The McAfee SaaS Endpoint Protection Suites provide a variety of internet security packages that are designed to meet your specific business needs. Each package is customized to meet the needs of networks that use Windows-based workstations, file servers and email servers.

Formerly called McAfee Total Protection, the suite's new name emphasizes that it provides its centralized console in a cloud-based account that you can conveniently access from any workstation. Its software-as-a-service design makes sure that the software packages you distribute to different workstations are up to date at the time of installation.

McAfee's anti-virus engine is certified by three of the five certification bodies we included in our evaluation. It is Checkmark Certified by West Coast Labs and ISCA certified in both detection and cleaning. However, AV-Comparatives.org ranks McAfee very low – in the 30-percent range overall. McAfee didn't pass Virus Bulletin's evaluation, and AV-Test.org has not certified the software either.

Like most security applications, McAfee's suite lets you schedule scans, scan on demand or scan select files one at a time. Anti-virus protection within the suites protects desktop computers and both file and email servers. McAfee features immediate scanning of files to stop malware before it has the opportunity to install and deploy.

The McAfee SaaS Endpoint Protection Suites do a good job of catching spyware on your computers and network. The applications protect your business resources from spyware, adware, viruses, phishing scams, hackers and spam. Each suite includes the McAfee Secure Messaging Service Small Business Edition for integrated email security in real time. This option is monitored and run in-house (as opposed to the rest of the hosted solution), and it provides a great way to protect your employee inboxes from spam and malware.

The suites also include SiteAdvisor on the workstations that offers simple color-coded security ratings to alert your employees of potential dangers before they click thru to a website.

The McAfee SecurityCenter is a web-based control console that lets you install, configure and control software designed for your network from a centralized location in the cloud. Within the console, you can access security reports and updates, and it allows you to configure setting for multiple user groups.

McAfee's desktop firewall can continuously monitor your network to keep it free from breaches. You can configure the firewall to allow connections on certain ports or to block them altogether. The integrated, centralized desktop firewall helps you keep hackers and identity thieves at bay while still facilitating secure business communication. Essentially, the firewall acts as an initial barrier between your business's data and intruders, but it is permeable enough to allow secure communication.

McAfee has been making computer security software for some time, so it's no surprise that the user interface is easy to use. Reports and security-threat notifications are easy to access and understand, even for the most novice users.

The McAfee suites offer a wide range of support options including tutorials, FAQs and customer service support by phone, online chat and email. A subscription includes McAfee's Gold Technical Support that provides access to support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.