Symantec To Distribute EarthLink's Internet Software With Top-Selling Norton AntiVirus Software
Symantec's First Such Bundling Agreement Will Allow Users To Take advantage of EarthLink's Top-Rated Internet Access Service
PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 1997-- EarthLink Network Inc. (Nasdaq: ELNK - news) Tuesday announced an agreement with Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC - news) to bundle EarthLink Network's award-winning TotalAccess Internet access service with all retail copies of Symantec's Norton AntiVirus (NAV) 4.0, the newly released revision of the best-selling software title.
By offering customers the opportunity to sign up with EarthLink, Symantec offers its customers a one-stop solution for taking advantage of NAV's LiveUpdate technology. Purchasers simply sign up with EarthLink or use their existing Internet connection, and LiveUpdate will automatically update NAV's virus definitions via the Internet.
''This is a great opportunity for us to get our award-winning TotalAccess software into the hands of thousands of people,'' said Jason Fairchild, director of market development for EarthLink Network.
''Using EarthLink, Symantec's customers can quickly and reliably use LiveUpdate to make sure they've got the latest version of NAV working to protect their computers. And, they'll have instant access to the Internet through EarthLink.''
With a simple click of a button, LiveUpdate determines what version of NAV is installed on the computer, connects the user's computer to the Web and updates virus definitions and other components automatically.
But purchasers who sign up with EarthLink can do more than just take advantage of LiveUpdate. They also get the ease of use and features that prompted PC Magazine to name EarthLink its 1997 Editors' Choice for best Internet Service Provider (ISP).
''Symantec has a reputation for delivering cutting-edge technology and ease of use, and we work very hard to uphold that reputation,'' said Enrique Salem, chief technical officer and vice president of Symantec's Security and Assistance Business Unit.
''Now, people can get their Internet access and virus protection in one place, from two trusted industry leaders.''
According to numbers compiled by PC Data, NAV leads the anti-virus software market with 45 percent unit market share and earns 50 percent of the dollars spent nationwide on anti-virus software. NAV also consistently ranks as the top-selling Windows 95 business title, after Windows '95 OS.
As part of the agreement, EarthLink has offered 30 days of free Internet access and waived the normal $25 set-up fee to members who register for EarthLink using the NAV 4.0 CD-ROM.
In addition, EarthLink has included copies of Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser and tutorial documents that will help new members familiarize themselves with what is available from EarthLink, and help them get the most out of the Internet.
For more information about EarthLink and the array of different dial-up and dedicated-line Internet services it offers, call 800/395-8425, or visit earthlink.net .
About Norton AntiVirus
Norton AntiVirus 4.0 is the latest version of the industry's leading automatic comprehensive virus protection for Windows 95, Windows NT, Windows 3.1 and DOS workstations. It answers users' demands for a cost-effective, easy-to-use anti-virus solution that can be installed, set and forgotten.
NAV protects all possible entry points for viruses, including shared floppy disks, the Internet, e-mail attachments and networks. NAV 4.0 provides users with detection and repair of in-the-wild viruses.
In addition, users receive cutting-edge protection against unknown viruses through Symantec's Bloodhound technology. While most anti-virus scanners are only able to identify viruses that have been pre-analyzed by virus researchers, the Bloodhound system uses heuristic technology to analyze programs, detect unknown or new viruses and enable the user to repair the infected file immediately.
For more information on Norton AntiVirus 4.0 and its features and pricing, or for general information about Symantec, call 800/441-7234 or visit symantec.com .
About Symantec
Symantec Corp. helps make users productive and helps keep their computers safe and reliable anywhere and anytime. Symantec offers a broad range of solutions and is acclaimed as a leader in both customer satisfaction and product brand recognition.
The company is focused on addressing customer needs in three main application areas: the Norton product line of anti-virus and PC-assistance products; the pcANYWHERE, WinFax, and ACT! product lines that cater to remote user productivity; and the Cafe product lines in Internet development tools.
Founded in 1982, the company's global operations span North America, Europe, Japan, and several fast-growing markets throughout the Asia Pacific region and Latin America.
Symantec is based in Cupertino, Calif., and employs more than 2,000 people. Information on the company and its products can be obtained by calling 800/441-7234 toll free or 541/334-6054, or can be accessed on the World Wide Web at symantec.com .
About EarthLink Network
EarthLink Network is the world's largest independent consumer Internet service provider. Through a full range of innovative access and hosting services, the company makes the Internet relevant and productive to hundreds of thousands of individuals and businesses every day. With headquarters in Pasadena, EarthLink provides local access to thousands of communities from more than 1,115 POPs in North America and 42 internationally. Additional service and pricing information is available by calling 800/395-8425 and through EarthLink's Web site at earthlink.net . |
