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Microsoft Acquires Anti-Spyware Leader GIANT Company

malebolgia   on 16 December 2004 - 15:44 · 84 comments & 10573 views

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Microsoft Corp. today announced that it has acquired GIANT Company Software Inc., a provider of top-rated anti-spyware and Internet security products. Microsoft will use intellectual property and technology assets from the acquisition to provide Microsoft® Windows® customers with new tools to help protect them from the threat of spyware and other deceptive software. In addition, key personnel from GIANT Company will be joining Microsoft's security efforts.

"Spyware is a serious and growing problem for PC users, and customers have made it clear that they want Microsoft to deliver effective solutions to protect against the threat," said Mike Nash, corporate vice president of the Security Business and Technology Unit at Microsoft. "Through this acquisition we're excited to be able to provide near-term relief to Windows customers by offering new technology to help keep spyware and other deceptive software off their PCs."

News source: Microsoft Press Release


Virtual seating for this event will open 30 minutes before the scheduled broadcast time.

Barb Bowman is a Windows XP Most Valued Professional (MVP) and has been a regular contributor to the Microsoft Windows XP Expert Zone Community since the launch of Windows XP in 2001. She enjoys sharing her own experiences and insights into today’s leading edge technologies. She is a product development manager for Comcast High-Speed Internet, but her views here are strictly personal.

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#1 Porp on 16 Dec 2004 - 15:56
This is going to be great!
(2 replies) #2 triad_man on 16 Dec 2004 - 15:58
It will be interesting to see if Microsoft (with inside knowledge of their own software) can finally produce a top notch Anti-Spyware tool. I look forward to it.
#2.1 Hurmoth on 16 Dec 2004 - 19:31
Me too However, I hope they don't try to rush something out to the market.
#2.2 ainoa on 16 Dec 2004 - 22:59
Just hope MS does not mess it up
#3 Porp on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:01
GIANT Anti-Spyware was already top notch.. Can't wait for this
(4 replies) #4 Magallanes on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:07
a giant Company adquired GIANT Company.
#4.1 lare2 on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:42
#4.2 Hurmoth on 16 Dec 2004 - 19:31
#4.3 s.a.m. on 17 Dec 2004 - 00:13
With all the acquisitions of late, you gotta have some fun...

MS/GIANT = MSG (My Stolen GUI) ...less filling, tastes Gates

Oracle/Peoplesoft = OraSoft "That's a nice mouthful of software!"

Sprint/NEXTEL = Sextel "Hey big boy, call me for a good time...but it'll cost ya!"

Symantec/Veritas = Vermantec "Get the latest bugs with Live Update that's Backed Up"

#4.4 SquareSoft0 on 17 Dec 2004 - 00:54
http://www.orasoft.com/
(1 reply) #5 EduardValencia on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:12
way to go microsoft
#5.1 slimy on 16 Dec 2004 - 20:28
right on!
#6 FunkyMike on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:26
Sounds good. Lets see what they will do with it ... hopefully something for XP though along that anti virus software they are developing.
(4 replies) #7 jivemastert on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:28
I long for the day when everything is built into my OS and streamlined so i dont have 500 apps running in the background to check antivirus, check for adware, firewall, etc etc. this is a good move in my book.
#7.1 Jason on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:55
They should be basic OS elements.
#7.2 dotRoot on 16 Dec 2004 - 17:20
And risk another anti trust suit? You have to remember that everytime they integrate a new utility someone tries to sue MS for unfair competition practices. You can ahve your cake and eat it too.
#7.3 AnalogRival on 17 Dec 2004 - 07:30
How about trial versions/freeware versions of 3rd party stuff like Spybot/Ad-aware (Both of course.) Or Norton and McAffee, stuff like that?
#7.4 Sido on 17 Dec 2004 - 15:14
Sure it whould be great if it's part of the OS. But the user have to have the option to install the software on installation of the OS. For example I prefer to use ZoneAlarm instead of the standard Firewall supplied with Windows XP, this should be easy to do!

Users should have a choice, which isn't always the case with Microsoft.
(1 reply) #8 Jugalator on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:32
Sounds good, about time they're improving their Hotmail spam filter, if that's what this will end up as.
Or maybe some goodies coming for Outlook 12 or whatever

Edit: Argh, read this as spam for some reason... Too much news about spam lately Well if it's about anti-spyware, it got interesting! (although current free apps of today work fine from my experiences)
#8.1 SIG on 16 Dec 2004 - 22:20
Spyware, spam... It's all crap
(2 replies) #9 Sn1p3t on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:33
This is awesome.

I hope this comes bundled for free (with a full uninstaller if needed). Say goodbye to those spyware-infested computers!
#9.1 markjensen on 16 Dec 2004 - 22:33
Microsoft isn't exactly famous for their "uninstall" option for sub-components...
#9.2 EduardValencia on 17 Dec 2004 - 19:06
i personally prefer this technology integrated into the OS,without the option of removing it,hate third party solutions anyway
(2 replies) #10 kev^ on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:37
Logically, it may seem like a good move but all a person needs on his pc is ad-aware and spybot search & destroy.

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,118362,00.asp

Article proves how weak the $$ anti-spyware solutions are compared to spybot. Although I did not see the name "GIANT" in the article, I doubt they have a tool as effective as spybot since spybot is regularly updated and actually WORKS as opposed to nearly every other tool.
#10.1 MrCobra on 17 Dec 2004 - 02:55
I have those [Ad-Aware, SpyBot] and they don't find near the amount of things that GIANT finds. As far as GIANT not being updated on a regular basis...you should use it first before you judge it. It's updated itself 3 times this week. You should try it.

It keeps everything in good shape for me. IMHO, it's one, if not the best one out there.
#10.2 cork1958 on 17 Dec 2004 - 04:06
And spywareblaster.
(2 replies) #11 s.a.m. on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:42
#10, check out Eric Howes analysis of anti-spyware. It has both Spybot and GIANT tests...

http://spywarewarrior.com/asw-test-guide.htm
#11.1 theefool on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:50
You will notice with that analysis Giant is the winner. Followed closely with Spybot and Adaware. Perhaps that is the reason MS acquired them.

I personally use about 5 antispyware programs....
#11.2 MrCobra on 17 Dec 2004 - 02:56
^^ 2 up on ya there.
#12 lare2 on 16 Dec 2004 - 16:47
QUOTE
Microsoft plans to make available a beta version of a spyware protection, detection, and removal tool, based on the Giant AntiSpyware product, within one month for Microsoft customers

from http://www.giantcompany.com/


Sounds Good, but as I can read from the Giant site. This is not going to be free .

QUOTE
Details of the Microsoft solution beyond the planned beta, including product plans, pricing, and a timeline for delivery, are not yet available.
#13 deadmonkey on 16 Dec 2004 - 17:04
This is great news. GIANT AntiSpyware is one of the market leaders in spyware detection and removal and with the financial backing Microsoft can give them I can see some very great things in the future.

While it would be nice to see it as a free "upgrade" to Windows I doubt this will happen.
#14 Reble on 16 Dec 2004 - 17:05
Awesome...
#15 neufuse on 16 Dec 2004 - 17:16
wow no one is screaming anti-trust here... amazing... good deal though, maybe we can get some good software out of this
(1 reply) #16 Molgar on 16 Dec 2004 - 18:21
It's funny... MS buys a company that makes a great product that fixes problems of a MS product.
#16.1 Hanz™ on 16 Dec 2004 - 18:26
if you say so.
(3 replies) #17 Dixon on 16 Dec 2004 - 18:35
Funny, if microsoft just made it more difficult to install crap on ones computer none of us would need this Adaware junk.. Sure the spyware/adware makers are the bad-guys but if the maker of the OS made it difficult to sneak this onto ones system...

I mean what would you rather do... wear a bullet proof vest or face a gun without bullets?

Stop putting the cart before your horse Microsoft!
#17.1 dotRoot on 16 Dec 2004 - 22:19
They did, you just aren't supposed to log in as an administrator for everything.
#17.2 Darkinspiration on 17 Dec 2004 - 03:36
and if you dont you can't do jack....

Really microsoft gotta fix those permission
#17.3 mgleason007 on 17 Dec 2004 - 21:33
"But you can use the Run Program As... option" someone will say. Which is exactly what I want to do... give my parents the admin account password to their computer
(3 replies) #18 leebobs on 16 Dec 2004 - 19:51
Microsoft plans to make available a beta version of a spyware protection, detection, and removal tool, based on the Giant AntiSpyware product, within one month for Microsoft customers. The upcoming beta will scan a customer’s PC to locate spyware and other deceptive software threats and enable customers to remove them. The tool will be configurable to block known spyware and other unwanted software from being installed on the computer. It will be available for Windows 2000 and later.
#18.1 Jason on 16 Dec 2004 - 21:00
Can you point us to the source of this info.
#18.2 chuayw2000 on 17 Dec 2004 - 05:54
If this is indeed true I would gladly scrape that resource-hogging norton away.
#18.3 leebobs on 17 Dec 2004 - 11:05
The GIANT Software homepage: http://www.giantcompany.com/
(1 reply) #19 PseudoRandomDragon on 16 Dec 2004 - 20:03
Just when there was a really good antispyware utility out there, MS just has to go take it away. What a load of crap.
#19.1 SquareSoft0 on 17 Dec 2004 - 00:53
Takes it away?..... What's that word that's, you know, the complete oppisate?
(7 replies) #20 Ized on 16 Dec 2004 - 20:32
Wouldn't it make more sense for Microsoft to FIX Windows so it doesn't get infected with spyware/malware in the first place? huh.
#20.1 tterb on 16 Dec 2004 - 22:04
This way they make more money..
#20.2 markjensen on 16 Dec 2004 - 22:38
QUOTE
Wouldn't it make more sense for Microsoft to FIX Windows so it doesn't get infected with spyware/malware in the first place? huh.
Except that a large portion of "spyware" is stuff that the user thought he wanted, so installed deliberately. That darned Banzai Buddy looks soooo cute on the desktop! Lemme get him! BAM!

Spyware isn't an "infection", it is something that has ulterior motives that are not clearly disclosed (if at all) to send personal information that you may not want others to know.
#20.3 Ideas Man on 16 Dec 2004 - 23:29
QUOTE
Wouldn't it make more sense for Microsoft to FIX Windows so it doesn't get infected with spyware/malware in the first place? huh.


Microsoft can't stop this, most programs either include it in their license agreement (Kazaa etc.) or actually run another installer (DivX). Seeing as most people click Next, Next... they can't stop it w/o limiting free choice. So in a sense, the users allow it to be installed, because if it's in the license agreement, and you agree, it's your own fault. But some of the other ones are a little annoying (web based).
#20.4 SquareSoft0 on 17 Dec 2004 - 00:56
(User input errors will never be patched)
#20.5 shichiroji4 on 17 Dec 2004 - 04:37
Most people do give a glance at the EULA before clicking Next; all this << removed >> about users voluntarily installing spyware is just a myth made up by M$ to con you guys into thinking it's us, "users" fault. To think there are so many who have been had!!!

Last edited by 36818 on 17 Dec 2004 - 13:30
#20.6 STV on 17 Dec 2004 - 07:46
@shichiroji4: have you ever me a person who is computer illiterate?

if you have, you wouldnt be saying that.

STV
#20.7 markjensen on 17 Dec 2004 - 13:35
I seriously doubt everything that shichiroji4 had to say.

Not everything is a "Microsoft Plot". Maybe a thicker grade of tinfoil for that hat, next time.
(1 reply) #21 warwagon on 16 Dec 2004 - 20:48
if they had to buy a really good fast spyware cleaner, this one is the one to snag....way to go microsoft.... now just make it free and I'll love you forever
(2 replies) #22 SniperX on 16 Dec 2004 - 23:37
Another great product about to be spoiled by the Microsoft camp.

Last edited by 33613 on 17 Dec 2004 - 01:31
#22.1 Cube on 16 Dec 2004 - 23:41
another great product to spoil? well what was the last great product they spoiled?

ms makes great software, and I see this as a good move. Something to integrate within the OS
#22.2 jas8522 on 17 Dec 2004 - 12:33
Hahaha, Windows 98 perhaps? That was a terrbile OS, Win95 was more stable! lol

They make great software, but forget to update half of it... or when they do it becomes way too bloated, like Internet Explorer, MSN Messenger, Office .... the better versions of those are Firefox, aMSN, Open Office, etc.

I honestly liked MSN Messenger when it was at version 5 .. and IE was great until it started letting spyware galore in without even needing to accept anything (not since SP2 though, but what about all the win2k or 98 users?). Office I have nothing to gripe about, except that they could make it lighter weight but have all the same features, much like Open Office.

jas8522
(1 reply) #23 Hills420 on 16 Dec 2004 - 23:45
what products does GIANT make? Never heard of them...
#23.1 SniperX on 17 Dec 2004 - 01:32
They make Giant Antispyware. One of the best if not the best out there. (Well, it was.)
#24 bl4nk on 17 Dec 2004 - 01:17
Oh nice, GIANT Antispy is great. Good choice Microsoft.
(4 replies) #25 TonyW on 17 Dec 2004 - 02:05
I don't know if anybody has realised, but Sunbelt Software have a program out called CounterSpy, which is remarkably like GIANT's AntiSpyware. I understand the two companies have been in partnership, and Sunbelt apparently co-owns the code for GIANT AntiSpyware, but modified for their application.

I just wonder what'll happen next. It'll be interesting to see how this develops.
#25.1 alpoinacan on 17 Dec 2004 - 02:37
That was my EXACT concern when I heard the news today. I wonder how this is going to affect Sunbelts software. It is Giants software and I hope MS just leaves the company to run itself. Finally we have a very effective product and I hope it stays that way. The great thing about the Counterspy deal is it's 10 bucks cheaper. I've sold 12 licenses this week for those porn/casino addicts.
#25.2 TonyW on 17 Dec 2004 - 15:26
There's been more news on the co-ownership issue.

See here.
#25.3 MrCobra on 17 Dec 2004 - 21:41
Purchase SunBelt and problem solved.
#25.4 TonyW on 18 Dec 2004 - 00:17
It doesn't look as if there'll be a purchase of Sunbelt, but because of a prior legal agreement between GIANT & Sunbelt, Microsoft will
QUOTE
provide spyware signature updates to Sunbelt through July 2007.
See the latest press announcement here.
(1 reply) #26 CraigMack on 17 Dec 2004 - 03:16
Better than AOL buying it, AOL is like a death sentance anytime it buys a company out
#26.1 MrCobra on 17 Dec 2004 - 10:30
I agree with that. Everything they touch turns to some big ass bloat and bugs; not to mention that it usually ends up looking nasty as all hell.
#27 Darkinspiration on 17 Dec 2004 - 03:39
i still don't see why they did it. Do they need more money ? Frankly i think were going to see another deep integration into the os sometime soon. I'm not sure that's needed still...
(8 replies) #28 shichiroji4 on 17 Dec 2004 - 04:28
The greed of those scumbags in M$ knows no bounds

Very soon, they will be integrating this shi+ into longhorn and force other smaller anti-spy co. to go bust. Spybot will definitely thrash their asses on this one. Giant is pathetic compared to Spybot.
#28.1 STV on 17 Dec 2004 - 08:50
you're using windows, right?

STV
#28.2 Jon on 17 Dec 2004 - 09:49
spybot is writen by a kid in his basement effectively, it can't compete with the corporate might of MS.

I can't understand why people are complaining about this. All it does is make it easier for home users (people who don't care about security) to become secure out of the box.
#28.3 shichiroji4 on 17 Dec 2004 - 10:46
QUOTE
spybot is writen by a kid in his basement effectively, it can't compete with the corporate might of MS.


That about shows your ignorance. Spybot has developed far away from just a simple spyware scanner. It includes a whole series of solutions from IE protector to file shredders and registry monitor. Up till now, there is NO other program that comes with that many features. Take the time to d/l and use before blabbering rubbish please.
#28.4 Jon on 17 Dec 2004 - 11:44
Oh dear, missed the point didn't you. I have infact used spybot many times, and know it's a decent product.

The point is that there is a different in financial support and commitment. Spybot is written by a couple enthusiasts (hell it's riddled with dedications to his girlfriend!) who don't have millions of dollars behind them. They don't (necessarily) have the time committed to development of new signatures, and there is no kind of on going support assurance that corporations need before commiting to a product. It may have decent sets of technologies, but at the end of the day, competing with large corporations in a very proactive market is hard. Do you not think that's why we don't see free-written-by-enthusiasts antivirus products competing with McAfee etc. Malware and virus research takes a LOT of time and effort.

#28.5 jas8522 on 17 Dec 2004 - 12:40
As much as it sounds right, and I'd love to agree with you, the combination of Spybot and Ad Aware are all I use, and they seem to be taking care of 99% of the spyare infested computers I see on a day-to-day basis... This amazes me because you would think that something like webroot spysweeper, or another paid spyware product would do better than those two freeware pieces of software... but nothing seems to do that!

jas8522
#28.6 Jon on 17 Dec 2004 - 13:12
It sounds right because it is. Don't forget Adaware is producted by Lavasoft, a company who charges for products. Personally I've seen EVERY anti-malware product I've used miss things, I rely on hijackthis largly, but the point is that no matter how good spybot s+d may be, they are going to have a very hard time competing with the resources avaliable at Microsoft, ESPECIALLY if MS bundle the product (bundled product = more malware submissions = more staff time needed but better sigs).

Having MS (both the household name and the finance) backing the already great GIANT will only make them better, that's a very tough combination for an enthusiasts product to compete with, no matter how dedicated.
#28.7 shichiroji4 on 17 Dec 2004 - 14:13
Absolute nonsense!

Free stuff like spybot are updated very frequently, you certainly do not need $$$ like M$ to maintain a decent product. Most corporations are just too scared to try "unbranded" products. That is why even in the face of facts like how Linux is more secured, you will still see this bunch of clowns buying M$ inferior products.

#28.8 Jon on 17 Dec 2004 - 15:40
It's not nonsense, it's perfect sense. Do you expect these people to still develope sig's over christmas, birthdays, whilst they are ill or in hospital? When dealing with contracted suppliers you've got SLAs that ensure updates are produced when needed, without exception. Corporations ARE scared to take risks, and rightly so.
(1 reply) #29 nic on 17 Dec 2004 - 05:56
Besides the fact that I think that Microsoft should be developing their own software rather then buying companies out (although the employees may not mind, given the fact that they are given low-risk job employment with microsoft now).... anyway, besides that fact, I think this is a good move. Seems like Anti-Spyware/Anti-Virus and Firewall is just what people want out of the box of their favorite operating system.

Still, I hope this doesn't choke out the small buisnesses that really have been the innovators in this market. I hope that Microsoft provides a good solution, and that small buisnesses provide a better solution.
#29.1 MrCobra on 17 Dec 2004 - 10:27
There are some people that buy a computer, bring it home, turn it on and never give a second thought to anything else concerning it. I think they should include basic versions of these tools in the OS for those people. Ignorance and/or laziness with computer security only serves to hurt all of us.

I personally don't see where it would choke out anyone. They [Microsoft] provide basic features that can be replaced with more robust 3rd party applications if the user chooses to do so.

I think they should be developing their own solutions as well. Like they used to do way back when but it's cheaper [these days] to buy a company and aquire the technology than to spend countless dollars on R&D to develope your own.

All flaws aside, I think they do a pretty good job at delivering what they promise. I only hope that the purchase of GIANT will do justice to that software.
#30 moeburn on 17 Dec 2004 - 14:01
Microsoft will now be charging you extra for software that works.
#31 GwaRGuITaR on 17 Dec 2004 - 16:36
this should be cool. looking forward to ms av and now this.
#32 Xion on 17 Dec 2004 - 17:35
I've got Spam Inspector from them. Wonder what's gonna happen to it.
#33 deron dantzler on 17 Dec 2004 - 20:59
I believe that I'll use it. I use GIANT AntiSpyware. Awesome program. I can't wait for a beta. Also MS AV will be nice.

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