FaceTime next month plans to ship an anti-spyware product that will let users block adware and malicious code at the desktop and gateway, as well as prevent unauthorized instant messaging and peer-to-peer file sharing.

FaceTime Enterprise Spyware Prevention will include a central management console for configuration of the desktop software and gateway as well, as a server-based collection point for event-related data to generate reports. With many businesses evaluating anti-spyware products for purchase, FaceTime enters a race joined by anti-virus offerings, gateway spyware filters such as Blue Coat and pure-play desktop anti-spyware such as Webroot Software.

Expanded focus

Until now FaceTime's focus has been its Real-Time Guardian gateway for filtering peer-to-peer and IM traffic for businesses that regard it as a security threat.

But gateway filtering isn't enough, says John Christensen, FaceTime's CTO, because "when a user takes a laptop from behind the gateway, it can get infected with spyware."

The desktop component of the FaceTime Enterprise Spyware Prevention product originated with software from Xblock Systems, a start-up making consumer anti-spyware desktop software that FaceTime acquired in May. FaceTime is adapting it for the enterprise by adding management capability.

The anti-spyware client also will support detection of IM and peer-to-peer traffic, and applications such as Anonymizer and Skype, which may be off limits for corporate use.

FaceTime's customers who have used the Real-Time Guardian appliance for blocking IM and peer-to-peer traffic say they plan to evaluate Enterprise Spyware Prevention for use in their corporations.

However, with the growing number of enterprise anti-spyware products on the market, some corporations are considering products that may take them in a different direction to combat spyware on the desktop.

"We're also considering the anti-virus vendors and looking at the anti-spyware products they have available," says Rex Voorheis, senior manager of network infrastructure at public accounting firm Crowe Chizek, in Indianapolis, which uses the FaceTime gateway to block IM and peer-to-peer traffic.

The company views spyware as a growing threat to the 2,000 desktops in its 20 offices, and plans to enhance its current management and update control products. "We may end up with a combination of products for spyware protection," Voorheis says.

FaceTime Enterprise Spyware Prevention starts at $4,500 for 50 users.