iSafe

iSafe from INVISUS Direct - A Comprehensive Managed Internet Security Service Offering The INVISUS iSafe service was the first of the services offered by INVISUS Direct, but was called the INVISUS PC Security Service when it was first offered in September of 2004. It is therefore the original Managed Internet Security Service that legacy subscribers enjoy. In October of 2007, INVISUS Direct revamped its service plans and renamed its legacy service iSafe while also changing the scope of the initial service and initial pricing. I always thought the $29.99 was ridiculously low anyway and probably sent the wrong message about the quality of the service. iSafe incorporates all of the features and benefits of iClean, but adds a comprehensive suite of PC and Internet security software selected and brokered by INVISUS for their subscribers. Each software package is chosen by INVISUS as best of breed. Currently, the software provided is INVISUS-logo versions of Sophos Anti-Virus, CounterSpy Anti-Spyware, Kerio Firewall, and a communications service (for security alerts and other information) from INVISUS named Envoi.  Thus, iSafe consists of all the security software your PC will ever need (from a varitey of world-class companies) and unlimited PC security phone support from U.S.-based security experts.  iSafe thus provides subscribers with the peace of mind of knowing that all of your PC and Internet security needs are handled by experts, with help and support just a phone call away. Here's what's included in iSafe:

Initial Setup

Trained technicians will ensure that you receive the following personalized service:

• A comprehensive security assessment for your PC.
• A deep system cleanup to identify and eliminate all kinds of malware, hidden or not: viruses, spyware, adware, backdoors, keystroke loggers, rootkits, hijackers, and other malware resident on your system.
• The proper installaton and configuration of the entire security suite, consisting of anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, and alert software.
• A special communications tool from INVISUS named Envoi, which will deliver real-time Internet safety alerts and up-to-the-minute info about iClean right to your desktop.
• A personalized security audit and consultation.
• An highly secure INVISUS Customer Center online account so you can manage your subscription details and get access to a wide variety of tutorials, education materials, and support options.

Ongoing

• All the PC Security Software You'll Ever Need. - You get full subscriptions to the entire security suite of world-class protection, including anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, and alert software. The only software developed by INVISUS is their alert management and communications software named Envoi - all the other professional-grade and corporate-grade software is selected through ongoing, rigorous testing and selection methodologies and is licensed from the best providers on behalf of INVISUS subscribers. You will never have to worry about whether you have rock-solid PC security again - with INVISUS you can relax and let them worry about it for you.
• Security Checkups on Demand - The iClean support technicians will, at your request, provide remote service including a visual check and deep system scan for viruses, spyware and related security problems, as well as a review and optimization of your Microsoft Windows settings, Internet browser security, and more.
• System Cleanups on Demand - Using specialized tools and utilities, a trained technician will find and remove unnecessary or unused files that can cause security problems, performance slowdowns and annoyances, and eradicate the hidden and hard-to-remove viruses, spyware, keystroke loggers, adware, rootkits, hacker tools, and other malware that might be causing problems on your PC.
• Security Consultation Service - The trained INVISUS support and security experts will analyze your current protection measures and offer customized recommendations on how to maximize your security options using your existing security programs as well as other helpful software tools that are available.
• Important Security Alerts - INVISUS will provide real-time warnings of impending cyber-crime threats, virus outbreaks, and other important safety advisories - delivered right to your desktop.
• Technical Support - The most important part of iSafe (as with all the INVISUS services) is the unlimited, no-extra-fees phone access to U.S.-based support and security experts. Support Hours are 7am to 8pm MST Monday through Friday, and 7am to 3pm MST on Saturday.

Pricing

• Initial Setup Fee:$49.99 per PC
• Monthly Subscription Fee:$14.99 per month for the 1st PC$9.99 per month for each subsequent PC

Also note that legacy subscribers that had more than five PCs covered were grandfathered at a price of $8.99 / month for the 6th PC and each subsequent PC. Hence, some legacy subscribers pay only $99.90 for 10 PCs, whereas the current cost for covering 10 PCs with iSafe is $114.90. Still worth it for a small business. My accountant and financial planner are both multi-system subscribers.

Subscription Commitment

INVISUS invests heavily in subscriber satisfaction. One indication that it's working for them is that their customer retention rate is over 80%, which is, I think, quite impressive given the fact that they are pioneering new subscription-based business models in the PC services arena. Their Initial Setup Fee doesn't come close to covering their costs in providing the service - just compare their pricing with GeekSquad's for comparable services and you'll see what I mean. INVISUS is going for what they call "raving fans," and most of their subscribers are exactly that.So what they ask in return for giving subscribers the initial service for such low prices is a one-year commitment following a 30-day trial period (the price of which is included in the Initial Setup Fee). Most personal services these days (think cable or satellite TV or cell phone service) require similar commitments but without the trial period.

Cancellation Policy

If you are not happy with the INVISUS service you receive during the first 30 days, you can cancel and avoid paying any cancellation penalty or subsequent monthly fees. If you cancel anytime after the first 30 days but before the one year anniversary of your initial subscription date, they reserve the right to charge you a $45 early cancellation fee to help INVISUS cover their costs. They will often waive that fee upon request, however, IF you encounter a problem that they can't resolve or IF in their judgment they need to do so to be fair to you. They evaluate it on a case by case basis and do not routinely waive the cancellation fee.The Initial Setup fee, however, is non-refundable - which is totally understandable given the value it offers in the first place. Where else can you get your system completely cleaned up by plain English-speaking experts following a malware attack for $49.99?

System Requirements:

• Windows:
  • 2000 Pro (128 MB RAM)
  • XP Home/Pro (128 MB RAM)
  • Vista Home Basic (1.5 GHz CPU Dual Core or 2.5 GHz Single Core and 1 GB RAM)
  • Vista Home Premium / Vista Business / Vista Ultimate (1.5 GHz CPU Dual Core or 2.5 GHz Single Core and 2 GB RAM)
• Pentium class PC or higher or equivalent (i.e. Intel, AMD, etc).
• 400 MB hard disk space.
• Dial-up or Broadband Internet connection.
• Web Browsers:
  • Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher
  • Netscape 6.0 or higher