Certification from Ministry of Public Security enables Sophos to deliver anti-virus protection to businesses on the mainland.
Sophos, a world leader in anti-virus protection for businesses, has announced 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.
"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.
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.