Cbeyond (News - Alert), a company that specializes in Internet Protocol (IP)-based managed services, recently introduced its new Secure Desktop offering, an integrated antivirus and anti-spyware solution for computers running Windows.

 

Secure Desktop is designed specifically to meet the needs of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the company said.

 

The product uses a combination of antivirus definitions, anti-spyware tools, and a firewall to keep PCs protected from online threats. Delivered as a service, the solutions includes automatic updates to keep up with the latest threats without adding to the workload of IT staff.

 

“Malicious content is a severe threat that small businesses frequently face,” said Paul Gies, senior director of products for Cbeyond, in a statement. “Secure Desktop provides small businesses with a reliable and cost-effective solution for shielding networks from attacks, allowing companies to focus on growing their business, not ongoing security and maintenance.”

 

Cbeyond’s managed services are use by more than 36,000 SMBs in the U.S. The company’s portfolio includes local and long distance voice, broadband Internet, BlackBerry (News - Alert) applications, Web hosting, fax-to-email, and virtual private networks (VPNs). These services are delivered using Cbeyond’s private Voice over IP (VoIP) network.

 

The new security service lets SMB owners monitor their PCs by logging into a CbeyondOnline account, where all subscriptions can be managed. Subscriptions can be transferred from one computer to another when a user upgrades equipment.

 

Myra Hager, director of information technology at ABC Compounding, had good things to say about Cbeyond’s services.

 

“Unlike previous communications providers I’ve worked with, Cbeyond understands our business needs and how to provide real value by offering the the tools we need to protect our networks and to compete in today’s highly-charged business environment,” Hager said in a statement.  

 

Hager added: “Secure Desktop is easily manageable. I not only know my PCs are protected, but CbeyondOnline allows me to check the security status of all my computers from one location rather than having to individually look at each PC.”