AVG Internet Security Business Edition v9.0 consists of several components. AVG DataCenter consists of a database and AVG Admin Server. The Admin Server performs the role of a mediator between the AVG DataCenter and AVG stations.
The AVG Admin Console uses the Admin Server to approach the AVG DataCenter database and to centrally define settings for stations. AVG stations approach the AVG Admin Server to read the setup parameters and to save their currently defined setting and scan results into the AVG DataCenter. AVG Admin Console is a program for administration of AVG stations. It communicates directly with the AVG Admin Server. For scalability, these various server roles can be deployed separately or on a single device.
The product delivers anti-spam, anti spyware, firewall, web shield, LinkScanner and anti-rootkit protection. The server side installation was automated and included a default Firebird database. Optional databases supported included SQL Server Express, MS SQL, Oracle and MySQL 5. Once loaded, the remaining configuration is wizard-driven, including an Installer Wizard that helped with remote installation of the program on remote systems. Discovery of workstations was supported through domain, Active Directory or IP Discovery. We did have to enable Ping to send Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) requests on the remote stations to use the discovery feature. There is the ability to create an installation script on a network share to manually load the software if you wish to not use the auto-discovery option.
The admin interface was easy to use and provided us everything we needed to configure and manage our endpoints. The product delivers centralized configuration, management and alerting, updated reporting, one-stop license management, remote installation and repair, security policy enforcement, improved deployment capabilities, an update manager, and rescue CD creation options. Communication between server and stations is encrypted.
Other new features in v9.0 include a high-speed anti-virus/anti-spyware scanner, a new firewall, as well as new data and phishing protections. Additionally, communication is protected through an email scanner, enhanced anti-spam and WebShield. We didn't review the email scanner for MS Exchange, the anti-spam server or the Document Scanner for MS SharePoint, but these features are all available for use with the base product.