Symantec Antivirus

MANAGING VIRUS HUNTER’S

About the Case Study……… 

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This case study is about the computer virus hunter’s at Symantec Corporation. Vincent Weafer Reality of work life at corporation. Job of the employee’s. Challenges faced by the employee’s.

Highlights of the corporation……     

Situation in 1999 Increase in workload Diverse group of members Launch of BLASTER-B Worm Weafer’s managerial challenges.

Attempting the Case Study…….. Period Industry Culture product Competition.

Placards of Case Study…..

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The period in this case study is from 1999-2003. Vincent Weafer has been the member of virus hunting team since 1999. Launch of Blaster-B worm took place in 2003.

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Symantec is a global software company. To provide complete online security to its customers & safety to cyber world.

The culture within the organization was……..  Chaotic,  Fast,  Energetic,  Disorganized &  Challenging in Nature.

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Symantec corporation deals with the antivirus software. The product provides protection against harmful contents for the computers.

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Symantec is a long term survivor since 1982.

POINTS TO PONDER [Q] How Vincent Weafer used his technical, human & conceptual skills to maintain an environment that encourages his virus hunters ?

TECHNICAL SKILLS 

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Provide security storage n system management solution Specialization of wk force, Acc to (Taylor: wk was divided into smaller parts n specialization) The work never stopped, to maintain efficiency Eg: When Santa Monica’s team finished, Tokyo took over, which handed over to Japanese then to Dublin and back to Santa Monica.

HUMAN SKILLS 

Coaching and mentoring the workers

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Networking outside the organization

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Working in a team to combat the problem

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Increased the work-force and work was done globally round the clock.

CONCEPTUAL 

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Using information to solve business problems Recognizing the problems and finding solutions

[Q] What management roles would Vincent be playing asa) He had weekly security briefing conference calls with co-workers around the globe b) He assessed the feasibility of adding a new network security consulting service c) He kept employees focused on the company’s commitments to customers ?

a) Based on the study by Henry Mintzberg managers have different but highly inter-related roles. According to this we can analyze that Vincent has approached towards Interpersonal role as he worked as a figurehead, leader, liaison and also informational role as he act as a monitor and a disseminator.

b) In this context Vincent has proved that he has approached towards Decisional role as he worked as a disturbance handler and resource allocator.

c) Here Vincent worked as a figurehead a leader, as he provoked his employees to focus on company’s commitments to customers thus fulfilling the interpersonal role.

[Q] Go to Symantec’s Website (

www.symantec.com) and look up for information about the company. What can you tell about its emphasis on customer service and innovation? In what ways does the organization support in servicing customers and in being innovative?

ABOUT THE COMPANY 

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Symantec was founded in 1982 by visionary computer scientists. The company has evolved to become one of the world’s largest software companies. They provide security, storage and systems management solutions to help customers secure and manage their information-driven world against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently than any other company.

EMPHASIS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE AND INNOVATION 

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Pursue core purpose with an unrelenting focus on Innovation and Customer satisfaction. While the overall computing environment has undergone tremendous change in recent years, they remain committed to helping ensure confidence in today’s connected world.

INNOVATION 

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Symantec’s strategy of “open innovation” focuses on delivering the best solutions to its customers. These solutions come as a result of building them internally, developing them with technology partners or acquiring them outright.

CUSTOMER SERVICE 

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Customer-driven is a Symantec core value and a priority at every level of the company, from executives to individual contributors. They invite the comments on their progress to date form customers and look forward to further engaging with them to innovate a better future. Earning Customer loyalty is Symantec’s first priority. That's why they direct their business based on the feedback received from customers, both consumer and business alike.

EMPLOYEES 

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Symantec assures top-notch training and a working environment that fosters innovation to its employees. Our recruiting success to date affords us the distinct competitive advantages of a first-class global workforce.

[Q] What could other managers learn from Vincent Weafer and Symantec approach ?

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1) Employees should not be treated as machines 2) Ability to work well with people in diverse cultural environment 3) competitive advantage through efficiency. 4)Recognize problem areas and implement solutions. 5)Customer focus. 6)Reviewing operations and implementing improvements. 7)Time Management. 8)Identifying opportunities for innovation.