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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."

3 of 521 comments (clear)

  1. sounds like an admission by Microsoft by yagu · · Score: 5, Interesting

    From the article:

    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...

    Well this says to me one of two things:

    1. Microsoft is (metaphorically) sticking out its tongue at the Unix/Linux universe, as well as every regulatory body with which they've "dealt" in the last ten years, or
    2. Microsoft cedes the reliability and small risk and vulnerability of Unix/Linux products over Windows and will thus focus continued energy to try and approach that level of security in Windows.

    You be the judge.

    I guess I'm just happy Microsoft can't buy linux and drop all support for that.

  2. Really odd by mcc · · Score: 5, Interesting

    How these acquisitions are chosen.

    Microsoft needs to expand into the video game market. They buy the one game company with heavy support for macintoshes (which then ends).
    Microsoft needs to expand into the virtualization market. They buy the one virtualization company with heavy support for macintoshes (which then suffers).
    Microsoft needs to expand into the antivirus email filter market. They buy one of the antivirus companies with support for linux/unix (which then ends).

    Funny how these coincidences work.

    --
    Irritable, left-wing and possibly humorous bumper stickers and t-shirts
  3. Re:And you're surprised by this... by JLF65 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    This is the SECOND AV maker that supported Unix/linux that MS has bought and then stopped Unix/linux support. How many will it take to convince you? Four? Ten? All of them?