SAVI (Sophos Anti-Virus Interface) provides a powerful way to build Sophos's virus detection into any application. It allows Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Application Service Providers (ASPs) to offer integrated protection to their clients and is used by software vendors and OEMs to add the value of virus protection to their product lines.
Typically used with gateway or firewall software, SAVI offers developers fast-track integration while at the same time satisfying the requirement of high-bandwidth environments for minimal performance overhead. Through its high-performance channel into the Sophos virus engine, SAVI provides detection of all virus types. It also incorporates disinfection and provides comprehensive information when a virus is found.
SAVI is installed as part of Sophos Anti-Virus. Customers who use SAVI-compliant products should purchase a SAVI licence. Technical support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year is included in all licences.
Sophos software has a heuristic capability built into its standard detection methods which allows it to detect some virus variants which have not yet been analysed by the Sophos labs. However, because Sophos intelligently tempers its heuristic capability with other virus-detection technology it is less likely than some competing products to cause false alarms.
Once a virus has been detected, the Sophos virus engine automatically disinfects macro and boot sector viruses. The software can also disinfect common executable viruses.
Sophos's excellent detection rates are regularly recognised and certified by a wide variety of independent testing bodies including TruSecure ICSA Labs, West Coast Labs and Virus Bulletin. The software is also routinely commended by many industry magazines and journals.
SAVI allows customers to benefit from the comprehensive range of software from third-party developers who have already added SAVI compliance into their firewall, gateway and other applications.
Through SAVI, software vendors can build powerful Sophos virus detection into their solutions, while ISPs and ASPs can harness the power of the technology to integrate virus protection into their email and internet services.
Requiring only a small amount of memory, SAVI provides high-speed performance with minimal overhead. It uses a single, multi-threading copy of the virus detection engine to process all requests instantly.
SAVI is backed up by 24-hour telephone support, 365 days per year, giving direct access to qualified technical staff and virus experts.
A SAVI licence delivers the functionality of the Sophos virus detection engine for use with third-party applications. It can easily be upgraded to other Sophos licences to extend full protection to all key points throughout an organisation. There are no hidden extra costs.
Continuous updates are available for new viruses detected in the wild. In addition, full monthly updates are available for download and are also sent on CD to all customers at the beginning of each month.
Support has the highest priority within Sophos. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is included in all licences. Support is on a one-to-one basis but behind the personal face is a wealth of technology and interdepartmental liaison backed up by multiple resources to ensure the speedy resolution and tracking of problems. Sophos technical support comes from one globally managed team with members in the UK, France, Germany, USA, Australia and Japan and provides expertise in over 150 countries around the world.