Anti-trust Concerns Join Microsofts Security Push

With the RSA Security Conference going strong this week, a number of high-profile security companies used this venue to highlight upcoming strategies and utilities.

Microsoft too used the conference to show the company’s commitment to security. A keynote given by Bill Gates discussed the recent Sybari acquisition as well as the upcoming release of their anti-virus software.

However, a recent article in Reuters looks at how a potential operating system bundle that includes these tools could re-open old anti-trust wounds. According to the article

If Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft ties its new anti-virus software, expected out later this year, too closely to Windows or prices it steeply below anti-virus software offered by vendors such as McAfee Inc. and Symantec Corp., antitrust regulators could turn their attention toward the company again.

“Aggressive entry into the established anti-virus market, especially to the extent Microsoft bundles its solution into the operating system, is almost certain to draw regulatory scrutiny, especially in the EU (European Union),” Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. analyst Charles Di Bona said in a recent note to clients.

These concerns have not affected Microsoft’s commitment to securing their products, at not least verbally. They’ve already launched an anti-spyware utility and purchased Sybari, which was done before the RSA even kicked off.

A quote from Gates’ speech revealed his resolve; “We’re committed to continued innovation that addresses the threats of today and anticipates those that will undoubtedly emerge in the future.”

Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest search news.