CA Integrates Backup And Security For Small Companies

Computer Associates has debuted a line of "protection suites" with security, storage, and desktop-migration tools targeting small and midsize businesses. CA says the five suites, which combine multiple CA products, are easy to deploy and require little integration work.

The suites include the Desktop Protection Suite and the Server Protection Suite, which protect data stored on PCs and servers, respectively. The Business Protection Suite and business protection suites for Microsoft Small Business Server standard and premium editions protect data on both personal systems and servers. The suites will be available in July through the reseller channel, priced at between $325 and $1,099 for a five-user license.

The suites offer combinations of CA's Desktop DNA Migrator, eTrust Antivirus, eTrust Pest Patrol Anti-Spyware, and BrightStor ARCserve. The DNA Migrator captures and transfers user settings during PC refreshes, operating-system recovery, or database recovery. The antivirus product automatically updates virus signatures while helping to fend off viruses. Pest Patrol detects and removes spyware, Trojans, and other threats. And ARCserve helps customers back up data and restore it during outages.

An industry analyst thinks the protection suites are an energized entry for CA. "It's a growing market, confusing to customers, served with a pile of point products," says Ray Boggs, an analyst at IDC. "So CA is bringing in a complete system for the small companies who need something more comprehensive. They want to stop choosing à la carte."