Webroot Software broke into security SAAS (software as a service) when it merged with Email Systems in November 2007, and now the company is looking to extend that same SAAS approach to the world of Web security as it targets the midmarket.
Specific plans include expanding from e-mail security into full-fledged Web security during the next 60 days, Webroot CEO Peter Watkins said. That includes diversion of Web surfing to the company’s data center, where Webroot will scan Web pages for viruses, spyware, phishing and URL filtering, he said.
When it comes to security, small and midsize businesses are concerned about two areas, e-mail and the Web, Watkins said. But Webroot’s commitment to the idea of Web SAAS doesn’t exclude expanding its e-mail security offering. On the contrary, Webroot plans to build data leak prevention capabilities into that offering as well.