by Sharon Cullars

Created on: June 01, 2009   Last Updated: June 21, 2011

With the increasing proliferation of newer, more sophisticated computer viruses and spyware, standard firewalls and ordinary security applications are no match in providing protection for today's critical business data. Whether you're a security specialist for a large corporation or a smaller to mid-sized company, you know that data security is a vital component to IT operations. A viable defense solution must provide multi-layered protection that not only blocks and removes blended threats from gateways but creates endpoint security for servers, as well.

When considering endpoint security software, you should compare solutions based on the following criteria: ease of installation and use; scalability; cost; performance; customer support; and, of course, data security. Three of the most prominent solutions on today's market are Symantec Endpoint Protection 11.0, CA's Total Defense Solution and McAfee's Total Protection for Endpoint Solution, each which maintains it offers a protection suite that not only provides security but adds value to your overall system. Below is a point-by-point comparison of each suite:

Symantec Endpoint Protection 11.0:

Symantec is a premier name in data protection and has introduced a security suite that PC Magazine calls "the most comprehensive centrally managed endpoint security solution for businesses." PC Magazine even awarded the suite its Editors Choice award. Symantec Endpoint Protection 11.0 also received the 2008 Business Computing Excellence in Technology Award for Network Security. So why the accolades? First, the 11.0 suite blends its endpoint security with a messaging security and backup/recovery system that integrates seamlessly with most systems. The suite includes a wizard for simple installation and deployment, which cuts down on IT headaches and glitches. It also includes a host-based intrusion protection system that prevents zero-day attacks through TruScan proactive threat scanning and desktop lockdown so only authorized applications can run. A very effective anti-malware and antispyware combo, in addition to a network IPS rounds out the package to make it one of the most comprehensive protection suites out there. The package's major downfall - and there always is one - is that it only works with Windows and its remote management requires IE. When testing 11.0's multiple features, PC Magazine found that the suite held up to the hype, even blocking six out of six unauthorized HTTP downloads as well as a planted

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