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Thursday, December 16, 2004
Microsoft may charge extra for security software
Microsoft Corp. disclosed plans to offer frustrated users of its Windows software new tools within 30 days to remove spyware programs secretly running on computers.
In a shift from past practice, the world’s largest software manufacturer said it may charge consumers for future versions of the new protective technology, which Microsoft acquired by buying a small New York software firm.
Microsoft, whose Windows operating systems have often been criticized for lax security, traditionally has given consumers—at no charge—separate programs to improve security.
The company’s upcoming tool, available for its Windows XP and Windows 2000 software, will sweep for spyware and offer to remove suspicious programs.
Rival anti-spyware tools, such as Lavasoft Inc.‘s popular “Ad-Aware” product, offer similar functions and many are free.
Microsoft’s disclosure that it may eventually charge extra for Windows protection reflects a recognition inside the company that it could collect significant profits by helping to protect its customers. Microsoft and some others, meanwhile, said blame should be directed instead at spyware manufacturers.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/internet/12/16/microsoft.spyware.ap/index.html