By now we’re all used to seeing the words “Microsoft” and “antitrust” in the same sentence. This time, the application causing the controversy is Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), the software giant’s free antivirus offering.
The issue stems from a change Microsoft recently made in the way that Security Essentials is offered to Windows users. On November 1st, MSE was added to the optional download list for U.S. users running Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7.
Trend Micro spoke out claiming that the action violated antitrust regulations, a concern which was quickly echoed by other antivirus manufacturers including Panda Security.
"Commercializing Windows Update to distribute other software applications raises significant questions about unfair competition," said Carol Carpenter, the general manager of the consumer and small business group at Trend Micro. "Windows Update is a de facto extension of Windows, so to begin delivering software tied to updates has us concerned. Windows Update is not a choice for users, and we believe it should not be used this way."
But Microsoft contends that Security Essentials isn’t being forced on customers at all. "[It's] an optional download that customers with no antivirus solution can elect to download and install," said Jeff Smith, director of marketing for Security Essentials in an email to Infoworld. "[This is] just one of many options available to customers to get security software."
Some industry analysts are saying that Microsoft’s push to offer customers easier access is actually a good thing because it provides greater competition against Symantec, a long-time antivirus industry leader. “Symantec has done a decent job of protecting my home network; I'm not quite ready to dump it. But if ever a company and its products needed more competition, it's Symantec,” says Bill Snyder.
As a former tech support representative, I think that it’s about time that Windows had some sort of free, native security offering. Symantic and MacAfee had trial versions installed on computers that were easily activated; however when the 90 days were over, many customers wouldn’t pursue a paid subscription to their services. Then they would end up calling in with a virus.
Maybe if it were something other than security software I would feel differently, but I’m with Snyder and Microsoft on this one.
