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Microsoft to Buy Anti-Virus Software Firm

Posted by Zonk on from the ms-adopts-anti-bug-tactics dept.

thejuggler writes "Excite News is reporting that Microsoft is planning to buy Sybari Software Inc., which makes programs designed to protect business computer networks from viruses, worms and other threats. This is Microsoft's second purchase of an anti-virus company. The article states that Microsoft is thinking about charging for their anti-virus and anti-spyware software."

4 of 344 comments (clear)

  1. They're not buying an AV engine, though by Caesar · · Score: 5, Informative

    As we noted over at Ars, Sybari doesn't make an AV engine. Their main product allows customers to plug in AV engines developed by other companies, and in fact can support multiple engines at once.

    Of course, MS does have their own engine now, which they bought back in 2003.

  2. Re:Nothing for you to see here by interiot · · Score: 5, Informative

    Eh? Antitrust laws do not simply protect against monopolies/cartels, but instead protect against anything that intentionally restrains trade (as vague as that is). There are several solid pages on vertical integration/antitrust (one, two ). Isn't payola a clear case of vertical integration? If you can control the channels of production, it doesn't matter if you have lots of competitors who will sell at a lower price than you; the customer doesn't have access to their product.

  3. ClamAV by VeneficusAcerbus · · Score: 5, Informative

    There's always www.clamav.net

  4. Re:Not updated fast enough. by LnxAddct · · Score: 5, Informative

    I can't find the link, but the irconic thing is that ClamAV, the free virus scanner, was once evaluated and found to update its database sometimes faster then both symantec and mcaffee.
    Regards,
    Steve