Sophos launches virtual security appliance

Sophos has launched a virtual appliance that will match up with VMware environments.

The Virtual Email Security Appliance will form part of the Sophos Email Security and Data Protection product line, and will bring the technology of the company's hardware into the virtual space.

"Businesses are saving considerable time and effort virtualising parts of their data centres but have been traditionally faced with limited options for comprehensive email security," said Chris Kraft, vice president of product management at Sophos.

"We believe the Sophos Virtual Email Appliance provides organisations with the most complete option for email security, providing reliable protection against all forms of spam and malware while also addressing the latest demands in safeguarding data through our patent-pending SPX encryption and DLP capabilities."

The appliance is sold on a per user subscription licence and includes updates as well as constant technical support. Effectively, the pricing structure is the same as the physical appliance, just without the hardware cost.

Businesses will be able to benefit from a host of features if they sign up, including the Behavioral Genotype technology that can detect zero-day threats

Sender Genotype and cloud-based anti-spam technology included in the appliance can block over 99 per cent of spam, Sophos said.

Sophos has also focused on simplicity with the virtual appliance, offering a "3-clicks-to-anywhere" interface. The product is completely interoperable with other Sophos' hardware appliances and security products.

Earlier this week, Sophos Mobile Control was launched, bringing lightweight security and device control to devices such as the iPhone and iPad as well as Windows Mobile and Android systems.