Why would I buy antivirus protection when AVG AntiVirus is FREE (despite whatever misgivings I have about it getting to be bloatware with the recent new version)?
Posted on 02/08/2005 1:04:35 PM PST by SmithL
SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. said on Tuesday it would buy anti-virus software maker Sybari Software Inc. in a direct challenge to Symantec Corp. and McAfee Inc., which currently dominate that market.
If Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, bundles anti-virus features into its Windows operating system, security software makers could feel the pressure, analysts said.
"Microsoft's acquisition of Sybari will get them into the (business) anti-virus market specializing in e-mail protection, a negative for Symantec and McAfee," said Sterling Auty, an analyst with JP Morgan.
McAfee shares were down 8.55 percent, or $2.24 to $23.72 in afternoon trade on the New York Stock Exchange (news - web sites). Symantec, which recently bought storage software company Veritas to diversify and reduce its dependence on security, was down 5.64 percent or $1.33 to $22.27 on the Nasdaq.
Mike Nash, vice president at Microsoft's security business unit, declined to say how much Microsoft paid for Sybari, but according to regulatory documents filed by the company in preparation for a public offering, Sybari had valued itself between $163 million and $182 million.
"We paid an amount that was very good for them and good for us," Nash said.
Sybari, based in East Northport, New York, develops software that protects e-mail systems from worms and viruses, as well as spam, or unsolicited e-mail.
Sybari, which says it has more than 10,000 customers, specialized in creating security software for Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes, used to direct e-mail traffic between users and the Internet.
Nash said there were no plans to immediately bundle Sybari's software into own products, but instead the company would continue offering its own products, including security for Lotus Notes.
In January, Microsoft began offering free downloads of a trial anti-spyware software, which blocks programs that generate unwanted pop-up ads and secretly record a computer user's activities. That software was based on technology acquired when Microsoft bought Giant Company Software Inc. in December.
Sybari filed last year to go public. In its latest filing in January, the company said it might sell 3.35 million shares at $14 to $16 each in an initial public offering. It said it had revenue of $34.1 million and a loss of $2.6 million in the first nine months of 2004.
Microsoft shares were up 11 cents at $26.27 the Nasdaq.
Sort of like the doctor exposing you to the flu and then charging for the cure - A good business model in this era of corrupt capitalism IMHO.
I concur. I have had much better experience with McAfee than Norton. Norton was good in the olden DOS days, but now it seems to conflict with everything I do.
You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.
Why would I buy antivirus protection when AVG AntiVirus is FREE (despite whatever misgivings I have about it getting to be bloatware with the recent new version)?
One of my machines is running Win2k Server. I tried to install AVG but it said it won't install on a server, only work stations. :(
Given Microsoft's track record on Internet security problems I don't think I will be in any rush to buy their anti-virus product.
Microsoft will probably distribute their anti-virus software free for a while - until they've driven the other AV vendors out of business. Then, you'll have to buy it.
I like macafee because it is absolutely free for me.
Isnt that an oxymoron by the way? Microsoft and anti-virus?
Had to de-install it. It completely locked-up my system with its processes. I now use Trend-Micro.
Happy Trend user here ;)
Fox, meet henhouse.
as soon as 'linux' or whatever is supposed to take over the market takes over, the gangs of hacking thugs will target that!
Don't get me wrong, Linux isn't bullet-proof, but it's much tighter, safer, and stronger than Windows is when it comes to fighting off virii, trojans, and worms.
More like your automobile parked on the street with the doors and trunk open, alarm disengaged and a big 'Steal Me' sign hanging on the hood.
Linux ain't prefect by a long shot, but it has a better security model...
More like your automobile parked on the street with the doors and trunk open, alarm disengaged and a big 'Steal Me' sign hanging on the hood.
Linux ain't perfect by a long shot, but it has a better security model...
when these malcontents decide that linux users would be more fun to annoy, then that os will be the victim of attacks.
funny, the new update scans for spyware monthly....
that kills a line of McAfee and Symantec line right there.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.