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Microsoft Cuts Anti-Virus Support For Unix / Linux

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the how-totally-amazing dept.

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."

4 of 521 comments (clear)

  1. Okay, Okay by brotherscrim · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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?

  2. Well, Duh! by overshoot · · Score: 5, Insightful
    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)
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  3. Re:And you're surprised by this... by Guillermito · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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.

  4. Re:And you're surprised by this... by Valdrax · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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.

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