Norman ASA, one of the world’s leading companies within the field of information security, today announced that Norman Virus Control offers support for Microsoft’s new Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) with Advanced Security Technologies. Microsoft designed Windows XP SP2 to provide proactive protection for Windows XP, including stronger security settings, increased manageability and control, and improved and more secure computing experiences. Windows XP SP2 launched in August 2004, and for the first time, Norman Virus Control supports a Microsoft product at the time of launch.

One of the features of Windows XP SP2 is the Windows Security Centre, a new management console. This enables users to automatically check the status of Norman Virus Control, installation, automatic update and whether the program is actively running. When a problem is detected, the user will receive a notification and the recommended steps from the Windows Security Centre.

The goal of Windows XP SP2 is to establish stronger default security settings and updates for Windows XP with new features and tools designed to help users better protect their system and information from hackers, viruses and other security threats. This helps enable enhanced browsing and communications for consumers and a security-enhanced infrastructure for businesses.

Norman’s strategy is to have its products communicating closely with the Windows Security Centre. The main purpose is to improve the interaction with the user, and to ensure that the installations are updated and running in the best possible security mode.

Says Mr Steinar Wigtil, head of Norman’s research and development: “We are pleased to be an integral part of Microsoft’s newest security offering. Inclusion within the Windows Security Centre for security overview and update status will clearly improve the battle against hackers, viruses and other security threats."

“To have Norman Virus Control support Windows XP Service Pack 2 will improve the user’s ability to remain secure. The user will be constantly updated on the status of the antivirus program. This is vital information to the user, and the result is more secure and effective computing," says Mr Wigtil.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies brings Windows XP users the latest security updates and innovations from Microsoft, said Neil Charney, director, Windows Client Product Management at Microsoft Corp. “We are pleased that Norman Virus Control has worked closely with Microsoft to be recognized by the Windows Security Centre thereby allowing our mutual customers to more easily monitor and manage their PCs’ security status.

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