AVG and LimeWire Secure World’s Largest Peer-to-Peer Network
LimeWire Integrates AVG’s SDK into Its Premium File-Sharing Software Offering Users Anti-Virus Protection
Melbourne, 11 March 2010 – AVG (AU/NZ), the distributor for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific of the world’s most popular free anti-virus software, today announced that LimeWire LLC has licensed the AVG Anti-Virus SDK engine from AVG Technologies. LimeWire has integrated the anti-virus/ anti-spyware protection into LimeWire Pro, its premium file sharing software. Through this partnership, all files will be scanned before LimeWire PRO will allow them to play or execute on an end user’s computer, which prevents infected files from harming machines. LimeWire PRO users will see the “Protected by AVG” assurance whenever a downloaded file is safely scanned and cleaned.
The agreement is part of the AVG’s new Global Strategic Alliances (GSA) group 2010 partner program focused on development, licensing initiatives and strategic partnerships in security, social media and the online community.
Millions of people use peer-to-peer networks every day to exchange audio, video, documents and other files. LimeWire is the leading provider of peer-to-peer networking applications and distributes the most popular peer-to-peer application in the world with 50 million monthly users. LimeWire has integrated AVG’s security SDK into LimeWire PRO, its premium file-sharing software, to automatically scan each download to help keep LimeWire’s users secure.
“Peer-to-peer networks have come a long way. People are using peer-to-peer networks to share files and documents, and we are pleased to be protecting them,” said Rocco Donnino, SVP of Global Strategic Alliances, AVG Technologies. “AVG is committed to securing our online world, whatever it takes.”
The ad hoc architecture of peer-to-peer networks affords no central point where security policies can be enforced, making the networks vulnerable to infected files, adware, spyware and other malware creeping into the system. It is incumbent upon users to secure their computers in order to protect both their own computers and the general health of their peer-to-peer network.
“LimeWire is committed to providing peer-to-peer’s best user experience and we are vigilant about user security,” said Jason Herskowitz, VP Product Management, LimeWire. “We are always looking for ways to improve, and with AVG’s seamless integration into LimeWire, we will be providing users with peer-to-peer’s most secure technology.”
“It’s great to see a peer-to-peer software solutions provider like LimeWire taking a pro-active approach to online security,” said Lloyd Borrett, Marketing Manager AVG (AU/NZ). “Plenty of peer-to-peer users don’t understand the security risks associated with some of the files they’re downloading and sharing over the Internet. Now LimeWire PRO users can safely use their peer-to-peer connections on the BitTorrent and Gnutella networks to share pictures, videos and audio with friends.”
About AVG Technologies – www.avg.com
AVG is a global security software maker protecting more than 110 million consumers and small businesses in 167 countries from the ever-growing incidence of web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime and one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats from around the world. Its free, downloadable software allows novice users to have basic anti-virus protection and then easily upgrade to greater levels of safety and defence when they are ready. AVG has nearly 6,000 resellers, partners and distributors globally including Amazon.com, CNET, Cisco, Ingram Micro, Play.com, Wal-Mart, and Yahoo!
About LimeWire LLC – www.limewire.com
Founded in 2000 by Chairman Mark Gorton, LimeWire LLC (http://www.limewire.com) is an innovative leader in peer-to-peer software development. Its signature product, LimeWire, runs on the decentralized Gnutella and BitTorrent networks. The world’s most popular peer-to-peer file sharing application, LimeWire boasts over 50 million unique monthly users and approximately 5 million active users at any given moment. It is reported that up to 18% of the computers worldwide have LimeWire on their computer. In addition to the LimeWire file-sharing program, LimeWire LLC introduced the LimeWire Store in 2008. LimeWire Store sells high quality DRM-free MP3 downloads a la carte and through low-cost subscription plans. Its digital music offering has grown to include more than 4 million recordings by today’s top indie artists and music legends. LimeWire LLC is committed to providing participating artists and labels unique promotional opportunities with exclusive releases, targeted marketing, and events. The LimeWire team enjoys a dynamic work environment at company headquarters in New York City.
About AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd — www.avg.com.au
Based in Melbourne, AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd distributes the AVG range of Anti-Virus and Internet Security products in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. AVG software solutions provide complete real-time protection against the malware, viruses, spam, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits used by cyber-criminals, hackers, scammers and identity thieves. AVG protects everything important and personal inside computers — documents, account details and passwords, music, photos and more — all while allowing users to work, bank, shop and play games online in safety. AVG provides outstanding technical solutions and exceptional value for consumers, small to medium business and enterprise clients. AVG delivers always-on, always up-to-date protection across desktop, and notebook PCs, plus file and e-mail servers in the home and at work in SMBs, corporations, government agencies and educational institutions.
AVG products actively protect over 110 million users worldwide, including more than 4.6 million users in Australia and New Zealand.