CUPERTINO, Calif., Mar 24, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq:SYMC), the world leader in Internet security, today announced that Symantec Managed Security Services was named the most trusted security service provider in a survey by The Yankee Group. According to the results of The Yankee Group's Enterprise Security Spending Survey, Symantec Managed Security Services took the number one spot with 31 percent of the survey's respondents naming it their most trusted choice.

"As corporations acknowledge the value of data as a business asset in today's information age, they recognize that in order to effectively manage risk, they need to partner with a world-class security provider," said Grant Geyer, vice president, Global Symantec Managed Security Services. "A security partnership demands shared responsibility, and it is imperative to trust your managed security provider. Symantec is honored to be selected as the most-trusted security services provider by business practitioners who identify with this critical obligation."

Results of the Enterprise Security Spending Survey are based on responses from decision-makers in medium-sized to large companies with more than 500 employees. These companies represent a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, professional services, healthcare, financial services, and education. In addition to singling out Symantec as their most trusted managed security services vendor, respondents also pointed to price, business knowledge, breadth of services, and responsiveness as their primary criteria when selecting a security service provider.

"Success in the managed security services arena means offering the right combination of services at the right price," said Phebe Waterfield, analyst at Yankee Group. "According to our survey, Symantec has earned a reputation as the most trusted security service provider based on the three core criteria -- price, responsiveness and service breadth."

The Yankee Group also reported that managed security services are on the way to becoming a nearly $4 billion market. Driving this market need are regulatory compliance and network integrity challenges. The survey also found that 54 percent of respondents reported that their security budgets will increase over the next three years -- with only 8 percent anticipating a decrease. In addition, antivirus, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) were the No. 1 budgeted items for 56 percent of respondents.

Symantec Managed Security Services delivers industry-leading security monitoring, management, and response to clients. Its 24x7 real-time services enhance an organization's information security posture through continuous monitoring and management, expert analysis of log data, and immediate response to potential security threats as they are detected. Based on Symantec's ground-breaking security operations center (SOC) technology, Symantec Managed Security Services are delivered through a unique and highly effective combination of skilled personnel, best practice processes, and state-of-the-art technology.

About Symantec

Symantec is the global leader in information security providing a broad range of software, appliances and services designed to help individuals, small and mid-sized businesses, and large enterprises secure and manage their IT infrastructure. Symantec's Norton brand of products is the worldwide leader in consumer security and problem-solving solutions. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has operations in more than 35 countries. More information is available at http://www.symantec.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, please view the Symantec Press Center at http://www.symantec.com/PressCenter/ on Symantec's Web site. All prices noted are in U.S. dollars and are valid only in the United States.

Symantec and the Symantec logo are trademarks or registered trademarks, in the United States and certain other countries, of Symantec Corporation. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.

SOURCE: Symantec Corporation

CONTACT:          Symantec Corporation
                  Candice Garmoe, 310-449-4324
                  cgarmoe@symantec.com
                  or
                  Connect Public Relations
                  Sherri Walkenhorst, 801-373-7888
                  sherriw@connectpr.com

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SOURCE: Symantec Corporation