Microsoft has unwrapped a free security and anti-spyware program to clean out the most dangerous computer infections, as a step toward its own full-blown antivirus software.
Announcing the security program January 6, Microsoft also said there would be free and automatic monthly updates. But the software kingpins cautioned as well that the new program would not prevent infections and isn't aimed at replacing traditional antivirus software.
Microsoft's purchase of GeCAD Software, a Romanian-based antivirus maker, in 2003, paved the way for Microsoft's antivirus development, but Microsoft plans to enter the antivirus market full force have a few antivirus companies and analysts cautious.
Microsoft vice president for security Rich Kaplan told reporters they plan to make a stand-alone antivirus product, targeting several varieties of infections and updated monthly. That makes at least McAfee a little nervous, a recent annual report saying its own antivirus products could become obsolete and unmarketable if Microsoft includes antivirus protection in Windows directly.
Kaplan made a point of encouraging consumers to keep buying products like McAfee and like Symantec's Norton Anti-Virus. He also said an industry group created to share details between top antivirus makers and Microsoft would continue even if Microsoft does get directly into the antivirus market.
Symantec seems less nervous than McAfee about a Microsoft antivirus product, in large part because, as company executive Vincent Weafer told reporters, Symantec and other companies have an edge of long-term experience in handling virus and malware problems directly. "This is an area we certainly think we can differentiate ourselves from Microsoft," he was quoted as saying. "We've worked hard over the years to build trust with customers."
Microsoft got into the anti-spyware game as of mid-December, when it bought Giant Company Software, and Microsoft had hoped to bring out a beta version of a new anti-spyware tool based on Giant products within a month of that buy. Microsoft is believed planning to bring out a full final anti-spyware product by summer 2005, but pricing on that and on any coming antivirus product has yet to be determined or announced.
