Sophos Anti-Virus is a complete anti-virus solution with network functionality at its core. It was designed specifically for the corporate network and offers an easily updated, flexible business solution for managing the complexity of networks from small local area networks to large multi-server, multi-platform WANs. It is available for all popular desktop and network operating systems, protecting laptops, workstations and servers.

Updates and technical support are included with the purchase of a license. Technical support is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Sophos software has a heuristic capability built into its standard detection methods which allows it to detect some virus variants which have not yet been analysed by the Sophos labs. However, because Sophos intelligently tempers its heuristic capability with other virus-detection technology it is less likely than some competing products to cause false alarms.
Once a virus has been detected, the Sophos virus engine automatically disinfects macro and boot sector viruses. The software can also disinfect common executable viruses.

Sophos Anti-Virus incorporates patented InterCheck technology, which has been developed to optimise on-access virus detection in networked environments. It uses a combination of virus scanning and checksumming to minimise the number of times each file needs to be virus checked, without compromising security. This eliminates the deficiencies of many anti-virus solutions which impact on performance, compromise on detection or, more often, both. Sophos Anti-Virus's leading edge virus engine ensures 100% detection. The engine incorporates:

• a full code emulator
• an on-line decompressor
• an OLE2 engine for detecting and disinfecting macro viruses

When Sophos Anti-Virus detects a virus, it logs the incident and alerts the network manager. More importantly, it prevents the user from accessing the infected file: if auto-disinfection is enabled, it cleans the file which can then be used without risk, otherwise it prevents the file being loaded, opened or activated.


Sophos's unswerving focus on the anti-virus threat guarantees a rapid response to every new virus incident. Sophos Anti-Virus brings 100% virus protection across the entire network in both on-access and on-demand modes.

Centralised automation for single point control
Sophos Anti-Virus's unique approach allows centralised, network-wide installation, configuration and updating from a single machine. Virus incidents are automatically reported and centrally logged. Adding new servers and workstations is simple and straightforward. Pull and push technologies ensure low network load operation without user intervention.

Unrivalled, leading-edge architecture
Through its Intelligent File Recognition, Sophos Anti-Virus's architecture determines which files need to be virus checked by the Sophos virus detection engine, even if they are embedded in other files. Fast scanning speeds, combined with maximum user transparency and minimal performance overheads are not affected by the growing number of viruses.

Effective system resourcing
Sophos Anti-Virus performs incremental updating, downloading only files which have changed since the previous version. In addition Sophos virus identity files are quick and easy to download and have minimum impact on bandwidth when they are deployed over the network.

24-hour virus expertise
Sophos Anti-Virus is backed up by 24-hour telephone support, 365 days per year, giving direct access to qualified technical staff and virus experts.

Simple, flexible licensing
Sophos Anti-Virus licences include protection for servers, workstations and portables, ensuring that there are no hidden extra costs.

Constant update
Continuous updates are available for new viruses detected in the wild and can be downloaded automatically using Enterprise Manager. In addition, full monthly updates are available for download and are also sent on CD to all customers at the beginning of each month.

Sophos Anti-Virus incorporates a range of management features to support network administrators. This management capability is centrally installed as part of the initial setup.
The management core provides rapid, controlled installation across the network and automated update of all machines from a single point. All virus incidents anywhere on the network are centrally logged and Sophos Anti-Virus allows centralised reporting and messaging to the administrator, individuals and groups.

Additional sophisticated tools including Enterprise Manager and SAVAdmin allow remote installation, remote update and web download of Sophos Anti-Virus.

User comments

"We like the way Sophos supports our needs and has integrated the changes which we have required into its product."
(François Jolivet, Security Expert, Société Générale)

"I enjoy the fact that I don't have to worry or even think about anti-virus issues most of the time - Sophos's solution is so effective and easy to manage."
(Katie Held, Senior Network Specialist, Great Lakes Gas Transmission Company)

"As a small but expanding organisation, we need to minimise risks from virus infection yet operate a user-friendly and efficient system. Sophos offers the perfect solution."
(Stuart Hancock, Director of Finance, Gofal Cymru)

"An important part of that was the ability to effectively protect our data against virus infection. Viruses have a severe effect on thousands of businesses both in terms of financial loss and damaged credibility - we are determined not to become one of them."
(Nigel Spain, Technology Services Manager, Specsavers Opticians)

"We had to have a product with good technical support that we could deploy and update easily and efficiently. Sophos combines those three critical elements of quality of product, technical support and ease of distribution, which is why we've extended the agreement in the UK, and are encouraging our global operations to consider Sophos solutions as well."
(David McRoberts, Norwich Union's UK IT Security Manager)

"We were looking for an anti-virus solution capable of addressing all our security needs. Sophos not only provides unrivalled detection rates but can also deliver rapid protection against the latest threats. This combines with a high level of service and ease of management to create a superb package."
(David Mossop, Technical Systems Manager, Eddie Stobart Ltd.)

"The combination of robust, efficient virus detection and ease of use made Sophos the obvious choice. Computer viruses are a concern for any network administrator, which is why it's vital to use a solution you can trust."
(Akram Siddiqui, Senior Technical Support Officer, Lahore University of Managed Sciences)

"As a financial organisation the data we have on our systems is crucial to our success. It is imperative that we are able to maintain accurate records and statistics, and also that we communicate efficiently with business associates and clients. We rely on Sophos to ensure our operations are not compromised by virus attack."
(Andy McHattie, IT Contract Services, AMP)

"Keeping anti-virus protection within the district up to date is vital - and updating Sophos's solution over our large, distributed network has always proved straightforward."
(Carl Welch, Anti-Virus Expert, Harrison School District Two)

"We want to spend our time growing our business, not worrying about the security of our IT systems. After careful consideration of the solutions available we chose Sophos - not just for the product - but for the 24 hour/365 days a year customer support. Any virus related questions we have, we can trust Sophos to provide the answer."
(Mike Pedley, IT Support Manager, Ann Summers)

"Many things set Sophos apart from its competitors, but for a business customer with a complex network, ease of use and support are critical components and Sophos technical support is second to none."
(Simon Thompson, IT Manager, Petro Fuel)

"Sophos Anti-Virus has proved robust on all our different platforms - when we first ran it on a Novell server, we found viruses that our previous software had completely missed."
(Paul Jacka, IT Security Officer, Cornwall IT Service)

"Using SAV Interface has added value to our innovative service, allowing us to protect many government networks from virus infection."
(Ryan Pereira, Project Manager, Aspect Computing Pty Ltd)

"The nature of our work, collecting data from a huge number of sources, means we place heavy reliance on the integrity of our anti-virus software."
(John Balcon, IT Support Manager, Groundwork)

"KPMG decided upon Sophos Anti-Virus as its internet mail virus protection software of choice because Sophos Anti-Virus integrates seamlessly with our email systems. Its performance ensures that it provides top level protection, without impacting on email delivery times."
(Stephen Pike, Senior Manager of Global Vendor Management, KPMG)

"We chose Sophos Anti-Virus because of its management strengths, its technical excellence and, in particular, its low resource usage."
(Sue Murray, The InTACT Group, Australian Capital Territory)

"We use Sophos Anti-Virus because it's a good solution for the corporate network. Data integrity is crucial to our retail operations and so we demand best of breed levels of protection, particularly against viruses. It's not just the superior software, but also the technical support which has constantly surpassed our expectations. We know we can always rely on Sophos."
(Steve Jones, Information Security Manager, Marks & Spencer)

"As a high profile telecoms company the threat of virus infection and its subsequent impact on our business is of obvious concern to us. Sophos Anti-Virus significantly minimises the risks."
(Rob Morgan, Office Infrastructure Systems Manager, Orange UK)

"After an initial evaluation process, Sophos Anti-Virus proved itself to be the product best suited to our needs. We cannot run the risk of infection; the Sophos solution has continued to provide the reliability, protection and superior level of support that we require."
(David Peel, Head of Service Delivery, Alliance & Leicester)

"Sophos Anti-Virus is recognised as one of the world's leading anti-virus companies and this selection provides us with a high quality, dependable product backed by an excellent support package."
(Paul Hemsley, IT Purchasing Consultant, Norwich Union)

"Through SAV Interface we have a high-speed response to Clearswift customers' need for rapid virus scanning of high-volume email traffic."
(Keith Vallance, Product Director, Clearswift)

"Working with Sophos is how all business transactions should be."
(Debby Quayle, Director, Help Desk Technical Support Services and E-mail Administration, Hamilton College)

"Sophos Anti-Virus allows us to offer our pupils the freedom to learn using the Birmingham Grid for Learning while protecting them from the real dangers of the virus threat."
(Daljit Kumar, ICT Services Officer, EDIT, Birmingham LEA)

"Our use of taxpayers' money is open to constant public scrutiny. We chose Sophos Anti-Virus to safeguard our data because it offers cost-effective protection with maximum functionality."
(Chris Tinsley, Security Officer, Wiltshire County Council)

"We looked at a number of solutions in deciding to integrate with an anti-virus product and had no hesitation in choosing Sophos Anti-Virus."
(Alan Barrett, CEO, Cequrux Technologies)

"Being able to update quickly from a central area is of paramount importance to us in order to keep the manufacturing and back-up operations secure. Sophos Anti-Virus meets this need excellently."
(Mark Norfolk, IT Risk Manager, Interbrew UK)

"Excellent software has to be matched by excellent support from the vendor and in Sophos we have found both. Sophos provides us with the software we need, keeps us informed and is available for help every hour of every day."
(David Phillips, IT Facilitator, Technology Faculty, The Open University)

"The technical superiority of Sophos Anti-Virus combined with the company's flexibility, made Sophos the clear choice as our first preferred partner. Sophos provides the quality and expertise which complement our high standards."
(Tony Roadnight, Product Manager, NEXOR)