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• June 11, 2003 •
Last Tuesday Microsoft announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the intellectual property and technology assets of GeCAD Software Srl., a provider of antivirus technology based in Bucharest, Romania. According to Microsoft, its acquisition of GeCAD's technology will help secure its customers by providing antivirus solutions for Microsoft® products and services. In addition to developing new solutions, Microsoft will use the GeCAD engineering expertise and technology to enhance the Windows platform and extend support for third-party antivirus vendors so they can provide customers with increasingly secure and comprehensive levels of virus protection.
"Customers told us they needed a safer, more trustworthy computing experience to help combat the threats posed by those who write viruses and malicious code," said Mike Nash, corporate vice president of the Security Business Unit at Microsoft. "This acquisition will help us and our partner antivirus providers further mitigate risks from these threats."
Microsoft is touting the acquisition as the next step in its Trustworthy Computing initiative because Antivirus software is a critical component in protecting computers. Installing an effective antivirus solution is the first step, but keeping it up-to-date with the latest virus signatures is just as important. According to a study commissioned by Microsoft, 63 percent of home users do not have an antivirus solution or do not keep their antivirus solution up-to-date. Without updated signatures, antivirus software is ineffective against new viruses.
According to Microsoft they will also continue to invest in technologies, in addition to its own future solutions, which allow Windows to support a wide range of third-party antivirus solutions.
Details of the Microsoft antivirus solution, including any product plans, pricing, and a timeline for delivery, are not yet available, although there are some indications that Microsoft is looking to provide a paid-subscription service to Windows users.
