Sophos Anti-Virus Enters Chinese Market

Certification from Ministry of Public Security enables Sophos to deliver anti-virus protection to Chinese businesses

Sophos, a world leader in anti-virus protection for businesses, announced today that its award-winning anti-virus software has been certified for use in Mainland China. Issued by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, the certification enables Sophos to market and distribute its anti-virus solutions for Microsoft Windows platforms. Sophos’s partner in China, Data World Computer & Communications Ltd, will be responsible for these activities.

“The expansion into Mainland China is a key step in our aggressive campaign to increase our market share worldwide,” said Dr Jan Hruska, joint founder and CEO of Sophos Anti-Virus. “The potential demand for anti-virus protection in China is overwhelming. Participation in this strategic market will help us grow our business well in excess of the natural growth of the anti-virus market.”

According to a survey conducted by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security in October 2002, 84 percent of respondents stated that their computers had suffered a virus attack, up from 74 percent in 2001. The survey also revealed that 64 percent of respondents had lost data as a result of a virus. The survey, carried out by the Ministry’s National Computer Virus Emergency Response Centre, had analysed the data of more than 6,000 respondents.

“Sophos can now assist these companies in protecting their systems against computer viruses,” said Charles Cousins, managing director of Sophos Anti-Virus Asia. “With Sophos’s superior anti-virus technology and Data World’s local expertise, we are confident that corporations, government and educational institutions will benefit greatly from this partnership.”

Reports from IDC, a world-leading provider of industry analysis, state the Chinese software market is worth $6 billion (US), of which security software accounts for 34 percent. IDC added that several factors drive this market, such as greater awareness of security needs, upcoming e-government projects and increased demand of mid-range business market.

“Sophos Anti-Virus is a preferred choice for many organisations around the world,” stated K K Ho, executive director of Data World. “We welcome the opportunity to offer Sophos products to businesses in China through our channel partners located in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Dongguan. We are confident that Sophos Anti-Virus will exceed the expectations of companies in China.”

Sophos Anti-Virus provides cross-platform protection in a single, fully integrated product. Its network-centric design provides a single point of installation, updating and policy control across a complete enterprise – including across multiple locations and across combinations of servers, workstations and notebook computers. The company has built its reputation from a strong and loyal global customer base. More than 60 percent of the company’s worldwide turnover now comes from outside the UK.

About Sophos:
Sophos is one of the world’s largest specialist developers of anti-virus software. Headquartered in the UK, its products are sold and supported through a global network of subsidiaries and partners in more than 150 countries. Sophos solutions are specifically designed to protect businesses and organisations from virus attack. The company’s products are widely deployed by large corporations, banks and governments. For further information, please visit www.sophos.com