Posted on 05/09/2006 11:21:05 AM PDT by nickcarraway
SAN FRANCISCO--Symantec will fight off Microsoft's security software challenge by being better at coming up with new ideas, the company's CEO said Monday. John Thompson vowed that it would put more resources into research and development over the coming the year, speaking to reporters at the Symantec's annual Vision conference here.
"Our strategy is to out-innovate Microsoft. We know more about security than they ever will," Thompson said.
Microsoft's development of security products for its upcoming Vista update to the Windows operating system prompted Symantec to be bullish about taking on the software giant.
"Competition with Microsoft is inevitable, given the way the tom-toms are beating at the moment," Thompson said.
Microsoft is developing Windows Live OneCare, a security service aimed at consumers that is scheduled for U.S. commercial release in June. It combines antivirus, anti-spyware and firewall software with backup features and several tune-up tools for Windows PCs. Client Protection, Microsoft's enterprise product, has no release date as yet and is in limited beta testing.
It's not the first time that Cupertino, Calif.-based Symantec has thrown down the gauntlet to Microsoft. Last month, Thompson branded the software giant a "Johnny-come-lately" into the security market. At the same time, he underlined that Symantec was setting its horizons to be a provider of all-around system protection, as opposed to a seller of antivirus software and other defense tools--a message Thompson also stressed at the Vision event.
In his remarks, Thompson also drew attention to Microsoft's security record. It has come under criticism in the past for the flaws in its software.
"We will make sure we utilise the strength of our global brands. Symantec is synonymous with security. Microsoft is synonymous with a lot of things, but security is not one of them," he said.
He added that Symantec would spend more on marketing, and added that it was not a "foregone conclusion" the Microsoft would "win" in the security marketplace. The company will also put resources into protecting customers with Microsoft systems.
In other news: Sony unveils PS3 pricing, availability Online ad market finds its own legs Meet the new Frag Dolls News.com Extra: Wal-Mart seeks to trademark smiley face Video: Sony shows off PlayStation 3 specs "Our belief is that the Windows environment needs to be protected like any other. Tightening the (Microsoft) stack will be an important investment in the coming year," Thompson said.
He hinted that Symantec would give details about its marketing plans during its March quarter earnings call, scheduled for Tuesday.
Andy Buss, an analyst at U.K.-based IT consultancy Canalys, predicted that Microsoft's planned security tools would have a fair impact on the consumer antivirus market but doubted whether businesses would adopt the products as readily.
"Enterprises tend to chose proven technologies, are more conservative and are prepared to pay for the service," he said.
Buss added that Microsoft doesn't have a track record of providing an integrated product lineup for the whole of the enterprise, and said there was a particular gap in its tools to manage and respond to virus outbreaks. "These are areas where Microsoft's competitors can make hay," he said.
pings
They can start off by making their own products compatible with each other. Symantec is a bit of a memory hog, but I could live with that. The problem is when their firewall and A/V suites incessantly fight with one another, and refuse to be removed, you end up having a major problem on your hands. The free offerings from Grisoft and ZoneAlarm are a better fit for about 90% of users.
Symantec, the same folks who brought you the infamous Norton security suite.
Infamous?
Thats not fair at all! hell MS perfected the need for such a huge security market /joking
My experience with Norton is why I will never use it again, I go with macafee now..
The first thing I do when I buy a new computer is remove all traces of Norton and AOL.
Could you elaborate?
I do the same thing, but I have noticed that it is getting harder and harder to do. I have a developers copy of WinXP Pro and I usually end up formatting the new system and installing the developers copy and using the liscence number from the new system. The last time I did it, it threw me an error saying that the numbers weren't valid, and it took endless calls to tech support of people incessantly asking me why I didn't just use the copy that came with the PC. Grrrrrrrr!
These are the people who make the viruses in the first place i bet
Do a Google search using the term "Symantec sucks" and read the myriad of problems that Symantec offers its customers for a mere $50/yr.
I have Norton Internet Security, it comes with firewall and Antivirus, works pretty well... I test it at grc.com(shields up) at it says true stealth
Well, I could probably do the same with almost any software company. I never had any better experience with McAfee.
When I talked to a network guy a while back, he spoke of "demilitarized zones" and whatnot, and then said that his Symantec and (some other vendor--McAfee?) products were exchanging fire across the DMZ, and that he was requesting peacekeeping troops from the UN. :)
If you get it configured right to begin with, you are usually in the clear. I work with VPN's and I have basically forbade anyone whose VPN I configure from running any Symantec product. My main contention is that for the $50/yr subscription price, you are throwing your money away first of all, and buying a potential maddening problem. A free firewall from ZoneAlarm, and the AVGfree Suite from Grisoft are just as effective, don't use anywhere near the resources, and are virtually trouble free.
Me neither, which is why I now use AVGfree from Grisoft. Automatic updates, and every bit the protection that Norton gives with none of the hassle all for free. Same with ZoneAlarm....free, no hassles, easily configurable, and I can even remove it if I feel the need. Try removing any Symantec/Norton suite, just be sure to have some xanax on standby.
My experience with McAfee is why I use Norton now! Go figure!
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