Slashdot Mirror
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."
How do you know polar bears don't like ice cream?
I would imagine like most bears they are actracted to sweet odors and would enjoy ice cream very much. Hell, if they had money I bet you could make a killing selling them ice cream.
in Soviet Russian...polar bears kill you!
err wait...
People in cars cause accidents....accidents in cars cause people
Microsoft didnt buy ALL of the makers for unix / linux antivirus. They bought a single one.
Hitler didn't weed out ALL the races he didn't like straight up either - that would have upset too many people at the same time.
It's the best way to start doing something new - start small and work up. Set a precedent with an easy target so you have a better foothold when dealing with larger targets.
If M$ had done this to Symantec or McAffee, the fallout would have been huge. Taking out a large and well-known competitor out is not usually viewed as good by the public, unless that competitor was already in trouble - something that Anti-Virus software companies are never likely to encounter unless all popular OS's start shipping with free AV software..... But by the time that happens, there may be no-one left to speak out.
That aside, what is the best way for MS to push people away from *nix servers? Simple - prevent those servers from protecting the windows boxes from viruses. Not that this will help them much - there are open source anti-virus programs (eg ClamAV) that will make that somewhat difficult, if not impossible.