Disruption in Security Software?

Microsoft plans to roll out Morro - -- basic anti-virus protection which it most likely will distribute free with all new Windows PCs and Windows Mobile devices.

In the meantime, Kaspersky Labs from Russia continue to make in-roads in Western markets - where Symantec is still the 800 pound gorilla with almost 50% market share.

Comments

[JohnR]

Do you not think that Kaspersky is also quietly complicit in encouraging some of the very viruses they claim to present?

If there was not demand there would be no supply...

Think about it.

John, that is a pretty bold statement - are you also accusing Symantec et al of doing something similar to sustain demand for their security products? In every market you hear of such conspiracy theories like oil companies supposedly killed alternative energy engines in cars. If you have proof of what you are saying I am sure the FBI, Interpol etc would love to talk to you - to curb the scourge of malware.

[David Scott "Lightman" Lewis]

I always wonder who would be dumb enough to buy security software made in Russia (or China, for that matter). It's hard enough to trace the origins of a lot of anti-malware software -- especially freeware, but when it's clear that it's (most likely) coded in Russia or China, well, seems like only an idiot would choose this path for security.

BTW, although a lot of people seem to think Panda is from China, it isn't. Cute name, but they didn't think through the implications of being incorrectly associated with origins in China.

Hey, I have the best idea: Let's buy security software coded in Iran and North Korea (DPRK). Yeah, this sounds like a great idea, too!! Even better if there's a user testimonial from Osama bin Laden.

David, not saying you are, but I see too many protectionists who use security, compliance etc as scare tactics.

And Stretch your analogy and should we trust chips manufactured in China, software supported from India etc?

And by that token should other countries buy Boeing planes? Surely we could bug them and have secret tracking technology in them. And should they let GE work on their turbines and other large infrastructure projects?

[David Scott "Lightman" Lewis]

Good points, Vinnie, but I'd draw a deep line in the sand at security software.

But, in fact, I don't believe U.S. government entities -- at the Federal, State or Municipal level -- should buy Lenovo computers, for example. Or, telecom equipment from Huawei or ZTC. Too risky. And to take this a step further, I have more trust in a Cognizant with a historical footing in the States than I would with most of India's ITO firms. (This isn't a hard-and-fast rule for me, since I trust Wipro and Infosys. But I would considered with many other firms, especially regarding BPO and access to private data.)

And just because some protectionists use security as a scare tactic, it doesn't mean that it's not a valid point; it's still a valid point, regardless of the motive for using it.

Hey, seems like NeoIT is imploding. (Not sure about this, but their management page is quite thin these days.) Any insights? Maybe Avinash's Tholons is doing much better than Atul's NeoIT.