In the ensuing months, Microsoft added more spyware definitions to its product and some more functionality, and changes the name Microsoft Anti-Spyware to Microsoft Defender.  One of the biggest modification made by Microsoft was to make the original software from Giant to work seamlessly with 64 bit since Giant was designed to work with 32-bit Intel x86 platform.  Windows Defender was re-architectured using C++ (original is Visual Basic),  integration with Windows Vista, and to work with other Microsoft security offerings like Windows OneCare Live. 

February 16, 2006, Microsoft issued a public version of Windows Defender Beta 2 for Windows 2000 (SP4+), Windows XP (SP+) and Windows Server 2003 (SP1+), as well as a separate x64 version for both Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 platforms.  Microsoft  Windows Defender (Beta 2) is a free program that detects and removes known spyware from your computer, which helps make your Internet browsing safer.  The software uses automatic definition updates provided by Microsoft analysts to help detect and remove new threats as the threats are identified.  Some of its new features are as follows:

-  Enhanced performance through a new scanning engine.
-  Streamlined, simplified user interface and alerts.
-  Improved control over programs on your computer using enhanced Software Explorer.
-  Multiple language support with globalization and localization features.
-  Protection technologies for all users, whether or not they have administrator rights on the computer.
-  Support for assistive technology for individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities.
-  Support for Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.
-  Automatic cleaning according to your settings during regularly scheduled scans.

In his keynote address at the RSA Conference 2006, Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates highlighted advancements in the forthcoming Windows Vista release such as isolation techniques to reduce the impact of malware, improved identity and access controls, and better data protection. He also showcased innovations surrounding the platform such as Windows OneCare Live, and industry partnerships such as the SecureIT Alliance.  Gates also announced new technologies including "InfoCard," the code name for a new feature of Microsoft Windows that simplifies and improves the safety of accessing resources and sharing personal information on the Internet.

The inclusion of Windows Defender into Vista is still a question for me, because just recently Jim Allchin of Microsoft announced that Vista's anti-virus software (One Care Live) will not be part of Vista.  OneCare Live will cost U.S. 49.95 dollar a year and will protect as many as three PCs as part of its home licensing.  What I am trying to say here is the decision of Microsoft whether to include or not to include certain applications into Vista will highly depend in its business viability.  If in the future, the demand for Windows Defender is high, there is a big chance that Defender will be sold separately.  But as of now, it is still free.

So what can the other security vendors say about the entry of Microsoft into the security market?  Most if not all acknowledged that Microsoft is a force to reckoned with, but is quick to say that they can compete strongly with Microsoft because of their experience and research in the field over the years.  Symantec for its part will soon release its own subscription-based downloadable web service called "Genesis", to counter Microsoft's "One Care Live" offering.

My fear here is Microsoft declaring war to companies who are actually more experienced and experts in the area of security is not a good idea.  These companies may teamed up together and gang up on the new kid on the security block.  And I think Microsoft is very much aware of this, Microsoft already said that they are not taking any marketshare away from security vendors but is targeting consumers who don't use a security solution.  If this is the case, what market then does the other security vendors are targeting?  Something doesn't add up here. 
 
I will not judge Microsoft's new security strategies now, I will wait till the final version of Windows Defender is released.  But this I am sure, the biggest challenge of Microsoft are not the software vendors, but Microsoft themselves. 

Microsoft is not a trusted brand name when it comes to security.  Microsoft's security reputation has suffered as hackers have exploited vulnerabilities in Windows and other programs over the years.  They've announced a couple of security initiatives before like "Trusted Computing" but failed.  I hope Windows Defender and Windows OneCare Live will change this for Microsoft.

And by the way, IDC said that the billion security software market is expected to grow to billion by 2008.  IDC also said that anti-spam product and service revenues are expected to reach .7 billion by 2008.  With these numbers, you can expect the competition among security providers will definitely heat up.

Am logging off.  Stay cool and God Bless us all!

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Announcement: Attend the Powertips 2006 "Security Secrets and Strategies" conference on March 16, 2006 at the Grand Ballroom of Dusit Hotel Nikko.  Tickets are available at all SM TicketNet outlets or call 911-5555.  You can also register online at www.infochat.com.ph.

For your questions, comments, suggestions, press releases and stories, please e-mail techtvhost@yahoo.com or visit www.infochat.com.ph for more articles.

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