iolo technologies today announced the release of its new Internet security solutions: iolo AntiVirus™ and iolo Personal Firewall™. iolo AntiVirus defends against viruses, worms, and other infections through real-time detection, integrated email scanning, and scheduled inspections. iolo Personal Firewall blocks hackers and identity thieves from getting in and stops malicious programs from sending private information out. Both iolo AntiVirus and iolo Personal Firewall are compatible with the new Windows® Vista® operating system and scheduled to arrive at stores in mid to late January.
Rather than licensing third-party products as in the past, iolo decided to use its own extensive security experience to design iolo AntiVirus and iolo Personal Firewall internally. These solutions use technology developed exclusively by iolo’s engineering staff, and they capitalize on a proven expertise in creating innovative software products for Windows-based PCs. iolo AntiVirus (West Coast Labs-certified) and iolo Personal Firewall (pending similar certification) provide a complete solution to PC protection, with a robust feature set and several noteworthy innovations:
- Proprietary IntelliDefense™ technology that takes out the guesswork by automatically deciding which programs should connect to the Internet. IntelliDefense analyzes programs attempting communication and evaluates their threat levels using a database of known heuristic patterns. The firewall then uses this information to decide how to process the communication.
- Integrated email protection that works transparently in the background, automatically scanning and disinfecting messages as they are transmitted. Infections are detected and removed before they can do any damage.
- Real-time protection that runs continuously behind the scenes, with a minimal usage of system resources. Rather than relying on post-infection scanning, this technology prevents infections from occurring in the first place.
- The elimination of complicated configurations normally associated with security products, with friendly user interfaces, guided setup wizards, minimal user prompts, preset security levels, simple one-click features, and automated decision-making.
When asked about the move to developing security software in-house, iolo’s Director of Development, Dennis Bottrell said: “Our research has shown that customers want a solution comprised of pure iolo products. It was a mix of consumer demand and our proven approach to PC maintenance and protection that led us to take this logical step and produce our own security offerings.”
In addition to selling as standalone products, iolo AntiVirus and iolo Personal Firewall replace the previously bundled third party software included in the System Mechanic Professional suite. System Mechanic 7 Professional provides total system protection, repair, maintenance, and optimization by incorporating five complete iolo products into one integrated package: iolo AntiVirus and iolo Personal Firewall, plus System Mechanic 7, Search and Recover 4, and DriveScrubber 3. Each component of the Professional suite has new and enhanced features — all engineered and designed from the ground up by iolo and all compatible with the new Windows Vista operating system.
Pricing and Licensing
iolo AntiVirus retails for $39.95 for one year of service, which includes virus definitions and product updates; annual renewal subscriptions are $19.95. iolo Personal Firewall retails for $39.95 for one year of service, which includes product and security updates; annual renewal subscriptions are $19.95. Both products are compatible with Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP, and Vista and can be used on up to 3 PCs, allowing consumers to protect all of their home PCs and laptops.
About iolo technologies
iolo technologies, a privately held firm located in Los Angeles, produces award-winning utility software that optimizes and protects computers running Windows. The company and its products are recognized worldwide for providing comprehensive and effective solutions that meet a wide range of PC needs. The iolo product line includes System Mechanic® and System Mechanic Professional®, a comprehensive suite of PC optimization and security tools; iolo AntiVirus™ and iolo Personal Firewall™, software for Internet security; Search and Recover™, a powerful data recovery program; and DriveScrubber®, a utility that deletes data permanently, beyond all ability to recover it. iolo products are carried in over 14,500 retail storefronts and are also available from all major e-tailers, by mail order, and from a multitude of distributors and resellers in the U.S. and abroad.
