Websense Secures SMBs

SAN DIEGO -- Websense, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBSN) today launched a new solution, Websense® Express, priced and optimized for mid-sized organizations, as well as new resources tailored for customers and the channel partners who advise them. As a result, mid-sized organizations now have access to intelligent, yet easy to deploy software, backed by Websense’s comprehensive ThreatSeeker™ technology, designed to manage business Internet use – protecting organizations from emerging Web security threats while bolstering network bandwidth and productivity.

Websense’s move to secure mid-size organizations is part of a corporate strategy to provide its enterprise-class Web security and content filtering solutions to previously underserved organizations. Websense Express delivers protection – within minutes of installation -- designed for organizations that have fewer than 1,000 Internet users[1][1]. North American channel partners can offer their customers the choice of a software-only solution or Websense Express pre-installed on an appliance.

Mid-sized companies face unique security and resource challenges that leave them vulnerable to Internet threats. According to analyst firm Yankee Group, many mid-sized organizations are struggling with the security basics, while threats have become more sophisticated, launching attacks such as identity and data theft.[2][2] Counting on existing anti-virus and firewalls for protection has given organizations a false sense of security which, along with limited staffing resources and information technology (IT) budgets, has increased mid-sized companies’ exposure to malicious Web sites, spyware and other Internet threats that can cause data loss.

Additionally, as more dynamic and media-rich content is served over the Web, unmanaged Internet access can distract employees with non-work related activities. Access to bandwidth-intensive Web sites, including those with streaming video, online music and peer-to-peer file sharing, can hamper networks with limited bandwidth. These sites are also attractive locations for hackers to host malicious software that targets unsuspecting, unprotected users and organizations.

“Mid-size organizations face the same operational and security challenges as larger enterprises, but they have fewer resources at their disposal,” said Leo Cole, vice president of marketing, Websense. “Websense is bringing these customers intelligent Internet protection available exclusively through their trusted channel partners and distributors. With this new software, Websense is protecting mid-sized customers from data loss caused by Web-based security threats and business-draining activities caused by unfettered Internet access. Availability in multiple languages, new channel enablement and training programs and enhanced customer experience through a new support portal will all drive the global appeal of the Websense Express solution.”

Websense Inc. (Nasdaq: WBSN)