Trend Micro touts Worry-Free Business as web service

Trend Micro now offers a web-based version of Worry-Free Business Security

Trend Micro has unveiled a web-based version of its Worry-Free Business Security offering.

The new platform will allow enterprises of up to 2,500 users to configure and manage their security platform as a web-based service.

Like the on-premise version of Worry-Free Business, the web-based platform will combine internet and malware protection with USB and wireless security, and use the company's Smart Protection Network for vulnerability and malware protection updates.

The target audience for the web version of the platform will be small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that have to manage remote workers.

Greg Boyle, global product marketing manager at Trend Micro, told V3.co.uk that many SMEs rely on preinstalled consumer security packages for remote workers, creating patchwork security protection and leaving businesses at risk.

"We are offering this because of the increasing proliferation [of remote workers] within the SME environment," he said.

"One of the complexities is the inability to control or manage those workers, and that can be a big loss to the business."

The company also expects the service to appeal to larger organisations looking to manage branch offices, and partnering companies seeking to offer managed IT security services for smaller firms.

However, one area where the service may not be practical is for companies already running the on-premise version of Worry-Free Business Security.

Boyle said that the service needs to be managed separately from the in-house version, and should be seen as a separate platform rather than a way to extend an existing deployment to remote workers.

"It is really designed as one or the other, rather than a complementary solution," he explained.