Trend Micro has unveiled a new version of InterScan Messaging Security Virtual Appliance (IMSVA), built as a hybrid SaaS email security offering that integrates in-the-cloud protection and SaaS security services with an on-premise virtual appliance to protect from email threats.

The company said that IMSVA 8.0 provides up-to-the-minute security powered by its Smart Protection Network infrastructure that scans, filters and correlates more than 20 billion emails, web sites and files every day, and then leverages that data to identify and respond to emerging threats.

According to Trend Micro, the new offering combines inbound in-the-cloud protection with on-premise VMware Ready virtual appliance to allow outbound granular content control and customisation, and integrated with a unified single management/reporting console.

The new version is purpose-built to reduce up to 90% of email traffic in the cloud, eliminating spam before they reach the network. No email is stored in the Trend Micro cloud and all quarantines are held locally, enabling customers to maintain control and privacy over their emails, the company claims.

Trend Micro has added Web Reputation technology that scans URLs embedded in emails to determine if a link will lead to a malicious web site that hides malware. It tracks the credibility of web domains by examining factors such as a web site’s age, historical location changes, and indication of suspicious activities discovered through malware behaviour analysis.

Steve Quane, chief product officer of Trend Micro, said: "With 90% of all email being spam, it’s no wonder companies are struggling to keep up with the increasing volume of emails overloading their networks.

"Our next-generation IMSVA unifies the ‘best of both worlds’: As one part SaaS offering, it does all the heavy lifting of blocking spam outside of the enterprise’s network and reducing email volumes up to 90% so that less bandwidth, servers and staff are required; as another part on-premise VMware Ready virtual appliance, it allows companies to customise to best meet their enterprise needs while retaining control and privacy over their emails, especially protecting sensitive data from leaving the network."

The IMSVA Hybrid SaaS Email Security perpetual licensing prices start at $20.23 per user for 1,000 users.