsoft Security Essentials, updates suite targeting SMBs.

Microsoft introduced its free Security Essentials antivirus software to Windows users late last month in a move that was bound to turn some heads among antivirus vendors with most of their eggs in the consumer basket. Symantec is well diversified, but the vendor still commissioned its own report, finding that its Norton Antivirus beat MSE on overall accuracy and protection.

Kaspersky is one such antivirus vendor rooted in the consumer market that is trying to strengthen its presence among enterprises. The security vendor ignoring the MSE hype, instead rolling out the next version of its Kaspersky Open Space Security (KOSS). The suite includes an administrative console and antivirus software for Windows workstations and file servers.

The Administration Kit is aimed at small and mid-sized businesses. It has a wizard-based installation. The console provides policy-based administration and continuous monitoring. Administrators can deploy Kaspersky antivirus and set policy for groups or individuals as well as respond to problems. It supports device management for up to 10,000 nodes.

Russia-based Kaspersky competes against Symantec, McAfee, Trend Micro and others. The company is strong in Russia and Eastern Europe and company CEO Eugene Kaspersky himself has a strong following in China. Greg Sabey, of Kaspersky Lab technology public relations said the vendor was excited about opportunities it saw in Latin America and Brazil.

An independent analysis by the Burton Group described Kaspersky Lab as having some of the strongest antimalware protection functionality around. The Burton Group cautioned though that companies should closely evaluate whether the vendor could meet support needs. Kaspersky is a small company and its focus has been on consumer and OEM channels. Enterprises may be better off using portions of the Kaspersky suite or deploying it in a remote office, rather than in an enterprise-wide deployment.

Kaspersky points out in their press release that customers get support from “U.S-based technicians” and the average time to answer a call is less than five minutes.

As for MSE, we’ll be keeping an eye on how the free Microsoft tools shake up or fail to shake up the antivirus market.