Symantec and Linksys are teaming up to provide a powerful security solution aimed at protecting networks from hackers, viruses, spyware and other Internet maladies.
The deal, announced this week, adds Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2006 to Linksys' entire line of wired and wireless routers, bundling anti-virus, parental control, privacy control, anti-spam and personal firewall software with existing hardware-based security features including stateful firewall and address filtering, according to a Linksys spokesperson.
Customers who purchase Linksys routers will receive a 60-day complimentary subscription to Symantec's protection updates and will have the option to purchase a 12-month renewal when the subscription expires, the spokesperson said.
Steve Palange, president of TLIC Worldwide, Wakefield, R.I., sees Symantec's decision to bundle its software with Linksys routers as a good strategy for tapping into the small business market. Symantec's resellers will have the added benefit of being able to offer customers additional Symantec products when the 60-day free subscription expires, he said.
"OEM is one of the best ways to reach this market other than direct via retail or online," Palange said.
