CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 17, 2005--The complexity
of malicious code infiltrating corporate networks has rendered simple
security tools such as antivirus, antispyware, and perimeter defenses
as inadequate security solutions. Today, companies need security
solutions that are more than standalone lines of defense. Using its
Wave(TM) methodology, Forrester Research (Nasdaq: FORR) examined the
evolving client security suite market to see how vendors stacked up
against each other. McAfee emerged as the current market leader.
"Antivirus and perimeter defenses alone no longer provide adequate
defense against malicious code, particularly as the workforce becomes
increasingly mobile," says analyst Natalie Lambert. "We expect the
market to shift quickly towards client security suites as leading
vendors enhance functionality across key areas."
The vendors Forrester evaluated all fit established criteria:
revenue exceeding $500 million, a suite encompassing solutions that
provide protection against known threats, and a central management
feature for all product functionality.
Client security suites integrate the following components:
antivirus, antispyware, personal firewall, and Host IPS (HIPS). The
Wave consisted of a combination of hands-on lab evaluations, vendor
surveys and product demos. Using 170 criteria, vendors were grouped
according to current offering, strategy, and market presence.
Due to the evolving nature of the market, Forrester found that
each of the vendors were in different stages of building out their
suites. To address the differing strengths of the vendors, Forrester
developed a Wave for each of the most important features today:
security tools for today's known threats, unified product architecture
and manageability, and breadth of client security suite. Overall,
Forrester found that McAfee ranked as a leader in each category.
-- McAfee has the most comprehensive security suite. Its full
portfolio, robust management features, and strong architecture
make it a great fit for companies looking for a client
security solution. It is the only suite with full HIPS
functionality, although it isn't yet fully integrated.
-- Symantec offers strong spyware detection, manageability, and
robust management features. The console and all alerts,
errors, and notification messages are customizable to the
needs of the organization. While special weight was placed on
services that had HIPS in their portfolio, Symantec offers
limited HIPS functionality in a fully integrated suite.
-- Trend Micro excels in unified architecture. The Web-based
management console allows administrators the ability to manage
the product remotely.
-- Computer Associates offers the best protection against known
threats. However, it lacks many key features, including the
ability to customize how different categories of spyware are
handled.
Details on the vendor ratings are included in the research, " The
Forrester Wave(TM): Client Security Suites, Q2 2005," and is available
to Forrester WholeView2(TM) clients at www.forrester.com.
The Forrester Wave Methodology
The Forrester Wave methodology is open, rigorous, and unbiased.
Forrester starts with an open criteria review process, verifies
findings against customer interviews, and checks facts with vendors.
This research is performed without sponsorship to help user companies
make better vendor selections. Forrester does not charge vendors in
any way to participate in a Forrester Wave.
About Forrester
Forrester Research (Nasdaq: FORR) is an independent technology and
market research company that provides pragmatic and forward-thinking
advice about technology's impact on business and consumers. For 22
years, Forrester has been a thought leader and trusted advisor,
helping global clients lead in their markets through its research,
consulting, and peer-to-peer executive programs. For more information,
visit www.forrester.com.
CONTACT: Forrester Research, Inc.
Kristen Wilson, 617/613-6205
Manager, Public Relations
press@forrester.com
SOURCE: Forrester Research, Inc.
