SBC donated a 1998 patent covering two online virus screening methods to The University of Texas at Austin. The technology could be developed and utilized to reduce the likelihood of network security breaches. The first screening method covered by the patent involves network-based filtering of viruses and other harmful material through a service made available to telephone companies and ISPs. The second method involves the creation of a “Virtual Screening System” (VSS). When a user elects to download a program, the program is first installed on a network-based virtual model of the user’s equipment and scanned for viruses or other undesirable effects. These are communicated to the end user, or if none are found, the “real” changes will be applied to the “real” system. SBC believes the patent has a commercial value of $7.3 million. SBC Technology Resources is currently collaborating with the University of Texas on other Internet security issues.
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- In November 2002, SBC announced the creation of an Internet Assurance and Security Center (IASC) to focus on security technologies and standards for large telecommunications networks. SBC said its research would encompass all elements of the network: telecommunications providers, enterprise networks, customer networks, and hardware and software vendors. The IASC also will act as a point of collaboration with existing security research efforts in government, academia and industry. Telcordia Technologies is the first partner in the project. The IASC is based in Austin, Texas. http://www.iascenter.org