eScan 2003 from MicroWorld Technologies offers a host of features that are designed to provide a one-stop shop for your security needs, and as such is far more than just an anti-virus scanner.
Unfortunately, installation of the software proved to be the most troublesome of all reviewed here. In fact, our first attempt failed, and we could not reboot the server. Instead, we had to boot into safe mode and uninstall the software before starting again. It loaded with no problems on the second attempt on a different server.
One of the better aspects of the install procedure is that it downloads the latest virus signatures during the process. While this ensures your server is protected from the start, it also resulted in the install being by far the longest out of all the products on review.
Security modules include pop-up stoppers, internet surfing blocks (invaluable if you want to control site access for your employees) and real-time email scanning.
The management console, known as eServ, is where the power lies. Like most of the products on review, it allows you to perform common management tasks such as install and distribution of upgrades and new virus signatures to all the nodes on the network. It also allows you to set up a central server that all the other network clients will download updates from, rather than allowing each machine to access the internet individually.
While the interface may not be to everyone's taste, it does what it says on the tin and is easy to find your way around. Its virus checking takes place on the WinSock layer using a technology the company calls MicroWorld WinSock Layer.
Other security features include the ability to block files on a users' machine so that they will be unable to open or modify them. Given the recent move towards more tightly controlled access and dissemination of corporate data, this functionality has the potential to become a useful tool for large corporates. However, it could also prove difficult and time-consuming to set up and maintain.
