Panda Software's Virus Portal Codie Awards Finalist

PANDA SOFTWARE’S “VIRUS PORTAL” CODIE AWARDS FINALIST Organized by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), these awards are a showcase for the industry’s finest products and services GLENDALE, CA, January 8, 2004 - Virus Portal (http://www.virusportal.com), a real-time global observatory that monitors virus and intruder activity, has been named a finalist in the 19th edition of the Codie Awards in the category of Best Online Reference or Directory Service. Virus Portal will be competing against four other nominees in the category, including National Geographic. The Codie Awards are organized each year by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. The association aims to promote, protect and inform industry players, and the Codie Awards in particular are given in recognition of the industry's finest products and services and are held in the highest regard internationally. Finalists in the Codie Awards are decided by a panel of representatives from the software and information industry media, IT writers, and experts in education technology. In the short time since Virus Portal was launched, it has been warmly received by both experts and home users alike as a valuable weapon in the fight against viruses, and its presence in the Codie Awards finals list is further testimony to this powerful utility. “We are extremely pleased by this nomination, not so much for the prize in itself, but as recognition that Virus Portal is doing the job it has been designed for: giving users the best tools to fight against viruses and intruders. This includes detailed, up-to-date information as well as powerful free tools like Panda ActiveScan. We are also pleased since companies are first judged by media to make the semifinals, that the media who reviewed this product category thought so highly of our efforts,” said José María Hernández, VP International Expansion at Panda Software. VirusPortal (http://www.virusportal.com) is a key proactive security tool against viruses and intruders as it monitors, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the global virus situation (which malicious code are spreading, which have just appeared, how to ensure effective protection, etc.). In addition to providing valuable real-time data to inform users of the global virus situation, this portal also offers exceptional free applications and tools (Panda ActiveScan, repair utilities, etc.) to keep threats at bay. The winners of the 19th edition of the Codie Awards will be announced in May 2004. ABOUT PANDA SOFTWARE Panda Software (http://www.pandasoftware.com/), a world leader in virus and intrusion prevention, offers unrivalled proactive security solutions for all types of users, from the largest corporations through small and medium-sized companies to home users. Its corporate products offer hassle-free automatic and centralized administration and provide network-wide protection, via multi-layer security technology, to ensure uniform protection across the enterprise, from remote users and workstations to mail gateways and internal and perimeter servers. Panda Software’s solutions have received awards and quality certifications from the sector’s most widely-respected organizations, including ICSA Labs and Checkmark and its commitment to customer service, innovative products, and the pioneering concept of 24h-365d tech support have revolutionized the IT security industry. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Alan Wallace [email protected] Phone: (818) 543-6909