European security software makers are closely, but quietly, watching as Microsoft enters their turf.
Companies such as F-Secure, Panda Software and Sophos are taking a low-key approach, unlike their U.S. counterparts. Cupertino, Calif.-based Symantec, in particular, has been vocal in its opposition to Microsoft, even sending executives to Europe to talk to reporters about how it fears the software giant will undercut security rivals with Windows Vista.
That doesn't mean, however, that the Europeans don't share the concerns that have been voiced by Symantec, McAfee and others.
"We should regard Microsoft's entry into this space as a threat," said Josu Franco, director of corporate development at Panda Software in Bilbao, Spain. "Microsoft is trying to leverage its monopoly in the desktop to compete in the antivirus space, and we should call that abuse."
Europe is a key battleground for Microsoft as it gets ready to ship Vista, the successor to Windows XP that is slated to be broadly available in January. The European Commission has already warned Microsoft to stick to its competition rules--in particular, those that prohibit abuse of a dominant market position. Microsoft continues to seek out what's permissible in Vista.
View: Full Article @ C|Net News
Companies such as F-Secure, Panda Software and Sophos are taking a low-key approach, unlike their U.S. counterparts. Cupertino, Calif.-based Symantec, in particular, has been vocal in its opposition to Microsoft, even sending executives to Europe to talk to reporters about how it fears the software giant will undercut security rivals with Windows Vista.
That doesn't mean, however, that the Europeans don't share the concerns that have been voiced by Symantec, McAfee and others.
"We should regard Microsoft's entry into this space as a threat," said Josu Franco, director of corporate development at Panda Software in Bilbao, Spain. "Microsoft is trying to leverage its monopoly in the desktop to compete in the antivirus space, and we should call that abuse."
Europe is a key battleground for Microsoft as it gets ready to ship Vista, the successor to Windows XP that is slated to be broadly available in January. The European Commission has already warned Microsoft to stick to its competition rules--in particular, those that prohibit abuse of a dominant market position. Microsoft continues to seek out what's permissible in Vista.
View: Full Article @ C|Net News
/cry
+1
It's it's iiiit's beyond your understanding, you filthy humans!
Besides, the ONLY way this is of any real consequence to them is if Microsoft is able to lock out 100% of all Viruses and Spyware, otherwise people will still need their products.
Because IF I happen to need Security Software because of holes MS left, I highly doubt I will be trusting Microsoft anymore, IE as long ass viruses and crap like that exists, there will be a need for 3rd party software.
I completely agree with you, I don't trust Microsoft enough with my security yet for them to be the only option. As much as I appreciate them trying to secure their OS, I'm not at all happy about them shutting out other companies like Symantec.
I completely agree with you, I don't trust Microsoft enough with my security yet for them to be the only option. As much as I appreciate them trying to secure their OS, I'm not at all happy about them shutting out other companies like Symantec.
Symantec Antivirus Corp already works on Vista so please explain to me how MS is shutting them out?
AV software is always going to be needed on Windows, no matter how secure the OS is.
Please get a clue.
Wrong.
I buy Windows XP with IE6. Then I install IE7 fo FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!.
So IE7 IS free. And so are IE6 and many other components.
But RedHat Linux is NOT FREE!.
It costs every cent for thouse BUYING it.
I completely agree with you, I don't trust Microsoft enough with my security yet for them to be the only option. As much as I appreciate them trying to secure their OS, I'm not at all happy about them shutting out other companies like Symantec.
I have perfect solution for U. Install Windows 95a (pure security hole) and Symantec security suite. You'll die soon along with your beloved symantec.
I completely agree with you, I don't trust Microsoft enough with my security yet for them to be the only option. As much as I appreciate them trying to secure their OS, I'm not at all happy about them shutting out other companies like Symantec.
Symantec Antivirus Corp already works on Vista so please explain to me how MS is shutting them out?
AV software is always going to be needed on Windows, no matter how secure the OS is.
Please get a clue.
http://it.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/08/11/1515215
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/0,39020330,39280753,00.htm
Last edited by theblazingangel on 30 Sep 2006 - 15:39
I completely agree with you, I don't trust Microsoft enough with my security yet for them to be the only option. As much as I appreciate them trying to secure their OS, I'm not at all happy about them shutting out other companies like Symantec.
I have perfect solution for U. Install Windows 95a (pure security hole) and Symantec security suite. You'll die soon along with your beloved symantec.
you didnt understand me, im not saying that 3rd party security applications are a replacement to all security offered by microsoft including updates and new releases, im saying there an important addition to it and im not happy that with kernel patch guard in vista 3rd party securtity applications could be shut out and we'd have to rely totally on microsoft to protect us.
Is equal that General Motors start selling SUV with insurance rather to stop building a too dangerous vehicle.
If you want a stupid car analogy, then this is more like "Traction Control" or similar stability programs that let the user know they're about to slide into a ditch and give you a solid chance to avoid that outcome.
You could also compare it to a modern car's anti-theft features.
If you want a stupid car analogy, then this is more like "Traction Control" or similar stability programs that let the user know they're about to slide into a ditch and give you a solid chance to avoid that outcome.
You could also compare it to a modern car's anti-theft features.
Stupid car analogies are classic among MS products ;-)
Anyways antivirus and antispyware are both after countermeasure, so Windows give trouble also a solution, really not to wise @_@ . Stopping to create troubles (vulnerabilities) must be the (MAIN) goal of MS.
To: Panda software
From: Marketing 101
Having a competitor in your market is known as, well, competition and is a threat. In your case, Symantec, PC-Cillian, Mcafee, and others are threats as well.
Memo #2
To: Panda Software
From: The Dictionary People
Please look up the word 'monopoly' and 'abuse' before you mis-use them again.
Memo #3
To: Panda Software
From: Marketing 102
Please note that having a competitor in your marketplace is not "abuse". Do you consider computer manufacturers who pre-install competitor's av software to be abusing their position? How about people who go online and downlaod a demo of a competitor's av product? Are they abusing their right to choose? Are your competitors abusing their free right to compete by offering competing products on the market?
Memo #4
To: Panda Software
From: Your Lawyers
We're on our way to help you flush out some cash!
To: C_Guy
From: Neowin Members
You are a troll. Now get your lips off of Bill gates butt and go watch some of your cartoons. Please leave the Internet to the adults.
To: SquareSoftO
From: Neowin Members
When were you voted voice of Neowin?
I believe an article was posted here a few weeks ago that highlighted what I said above... If I recall it was by a Cisco Security Analyst. However, the general premise is that he more security features Microsoft implements there are usually actions and reactions to that; closing one hole often opens another which is why security companies like Symantec will continue to operate with the same concept as they have previously; provide a broad, open-level security package that works by removing threats once they are introduced while Microsoft will continue to close (and open) more vulnerability pathways.
I say screw 'em. If you can't build and market a solution that users *want* to pay for, then you don't deserve success. Crying about it isn't going to help, or at least it shouldn't.
Fact of the matter is, "Anti-Spyware" is something that "Anti-Virus" software should have been doing all along. But suddenly companies like Symantec saw an opportunity to sell you *yet another security product* which I don't think they should have gotten away with. What's next, "Anti-Trojan" software sold seperately from "Anti-Worm" software?
Yes they would be right to consider that a threat to their business, but I wouldn't say they are using their OS monolopy to leverage OneCare. Unless MS is going to bundle Onecare with Vista, customers still have to buy it seperately just like any other 3rd party add-on. In the current form of Windows XP, there is nothing that lets a customer know that MS has it's own AV program, they would have to actually know or go to the store and see it sold next to competing products as well. In this respect if Onecare ends up being the dominant AV product I don't see how companies could whine and moan about it.
I don't think MS should include Windows Defender in Vista though because that would destroy competing products, but that's just my opinion.
Yes they would be right to consider that a threat to their business, but I wouldn't say they are using their OS monolopy to leverage OneCare. Unless MS is going to bundle Onecare with Vista, customers still have to buy it seperately just like any other 3rd party add-on. In the current form of Windows XP, there is nothing that lets a customer know that MS has it's own AV program, they would have to actually know or go to the store and see it sold next to competing products as well. In this respect if Onecare ends up being the dominant AV product I don't see how companies could whine and moan about it.
I don't think MS should include Windows Defender in Vista though because that would destroy competing products, but that's just my opinion.
I agree 100% with everything you just said. As much as I like Defender, MS shouldn't have bundled it with vista. that's anti-competitive. but selling it, or having it as a free download, would be fine.
I think that not bundling OneCare is fine.
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