In the realm of cybersecurity, few names are as synonymous with protection and reliability as Norton. For decades, Norton has been the go-to solution for individuals and businesses seeking to safeguard their digital lives from the ever-evolving threats of the internet. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this iconic brand? Is Symantec Norton? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Norton, its relationship with Symantec, and what the future holds for this legendary cybersecurity powerhouse.
A Brief History of Norton
To understand the connection between Symantec and Norton, we need to take a step back in time. The story of Norton begins in the 1980s, when Peter Norton, a renowned programmer and entrepreneur, founded Peter Norton Computing. Norton’s company quickly gained recognition for its innovative software solutions, including the Norton Utilities, a suite of tools designed to optimize and protect computer systems.
In 1990, Symantec Corporation, another burgeoning software company, acquired Peter Norton Computing. This strategic move marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between Symantec and the Norton brand. Under Symantec’s umbrella, Norton continued to evolve and expand its product line, introducing the now-legendary Norton Antivirus in 1991.
The Rise of Norton Antivirus
Norton Antivirus revolutionized the cybersecurity landscape by providing users with a robust and user-friendly solution to protect their computers from malware and viruses. The software’s popularity soared, and it quickly became the industry standard for antivirus protection. As the internet grew in popularity, Norton Antivirus adapted, incorporating new features and technologies to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Norton continued to innovate, introducing new products and services, such as Norton Internet Security and Norton SystemWorks. These solutions further solidified Norton’s position as a leader in the cybersecurity market.
The Symantec-Norton Merger
In 2002, Symantec and Norton officially merged, with Symantec acquiring the remaining shares of Peter Norton Computing. This move marked the beginning of a new era for Norton, as it became an integral part of the Symantec family.
Under Symantec’s guidance, Norton continued to evolve, incorporating new technologies and features into its products. The company expanded its offerings to include solutions for businesses, governments, and individuals, cementing its position as a global leader in cybersecurity.
Rebranding and Restructuring
In 2014, Symantec announced a major rebranding effort, which saw the company split into two distinct entities: Symantec and Veritas Technologies. The Norton brand remained under the Symantec umbrella, while Veritas focused on information management and storage solutions.
This rebranding marked a significant shift in Symantec’s strategy, as the company refocused its efforts on cybersecurity and threat protection. Norton, now a subsidiary of Symantec, continued to innovate, introducing new products and services designed to combat emerging threats.
The Future of Norton
In 2019, Broadcom Inc. acquired Symantec’s enterprise security business, including the Norton brand, for $10.7 billion. This move marked a new chapter in Norton’s history, as the company became part of a larger, more diversified technology conglomerate.
Under Broadcom’s ownership, Norton continues to evolve, incorporating new technologies and features into its products. The company remains committed to providing users with robust, user-friendly solutions to protect their digital lives.
What’s Next for Norton?
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, Norton remains at the forefront of innovation. The company is investing heavily in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Norton’s commitment to protecting users’ digital lives is unwavering. With a rich history, a strong brand, and a dedication to innovation, Norton is poised to remain a leader in the cybersecurity market for years to come.
Conclusion
Is Symantec Norton? The answer is complex. While Symantec and Norton are two distinct entities, they are inextricably linked. Symantec’s acquisition of Peter Norton Computing in 1990 marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership, which has endured for decades.
Today, Norton remains a subsidiary of Broadcom Inc., continuing to innovate and protect users’ digital lives. As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, one thing is certain: Norton will remain a trusted and iconic brand, synonymous with protection and reliability.
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Peter Norton Computing founded | Peter Norton founds Peter Norton Computing, which quickly gains recognition for its innovative software solutions. |
| 1990 | Symantec acquires Peter Norton Computing | Symantec Corporation acquires Peter Norton Computing, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between Symantec and the Norton brand. |
| 1991 | Norton Antivirus introduced | Norton Antivirus is introduced, revolutionizing the cybersecurity landscape with its robust and user-friendly solution to protect computers from malware and viruses. |
| 2002 | Symantec and Norton merge | Symantec and Norton officially merge, with Symantec acquiring the remaining shares of Peter Norton Computing. |
| 2014 | Symantec rebrands and splits into two entities | Symantec announces a major rebranding effort, splitting into two distinct entities: Symantec and Veritas Technologies. The Norton brand remains under the Symantec umbrella. |
| 2019 | Broadcom Inc. acquires Symantec’s enterprise security business | Broadcom Inc. acquires Symantec’s enterprise security business, including the Norton brand, for $10.7 billion. |
By understanding the history and evolution of Norton, we can appreciate the brand’s commitment to protecting users’ digital lives. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Norton will remain a trusted and iconic brand, synonymous with protection and reliability.
What is the relationship between Symantec and Norton?
Symantec and Norton are closely related, as Norton was a subsidiary of Symantec. In 1990, Symantec acquired Peter Norton Computing, Inc., which was founded by Peter Norton in 1982. After the acquisition, Symantec continued to develop and market Norton’s antivirus software under the Norton brand. Over time, the Norton brand became synonymous with antivirus protection and cybersecurity.
In 2014, Symantec decided to split its business into two separate entities: one focused on security and the other on information management. As a result, the Norton brand was retained by the security-focused entity, which continued to operate under the Symantec name. However, in 2019, Symantec sold its enterprise security business to Broadcom, and the consumer-focused Norton business was spun off into a separate company called NortonLifeLock.
What happened to Symantec after the split?
After the split in 2014, Symantec continued to operate as a security-focused company, offering a range of enterprise security solutions. However, in 2019, the company underwent a significant transformation when it sold its enterprise security business to Broadcom for $10.7 billion. This deal marked a major shift in Symantec’s strategy, as the company decided to focus on its consumer-facing Norton business.
As a result of the sale, Symantec’s enterprise security business was rebranded as Broadcom Software, and the company’s focus shifted to developing and marketing software solutions for businesses. Meanwhile, the Norton business was spun off into a separate company called NortonLifeLock, which continues to offer consumer-focused cybersecurity solutions under the Norton brand.
Is Norton still a part of Symantec?
No, Norton is no longer a part of Symantec. In 2019, Symantec sold its enterprise security business to Broadcom and spun off its consumer-focused Norton business into a separate company called NortonLifeLock. As a result, NortonLifeLock is now an independent company that operates separately from Symantec.
Although Norton is no longer a part of Symantec, the brand continues to be a leading player in the consumer cybersecurity market. NortonLifeLock offers a range of antivirus and security software solutions under the Norton brand, including Norton Antivirus, Norton 360, and Norton Secure VPN.
What is NortonLifeLock?
NortonLifeLock is a consumer-focused cybersecurity company that was spun off from Symantec in 2019. The company offers a range of antivirus and security software solutions under the Norton brand, including Norton Antivirus, Norton 360, and Norton Secure VPN. NortonLifeLock is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, and operates as an independent company, separate from Symantec.
NortonLifeLock’s mission is to provide consumers with comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that protect their devices, data, and identities from online threats. The company’s products and services are designed to be user-friendly and effective, offering real-time protection against malware, viruses, and other types of cyber threats.
Is Symantec still in business?
Yes, Symantec is still in business, although the company has undergone significant changes in recent years. After selling its enterprise security business to Broadcom in 2019, Symantec retained its consumer-focused Norton business, which was spun off into a separate company called NortonLifeLock.
Today, Symantec operates as a smaller company, focused on providing cybersecurity solutions to businesses and consumers. Although the company is no longer the same size and scope as it was before the split, Symantec continues to be a recognized brand in the cybersecurity industry, with a legacy of innovation and expertise.
What is the difference between Symantec and Norton antivirus software?
Symantec and Norton antivirus software are closely related, as Norton was a subsidiary of Symantec. However, the main difference between the two is that Symantec antivirus software was typically marketed towards businesses and enterprises, while Norton antivirus software was focused on consumers.
Symantec antivirus software was often more comprehensive and feature-rich, offering advanced security features and management capabilities for businesses. In contrast, Norton antivirus software was designed to be more user-friendly and accessible to consumers, offering a range of features and tools to protect personal devices and data.
Can I still use Symantec antivirus software?
Yes, you can still use Symantec antivirus software, although the company’s product lineup has changed significantly in recent years. After selling its enterprise security business to Broadcom, Symantec retained its consumer-focused Norton business, which continues to offer antivirus software solutions under the Norton brand.
However, if you are looking for Symantec-branded antivirus software, you may be able to find older versions or legacy products that are still supported by the company. Alternatively, you can consider using Norton antivirus software, which offers similar features and protection to Symantec antivirus software, but with a more consumer-friendly interface and support.