Cloud-based security solutions specialist Panda Security announced the launch of version 5.5 of Panda Cloud Office Protection, its cloud-based endpoint security service for small and midsize businesses that can be managed remotely through its Web console. In its latest release, Cloud Office Protection now incorporates tools that allow IT administrators’ full remote access and desktop sharing capabilities, which are designed to enable more efficient security protection to better address the challenge posed by the increasingly distributed nature of SMB organizations and their workforces.
Supported remote access tools include TeamViewer, UltraVNC, TightVNC, RealVNC and LogMeln. Integration with these tools enables remote access to any computer with Cloud Office Protection and a supported remote access tool installed. With one click, administrators can access computers for troubleshooting or installation purposes. The new version is now available through channel partners and the company’s Website. Current partners and clients will be automatically updated to the new version free of charge.
“Panda Cloud Office Protection was specially designed to address the huge strain put on SMBs with distributed networks and workforces, and with today’s announcement, IT administrators can now save even more valuable time thanks to the solution’s unmatched remote access capabilities to seamlessly manage distributed endpoints from our Web console,” said Rick Carlson, president of Panda Security USA. “Under the traditional client-server model, on the other hand, SMBs need to perpetually invest in more security servers, as well as the human resources required to manage protection, as their businesses and networks expand. That’s simply not scalable.”
Cloud Office Protection’s infrastructure is fully hosted in the cloud, and Panda’s endpoint security service can be installed remotely, either through a distribution tool or email, and managed from anywhere through its Web console, without requiring the installation of a remote access add-on. The solution also offers group policies for advanced configuration of protection levels, malware and threat reports and a unified, centralized quarantine.
The updated version also integrates with the recently launched Panda Cloud Partner Center, a Web console for channel partners and service providers to centrally manage clients’ security and lifecycle (from trial, to purchase, to renewal). Carlson said these monitoring features could also allow channel partners to increase sales opportunities and revenue by identifying unprotected clients, workstations and servers.