Symantec Releases Software Virtualization and Streaming for Windows Vista: Altiris Software Virtualization Solution now helps deliver efficient application deployment, compatibility and management for Windows Vista

Symantec (Nasdaq: SYMC) announced the release of a significant update to Altiris Software Virtualization Solution (SVS) to help optimize software management. This new release includes notable application virtualization enhancements, including Windows Vista support, and the addition of integrated application streaming. Symantec has partnered with AppStream, a pioneer and leading provider of application streaming, to provide innovative, on-demand delivery of virtualized applications.

According to Gartner research, “Application virtualization combines well with streaming technology.” Moreover, “Because of the obvious benefits of combining these two technologies, application virtualization is regarded by some users as synonymous with application streaming. The two technologies will eventually become inseparable.”*

Steve Morton, Symantec VP of product marketing and strategy, Altiris business unit, said, “Altiris Software Virtualization Solution tackles some of the most significant software ownership challenges by making possible what used to be impossible. New to this version, SVS now simplifies application compatibility and on-demand computing. The roll out of Windows Vista creates an excellent opportunity for IT organizations to take control of their computing environment, drive down costs and improve service levels.”

With these significant enhancements, Symantec gives customers the flexibility to install and run applications according to their unique requirements. Morton continued, “Now organizations can choose the software delivery model that works best for them and manage with confidence.”

Altiris SVS is easy to use, eliminates conflicts between applications, keeps the base Windows installation pristine and provides efficient and flexible application streaming to meet business demands as needed. SVS now offers a unique combination of benefits including:

• increased control of software environments
• more efficient service 
• reduced testing cycles and help desk costs 
• improved user experience through conflict-free software operations 
• true on-demand application delivery and software repair 
• the flexibility to quickly move users and applications between computers 
• reduced software license costs
  

“Businesses have struggled with the cost of maintaining individual configurations on dozens, hundreds or thousands of desktop PCs,” says Prasad Rampalli, vice president, Intel Digital Enterprise Group, and director, End-User Platform Integration. “Application streaming and virtualization combined with Intel® vPRO™ processor technology is perhaps the biggest leap forward in making the business PC more secure and affordable to own. With this innovation, applications and updates can be quickly deployed to notebook and desktop PCs while at the same time minimizing the risk of conflicts.”

Availability
Altiris Software Virtualization Solution 2.1 is now available through Altiris direct sales, VARs, system integrators and select OEM partners and is offered starting at an MSRP of $29 per node. Software Virtualization Solution Professional (includes streaming) is also now available and is offered starting at an MSRP of $55 per node. SVS is also available as a component of Altiris Total Management Suite™ and Altiris Client Management Suite™ Level 2. Visit the vibrant SVS user community at www.altiris.com/juice/svs for user and analyst testimonials, tips and tricks, a support forum, utilities and sample virtual software packages. The SVS 2.1 free for personal use license will be available soon from www.download.com, www.pcmagazine.com, www.softpedia.com, www.svsdownloads.com, and www.tucows.com.

About Symantec
Symantec is a global leader in infrastructure software, enabling businesses and consumers to have confidence in a connected world. The company helps customers protect their infrastructure, information and interactions by delivering software and services that address risks to security, availability, compliance and performance. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has operations in 40 countries. More information is available at www.symantec.com

* Gartner, “Application Streaming Will Not Make Server-Based Computing Obsolete,” Mark A. Margevicius and Brian Gammage, June 15, 2006.