Competitors declare MSE is not enough for small businesses

[JMH]

Three antivirus makers have weighed in on Microsoft's decision to make Microsoft Security Essentials free for small businesses with 10 PCs or fewer. Symantec, ESET, and Avast have all commented about the change, and their opinions can be summed up by saying "it's great what Microsoft is doing, but it's not enough."

Last week, Microsoft flipped the licensing switch for MSE, making it legal to use the antimalware program for free, even outside of home use. Microsoft claims that enterprise security software is too expensive, complicated, and hard to use for such small organizations, hence its decision to expand the reach of MSE.

Symantec, maker of the Norton line of products, says Microsoft's decision makes sense, and backs it up with data from a 2009 survey conducted by the company an the National Cyber Security Alliance. The survey found that small businesses are storing more important information than ever, while cybercriminals are particularly interested in taking advantage of these inadequately protected small companies.

That said, Symantec thinks Microsoft's approach is poor. "While we applaud any vendor that heightens small business awareness around the need for computer security, it's clear that today's threats have moved beyond the capabilities of the product Microsoft is offering," Symantec told Ars. "The perception that freeware vendors have created is that free, basic security is enough to protect customers from today's online threats. The reality is that the number and sophistication of Web-based viruses and malicious code continues to rise, resulting in small businesses needing more than just a signature-based antivirus product to fully protect their critical information."

Source -
Competitors declare MSE is not enough for small businesses

 

[SledgeDG]

The question I would have now: Is it true just because the competitors claim so ?
It's a given that data integrity on business computers usually is more important than on home pcs.
On the other hand a business owner better had come up with a backup strategy that guarantees said integrity.
Especially because they're more likely to be targeted.

-DG

 

[chev65]

Quote: Last week, Microsoft flipped the licensing switch for MSE, making it legal to use the antimalware program for free, even outside of home use. Microsoft claims that enterprise security software is too expensive, complicated, and hard to use for such small organizations, hence its decision to expand the reach of MSE.

Not to mention they can and will cause endless problems with everything from file sharing to internet access. :sarc:

 

[Rhammstein]

Heh... That's really clever..

Play nicely to warm up, then take the shot. I guess they've got to say something though, and I half agree, a business should do more, but not software, MSE+ common sense and trustful employees.

 

[MattRainier]

Wait...this is Symantec? Saying that MSE's not good enough? Sheesh, what I wouldn't give to get Symantec's CEO in a room for an hour, just so I can rant about how his company's bullship product screwed my computer and destroyed about $20,000 worth of data...

 

[jimbo45]

Three antivirus makers have weighed in on Microsoft's decision to make Microsoft Security Essentials free for small businesses with 10 PCs or fewer. Symantec, ESET, and Avast have all commented about the change, and their opinions can be summed up by saying "it's great what Microsoft is doing, but it's not enough."

Last week, Microsoft flipped the licensing switch for MSE, making it legal to use the antimalware program for free, even outside of home use. Microsoft claims that enterprise security software is too expensive, complicated, and hard to use for such small organizations, hence its decision to expand the reach of MSE.

Symantec, maker of the Norton line of products, says Microsoft's decision makes sense, and backs it up with data from a 2009 survey conducted by the company an the National Cyber Security Alliance. The survey found that small businesses are storing more important information than ever, while cybercriminals are particularly interested in taking advantage of these inadequately protected small companies.

That said, Symantec thinks Microsoft's approach is poor. "While we applaud any vendor that heightens small business awareness around the need for computer security, it's clear that today's threats have moved beyond the capabilities of the product Microsoft is offering," Symantec told Ars. "The perception that freeware vendors have created is that free, basic security is enough to protect customers from today's online threats. The reality is that the number and sophistication of Web-based viruses and malicious code continues to rise, resulting in small businesses needing more than just a signature-based antivirus product to fully protect their critical information."

Source -
Competitors declare MSE is not enough for small businesses

What a surprise !!!

I'm sure say if SHELL were giving away free Gasoline EXXON MOBIL would probably say --this gas is no good for your car so you have to use ours (paid for) to guarantee no damage to the Engine.

What on EARTH would you EXPECT competitors who are still charging for their product to say.

AS I've posted in these forums before the days of PAID FOR AV software for INDIVIDUALS and even SMALL businesses is rapidly coming to an end.

Cheers
jimbo