The Web has become the ubiquitous platform for application delivery in the
enterprise, whether that is browser based application platforms like
Salesforce.com and Google Apps, or rich media applications like Cisco WebEx
using web protocols as a widely available transport in and out of enterprise
networks.

Cisco IronPort Web Usage Controls includes the Application Visibility and
Control engine (AVC engine) which enables administrators to apply deeper
controls to particular application types. The AVC engine is an acceptable use
policy component that inspects web traffic to gain deeper understanding and
control of web traffic used for applications. Application control gives you more
granular control over web traffic than just URL filtering, for example.