TMCnet News
Quantum leap coming for computer security(The Birmingham Post Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)Cyber terrorists and saboteurs alike are facing a new intelligent defence system, born of a multi-national military giant and developed by an early stage business. With the international homeland security becoming a multi-billion dollar market, Reading-based Entrigue Software has developed its software - Quantum - to monitor computer networks using a neural artificial intelligence mechanism. It learns what is normal on a computer network and then prevents unauthorised abnormal changes. The reactive system operates invisibly, allowing it to protect a company or government agency's IT backbone from both internal and external sabotage. And because it recognises all abnormal behaviour it can even protect against the unexpected. The bulk of Quantum was developed as a military application, initially at General Dynamics. Following changes at the defence giant, the software was secured in a management buy out and has since been developed by Entrigue chief executive, Ashley Poole, and three other Entrigue engineers. They have now developed it into an enterprise-ready application. "The code is finished and ready to go to market," says Ashley. "Thanks to its military origin it has to be 100 per cent reliable to meet military spec. We knew that would be the case - our chief software architect is the guy who developed the systems for the Euro fighter." Ashley believes Quantum's approach is unmatched. "It is about spotting exceptions to the norm," says Ashley. "We have applied intelligent pattern recognition to take this software a stage further." The application, which is now ready for sale, has already had pounds 3.5 million invested on its development and Entrigue is now looking to raise the final major sum needed to bring it to widespread attention - pounds 450,000 through Advantage Business Angels to boost the sales and marketing process. With a New York office already in place, no comparable competitors and projections that put the homeland security market as worth $170 billion by 2015, Ashley is highly optimistic about the company's prospects. "We've got patents pending all over the place. This really is a piece of the jigsaw that isn't there at the moment." Developing a major piece of enterprise software is an expensive business. Ashley recommends doing your research first. "You have to know your market and know its value before committing. When the numbers work then you've got the potential for a successful organisation." Advantage Business Angels is the leading UK financier of early stage businesses working with private investors, venture capitalists, banks and other providers of finance. Based in the West Midlands but operating nationally it has a successful track record in finding funding of up to pounds 3 million. For more information see www.advantagebusinessangels.com or ring 0121 833 0103. |