Microsoft Cuts Anti-Virus Support For Unix / Linux

jasonmicron writes "As previously reported on Slashdot, Microsoft has completed the aquisition of Sybari Software this morning. Before the ink was even dry, Microsoft cut all new antivirus support for all Unix and Linux definitions. Current customers will continue to receive support but new customers will not have the option to purchase the software under Unix / Linux. From TFA: Post acquisition, Syabri becomes a Microsoft subsidiary focusing on marketing anti-virus and anti-spam protection for Microsoft messaging and collaboration servers. It will continue to market Sybari's Lotus Domino products but will not sell Antigen versions for Unix and Linux."

Comments

And you're surprised by this...

[Nom du Keyboard]

And you're surprised by this why?

Re:And you're surprised by this...

[terrymr]

Monopoly or not in the antivirus market, buying up makers of other software to stop them from making products for competing operating systems is still questionable behavior.

Re:And you're surprised by this...

[Guillermito]

Even though a Unix/Linux server may not need the protection of antivirus software, it still makes sense to run antivirus software on them.

For example, if the Unix/Linux box is a mail server you can run all routed messages through an antivirus filter before delivering them to Windows machines.

Re:And you're surprised by this...

[Valdrax]

I think you're confusing vertical and horizontal integration.

When Dahmler-Chrysler was formed, two companies that competed in the same space with the same type of products got rid of redundant offering within the same space. This is horizontal integration. This is not what Microsoft did.

When Standard Oil bought up all the producers of oil barrels to deny their competitors access, it was performing vertical integration to remove tools needed by competitors. This is what Microsoft did.

Microsoft has bought a product that makes UNIX and Linux servers more attractive by giving them needed security protections and has destroyed it for the express purpose of making UNIX and Linux servers less attractive. This is similar to what Standard Oil did only a little less drastic because you can still sell and use non-Windows servers without virus protection unlike oil without barrels to carry it in.

Whether this is an antitrust violation is a question for experts in the area, but it's certainly anticompetitive behavior.

Okay, Okay

[brotherscrim]

I know lots of people here are going to cry foul, but come on: Who was gonna buy anti-virus software for linux from Microsoft?

Well, Duh!

[overshoot]

Talk about making a strategic value out of your own product's flaws:

1. MSWindows machines draw malware like crap draws flies
2. Sysadmins install filters on their *nix mail servers to shield the (vulnerable|culpable) MSWin machines
3. MS buys up any company producing filters for *nix servers
4. MS shuts down the *nix side of the business
5. MS then sells MS servers because they're the only ones that can protect the MS clients.
6. Profit! (Not to mention more market dominance)

Re:sounds like an admission by Microsoft

[99BottlesOfBeerInMyF]

No one used these products to stop Linux/Unix machines from getting compromised. This software was run on Linux/Unix machines to stop Windows clients they served from getting compromised. It filled a real need, if one filled by other products as well. MS killed them because it probably plans to integrate the functionality into its Windows server offerings and does not like offering software that does not lock you in to their OS's.

Cutting off their nose to spite their face

[pandrijeczko]

I hate to say this but UNIX and Linux do not get viruses.

Virus detection programs on UNIX or Linux are usually deployed on mail servers that kill the viruses before they hit Windows-based mail clients.

Therefore, cutting support puts Windows mail clients connected to UNIX mail servers at threat.

Stupid, stupid decision from a company that claims to be serious about security.

Not the first time they've done this

[DieByWire]

They bought out RAV a few years ago and buried Linux support. After that things got even worse.

We switched to Vexira from Central Command. Midway through our contract, CC was kind enough to tell us we had to upgrade to their new software, and by the way, you have less than a week to do it. This was between Christmas and New Years. Did I say the the new software didn't support our existing OS? (RH 7.2, patches from Progeny.)

Every time we've used proprietary AV software we've gotten screwed.

Solution: apt-get install clamav.