On January 22nd Sophos released a major (and free) upgrade to their Web Security and Control software that runs on the Sophos WS1000 Web Appliance.

Each WS1000 will provide web security support for up to 3000 users at normal web usage levels and can now link into existing Microsoft ISA networks or act as a standalone proxy, whichever approach is preferable. Customers now have much more flexibility in setting WS rules and policies by users or groups. And a new URL Database has been included (SurfControl's URL database) which has dramatically improved URL Filtering. Reporting has also been significantly improved.

The Sophos Web Appliance can be a low cost solution if you already have Sophos Endpoint/SAV or Sophos Email or both because you get a 25%-35% discount off the Web Licence as an existing Sophos customer.

Also if you use SurfControl Web Filter and move to Sophos Web Security (and so use the same URL Filter database) then you will get a rebate off any unused time on the old SurfControl Licence.

So for existing Sophos or SurfControl Web users the Sophos Web Security solution can be a cost effective and simpler move than many alternatives.

For more information call Foursys or see www.foursys.co.uk/sophos/websecurity