Firm rolling out open source SMB security appliance

Start-up Metavize has renamed itself Untangle, and its executives say they are introducing a Linux-based appliance that provides about a dozen open source security applications, including antispam, antivirus and antiphishing programs for small to midsize businesses.

The renamed company's focus remains building a common interface for open source security applications, such as the Clam antivirus code and Snort intrusion protection, and supporting them remotely for the customer, says CEO Bob Walters. The company previously offered a software-only product that customers had to install on their own server and that will continue to be sold.

Walters says the start-up has several hundred customers already, but to build market share, Untangle will offer its latest service free for companies with 10 or fewer employees. "It will generate interest and build the market," he says.

Typically, the remotely managed security applications would be offered as a service ranging from US$75 per month for 11 to 30 users or a flat fee of US$195 per month for more than 31 users. The appliance itself costs US$895.

The company has 26 employees and US$10.5 million in venture funding from CNMA Ventures and Rustic Canyon Partners.