Google unveils Web Security for corporations
Update at 8:15 a.m.: The verb tense has been changed to reflect the announcement's release, and a link has been added.
Google announced Thursday its Web Security for Enterprise, which is designed to protect corporate Web surfers from viruses, spyware, and malicious Web sites. It also extends the protection to remote workers if needed.
In addition to real-time malware protection and URL-filtering, the product also offers reporting and policy enforcement features. It's basically a re-branded and more affordable version of a product from Postini, a company that Google acquired last year, a Google representative said.
With Web Security, companies have the option of adding protection for off-network employees who may be working in places such as hotels or airports, without requiring them to sign on to their secure corporate network.
The product uses technology from ScanSafe and is accessible from the same administration console used for security and compliance services for Google Apps.
The service costs $36 per user per year, and an additional $12 per year per mobile user covered.
Google is using its Postini acquisition to offer a host of security services aimed at corporations, even non-Google communications services, as part of its larger effort to promote hosted apps and cloud computing and push deeper into the enterprise space.
Elinor Mills covers Internet security and privacy. She joined CNET News in 2005 after working as a foreign correspondent for Reuters in Portugal and writing for The Industry Standard, the IDG News Service, and the Associated Press. E-mail Elinor.
