text: Enterprises can look forward to cheaper antivirus and anti-spyware software after Microsoft enters the desktop security market next year, industry experts predict.
  According to Neil MacDonald, Gartner vice president and a distinguished analyst, the software giant will face major challenges as it attempts to muscle into the established security market with an anti-malware offering combining antivirus and anti-spyware protection with centralised management. However, its entry will inevitably cause a "market shift".
  Gartner believes that Microsoft will probably not bundle its full enterprise anti-malware offering with the forthcoming Windows Vista, because of regulatory and antitrust concerns.
  Although no official details of pricing have been released, the analyst firm predicts that Microsoft will set its pricing to dramatically under-cut existing desktop security offerings: "We expect Microsoft to offer a simple pricing model for this service, with annual subscription fees not exceeding $15 per user per PC," MacDonald predicted.
  He went on to point out that Microsoft faces "many challenges" besides regulatory concerns as it enters the enterprise security space. The company needs to change the PC security market, not simply deliver derivative "me too" products at lower price points, Gartner warned.
  In addition Microsoft "cannot expect to be taken seriously" as a security vendor if it supports only Windows platforms. Other issues facing the software giant, according to Gartner, is the need to develop a single, unified management console for all its host-based security products, covering those included in the operating system and those sold separately.
  "[Microsoft] must deal with skepticism from larger enterprises that may consider Microsoft's selling desktop security products a conflict of interest (because it developed the vulnerable software that now must be protected at additional cost)," MacDonald said.
  He added that Microsoft will also face scrutiny from regulators who believe the firm has unfair "inside" knowledge of Windows and Windows vulnerabilities.
  Enterprises should tread cautiously and recognise that Microsoft is a relatively new entrant in the security market, whereas other vendors have 10 years or more of experience, Gartner advised.
  "Follow Gartner's standard advice that large, complex enterprises should never switch to v.1.0 of any product," the analyst firm stated.
  Rather than rolling out the Redmond giant's security offerings firms should use its entry into the market to gain leverage when negotiating renewal of desktop security contracts, even if they are not seriously considering Microsoft's offerings.
  Gartner also noted that enterprises should stop paying extra for anti-spyware by the end of 2006 and avoid long-term contracts of more than two years for desktop security products, because price points will likely drop at least 10 per cent per year after Microsoft's entry.
  SC Staff
  Related
  Network security
  How SD-WANs can integrate into SASE
  Etay Maor December 7, 2021
  SASE aims to integrate all the important network security tools, including SD-WAN.
  Ransomware
  Cyber Command chief acknowledges US military ‘imposing cost’ on ransomware groups
  Joe Uchill December 6, 2021
  Gen. Paul Nakasone used the most definite language to date so far during an interview in not-quite-saying the U.S. military is taking action to degrade ransomware groups.
  APT
  Court allows Microsoft to dismantle infrastructure of China-based threat group
  Joe Uchill December 6, 2021
  Court documents unsealed Monday show that Microsoft won the right to dismantle 51 domains used by APT15 for espionage campaigns in 29 countries, including the United States.
  Related Events
  Cybercast
  Application Security in Depth: Understanding the Three Layers of AppSec Testing
  TUE JAN 18
  Democast
  1Password for Business Demo
  TUE JAN 11
  Cybercast
  Ransomware Recovery: Lessons From The CRA/InfraGard Survey
  THU DEC 16
  About UsSC MediaCyberRisk AllianceContact UsPrivacy
  Get InvolvedSubscribeContribute/SpeakAttend an eventJoin a peer group
  ExploreProduct reviewsResearchWhite papersWebcastsPodcasts
  Copyright © 2021 CyberRisk Alliance, LLC All Rights Reserved This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization.
  Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of CyberRisk Alliance Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.