Posted on 01/05/2005 10:38:14 AM PST by Happy2BMe
Tuesday, January 04, 2005 |
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Microsoft Readies 'A1' Security Subscription Service
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Microsoft's anti-virus/anti-spyware strategy is taking shape. Sources say Redmond's prepping a fee-based bundle, which could go beta soon. |
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Publicly, Microsoft continues to be cagey about packaging and pricing plans for its anti-spyware and anti-virus solutions. But privately, Microsoft has begun informing partners of its plans for a security subscription service code-named "A1," according to developers who requested anonymity. Microsoft bought anti-virus vendor GeCAD in the summer of 2003, and anti-spyware maker Giant Company Software last month. As to how it plans to deliver these technologies, Microsoft has declined to give specifics. How/when/if it will repackage GeCAD's technology remains uncertain. Ditto for Giant's although according to the Windows enthusiast site Neowin, Microsoft is expected to field its first anti-spyware beta based on Giant's technology this week. Neowin said the anti-spyware beta is code-named "Atlanta." Microsoft officials have said the company is planning to make some form of its anti-spyware product available as a free tool. But that isn't the ultimate plan, partner sources said. Microsoft is currently expecting to field its A1 anti-spyware/anti-virus bundle in the form of a renewable subscription service, the same way a number of other security vendors do, sources said. The service will allow users to keep current on the code needed to combat ever-changing viruses, worms, spybots and the like.
Some elements of A1 are likely to be built directly into future versions of Windows, according to partners. Specifically, some of the security-management functionality, such as the security-health-validation technology which Microsoft officials discussed last year, would likely be bundled into Windows itself, partners said. The degree to which A1 will draw from learnings from Microsoft's "PC Satisfaction Trial," which the company conducted between 2003 and early 2004, is uncertain. PC Sat was designed to test Microsoft and third-party anti-virus, firewall, backup and PC-health-monitoring services. Sources said that Microsoft was testing whether these kinds of security services when provided as hosted, managed services would appeal to typically less-security-savvy small-business and consumer customers. Microsoft officials have declined to comment on the trial. Microsoft officials also declined to comment on A1. Amy Carroll, director of Microsoft's security business and technology unit said: "We have not finalized the productization plans, and beyond that, we can't talk about the company's future anti-spyware/anti-virus solutions." One partner source said he could see parallels between Microsoft's A1 and KraftFood's A1 steak sauce. "A1 is a steak sauce that is a collection of different spices and seasoning such as malt vinegar, dates, mango chutney, and orange marmalade. This suite of seasonings is designed to hide flaws in the primary meat product, and is usually served separate from the steak," said the partner. "Interestingly enough, according to the (internal) A1 web site, the product has a 12-month shelf life, kind of like Microsoft's A1 will. After that, you'll have to sign up for a new one." |
LOLOL!
That one wasn't even his. They bought it, just like everything else they sell. On one hand, since MS did not develop these programs themselves, they should be pretty good to start with, until MS boogers them up a year or two down the road. I have decided to use only one MS program: Windows XP. I bought MS Money 2005 back in Nov. What a dog! I'm not so upset about the $49, it's the hours of my life trying to make it work that I want back! I still use Outlook until another email client that is PPC compatible comes out, but that's it. The less MS you use, the fewer problems you will have.
LOL. An instant classic.
Has Bill cleared 'dis wit da boyce on da East Coast?
Is the SpyBot guy updating his definitions? I haven't gotten any updates lately.
I believe that if MS actually goes through with the subscription service, you can expect LOTS of law suits against MS.
It's one thing for MS to ship flawed software, allowing others to "fix" the flaws. Maybe "flaw" is an overstatement. How about "exploitable."
But if MS begins SELLING a service that will fix the explotiable flaws in their own product, which, by the way, you only license from them, I have a feeling that there are going to be LOTS of law suits against MS, and they'll have one hell of a time trying to get a favorable jury.
Mark
Try "Spywareblaster." Unlike Adaware and Spybot S & D, Spywareblaster does not remove spyware/adware/malware from your system, but rather, prevents the crap from loading in the first place provided you keep the program up to date. The program is freeware, and therefore, there is no excuse for not using it.
Symantec, Ewido and Pivx already sell software through an annual subscription basis. I'm due to renew my Norton Anti-Virus next month.
It won't run on PPC though. As far as I know, outlook is the only email client compatible on my Ipaq PDA.
Third party software vendors won't like it that Microsoft is taking away their income while delivering an inferior product. Yes, I do expect more lawsuits in the works.
Yes it is updated. Make sure you've got version 1.3. 1.2 was abandoned some time ago.
wait 'till you see what they raised it to.
I predict 2005 will be a good year for linux.
LOL!
My last definitions for v1.3 are dated 12/17/04, but I'm sure a newer one must already be available for downloading.
It's definitely NOT my favorite dept store. It's the only store in town.
I haven't gotten any in months. I'm about ready to ditch it myself.
Microsoft is not the only OS or Office Automation vendor. There are several. Heck, some of the stuff is free. Knock yourself out.
I just tried; zippo. I had heard that he was going to stop doing it.
Is this like selling automobiles with "optional" doors and seats?
Leave a secuirty hole by intent or sloppyness and then chare extra? Talk about using monopoly power.
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