Symantec Corp. today announced plans for a Web-based console to centrally administer Norton AntiVirus 9.0. The administration console is planned to offer antivirus management for OS X clients, ensuring up-to-date protection across multiple platform network environments. The Symantec administrative console for Macintosh is expected in November 2004.

The Symantec administration console for Macintosh is planned to offer the following functions:
  • LiveUpdate virus definition and product updates on demand or scheduled.
  • Deployment of Norton AntiVirus for Macintosh.
  • Configuration changes pushed to Macintosh clients.
  • Lock-down settings for the client to prevent users from changing preferences, such as canceling a virus scan or uninstalling the Norton AntiVirus for Macintosh client.
  • Storage of client data in the central MySQL database included with Mac OS X Server software. IT administrators can access the information via the SQL Database.
  • Production of standard and customized reports easily accessible via the Web interface.
  • Convenient, easy to use administration console that is accessible from any Web browser.
Definition updates will be delivered by the Symantec Security Response team, which provides fast, global, integrated analysis and response.