Monday, May 16, 2005
Microsoft Targets Viruses, Spyware
In a bid to redefine the computer security business , Microsoft said yesterday that it will market a consumer PC-tuneup subscription service with virus and spyware protection. "We believe this is a new ubercategory called 'PC help,'" Microsoft spokesman Ryan Hamlin says. Microsoft's new service will put it in direct competition with security software giants Symantec, McAfee and Computer Associates. The company plans to test its Windows OneCare service this summer. It hasn't said when the final version will be ready or how much it will cost. But security experts project a fee of US$80 per year or less for:
-Basic protection. Anti-virus and anti-spyware filtering tools derived from technology Microsoft acquired via its 2003 purchase of anti-virus vendor GeCad and last December's acquisition of anti-spyware maker Giant Company Software.
-Backup and storage. Microsoft will remind subscribers to back up files to CDs or external hard drives. Eventually it may offer file storage on Microsoft servers, similar to a subscription storage service Apple (Nasdaq
-Basic protection. Anti-virus and anti-spyware filtering tools derived from technology Microsoft acquired via its 2003 purchase of anti-virus vendor GeCad and last December's acquisition of anti-spyware maker Giant Company Software.
-Backup and storage. Microsoft will remind subscribers to back up files to CDs or external hard drives. Eventually it may offer file storage on Microsoft servers, similar to a subscription storage service Apple (Nasdaq
