Sophos delivers security in the cloud

One of the common targets for negativity about the cloud are established software companies adding the tag 'cloud enabled' to their products with little or no justification. But sometimes the idea of producing a cloud enabled implementation of an estalished technology solution, especially if it is making a security solution available as a cloud delivered service, looks like it could well hit the sweet spot of matching a technology capability to a market need.

That could be what Sophos might achieve with its newstrategy to deliver cloud-managed security solutions that are aimed at organisations seeking a simpler approach to IT security. Known as Sophos Cloud, this first version is designed to be an easy to use security service that provides essential protection for advanced threats. It provides protection at the endpoint.

Claimed to be easy to deploy and simple to manage, Sophos Cloud gives existing Sophos partners and IT managers at enterprises of all sizes the ability to manage and maintain endpoint security to protect all users, regardless of physical location, via the cloud-based service.

This is the first step in the company’s strategy of cloud-enabling its entire portfolio. In addition, Sophos will continue to innovate and extend its ‘on-prem’ security software, providing IT professionals choice in how to best manage IT security in their environment.  The company has traditionally been best known as a security tools provider for the larger enterprises. But this cloud offering opens up the possibility for small businesses and individual professionals to have enterprise level security for their operations, without the cost or requirements in technical expertise needed to set such a system up.

“Sophos Cloud is the answer to the constant struggle IT teams face in protecting and securing their enterprises.

“IT teams may be as small as a single person, but the constant threats and challenges they face could overwhelm an army,” said Sophos CEO, Kris Hagerman. “Sophos Cloud will be one of our key strategic priorities as we execute on our vision of being the best in the world at delivering IT security to small and mid-market enterprises and organisations of any size looking to simplify their IT security operations.”

With the management console hosted by Sophos Cloud, there is no server set up and the service can be deployed instantly. Sophos claims it can deliver all the essential endpoint protection a company needs without any of the complexity traditionally associated with security management.

According to Charles Kolodgy, Research Vice President for IDC, small and medium businesses are especially challenged regarding IT security because they need to meet security best practices yet are resource constrained. “Sophos Cloud is a welcome addition.  Its features can remove some of the complexity tied to security management thus allowing small and mid-market businesses to improve security without taxing their resources.”

The service, which is also consistent with Sophos’ ongoing focus and commitment to be a `Channel First’ company, is currently available for a 30-day trial here.