Sophos Undercuts Rivals With Free Data-Loss Prevention Software

Although still in its infancy, data loss prevention software is becoming increasingly important for companies who wish to protect the accidental and intentional release of sensitive information. To assist, Sophos introduced free programs that will prevent sensitive data from getting outside of corporate firewalls. In a move that will take on products sold by competitors Symantec and McAfee, Sophos plans to offer its data-loss prevention program for no charge to customers who purchase the company's anti-virus programs.
Sophos, the world's biggest privately held maker of security software, hopes to boost sales of its anti-virus software for both business and personal computers with the offering. Jefferies and Co analyst Katherine Egbert believes the company could be on the right track to taking sales away from Symantec and McAfee, at least initially. "People might want to try something for free before they buy a paid product," she said.

This is the second free incentive program Sophos has launched in the last month. In September, the company formed a partnership with HP to distribute its antivirus software with HP's high-end Integrity server.