Called Virus Buster in Japan and PC-cillin in Australia, Trend Micro Internet Security, which combines antivirus features with a firewall, was developed by Trend Micro in the late 1990s. The earliest versions (PC-cillin 2000 and before) were exclusively antivirus programs, to which a firewall was initially added. The latest version, Trend Micro Internet Security 2009, has many more features.
- Installation– All the versions of PC-cillin can be installed with the greatest of ease and does not take much time.
- Features and Ease of Use– Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 has antispyware capability other than antivirus. Other features include email safety scan, rootkit protection, antispam, incoming and outgoing firewall, protection for the home network. The program authenticates websites and has proactive intrusion blocking. Parental control option is also available. The Pro version has the additional features of PC cleanup, keylogger protection, validation for wireless networks and a remote folder with file permissions control. There is also a feature which allows the user to restore settings. Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 also provides TrendSecure, which is an online, specialised service for transactions at public locations. This feature also protects files when a laptop or palm top is misplaced or irreparably damaged. It also provides a mobile phone antivirus program.
- PerformanceReviews – As compared to competitors, there have not been too many awards from major publications and independent testers and other organisations. However, most of these have tested the software and pronounced the standards adequate to good.
- Help and Support– Customer support in the form of email, phone and chat is minimal and not too much feedback is available to give a correct opinion. However, it can be said that to be more visible, Trend Micro need to be more active in this area.
- Other Issues – Trend Micro is providing support only to versions 2007 and after, so it would be extremely unwise not to purchase the latest version.
As compared to competitors, Trend Micro Internet Security is not a top of the mind product. To be more successful, a lot more marketing has to be done. Research and development also needs to be of the highest quality so that trends can be picked up early and appropriate updates given on a very frequent basis. So, although Trend Micro has a long history and been in the market with their products for over 10 years, it needs to be more visible. Increased competition, the economic downturn and an uncertain future for many companies and organisations – all these factors have to be considered when presenting the product to the market. Customers should perceive value for money very clearly – that would induce them to buy the software. If Trend Micro Internet Security can come up with the wherewithal to do this it should have a bright future in the days to come. So, let’s hope that it works out well for Trend Micro’s Internet Security version 2010! Everyone is stating that the tide is slowly turning as regards the worldwide recession, so things can only get better!