Microsoft's Morro Could Mean No Tomorrow for Symantec, McAfee

 | Wed, 11/19/2008 - 22:47


In a move that could threaten the livelihoods of security software makers Symantec and McAfee, Microsoft has announced it will offer free antivirus software some time in the second half of 2009. The free software, codenamed "Morro," will replace Microsoft's current security offering, Windows Live OneCare, a suite of services that costs consumers about $50 per year. Morro will be designed to protect PCs against viruses, malware and spyware.

Similar entries

  • Microsoft's Morro Could Challenge Security Giants

    McAfee and Symantec could be affected as Microsoft moves to provide free antivirus software. If the software, code-named Morro, successfully protects against viruses, analysts said, it could mean an exodus from well-known security brands.

    On Tuesday, Microsoft announced a security offering focused on protecting against malware. The software giant is addressing what it sees as a growing need for a security solution that meets the unique needs of emerging markets and smaller PC form factors.

  • Microsoft's Morro Could Challenge Security Giants (NewsFactor)

    NewsFactor - McAfee and Symantec could be affected as Microsoft moves to provide free antivirus software. If the software, code-named Morro, successfully protects against viruses, analysts said, it could mean an exodus from well-known security brands.

  • OneCare Death to Make Room for Free Morro Antivirus for Windows 7

    A future core antimalware solution will replace Windows Live OneCare, which, considering the price of a one year subscription, has already qualified for an alternative to free security software, come mid-2009.

  • OneCare Not a Failure, Even If Replaced by Morro for Windows 7

    The past month Microsoft announced a major shift in its anti-malware strategy. As a direct consequence, the Redmond company will kill Windows Live OneCare and replace it with a free security solution codenamed Morro.

  • Who gains from Microsoft's free Morro antivirus?

    Microsoft is dropping its subscription-based antivirus software in favor of a free package, code-named 'Morro'. ScanSafe Internet-security expert Mary Landesman investigates Microsoft's motives. Commentary--Microsoft is to replace its paid-for antivirus product with a free one, citing an altruistic desire to spread protection around the world. But many are less...

  • Morro Antivirus (for Windows 7, Vista SP2 and XP SP3) Just for Consumers

    Introduced in 2005, Windows Live OneCare is heading for an early grave, with Microsoft planning to discontinue license sales of the all-in-one PC care and security product come June 30, 2009, and to offer support only as long as existing subscriptions will last.

  • Microsoft Will Replace OneCare with Security Software

    Microsoft plans to stop accepting paid subscriptions to Windows Live OneCare in mid-2009. The security software is slated to be replaced by a free offering code-named Morro, which will focus on providing consumer PCs with core protection from viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans and other forms of malware.

  • Microsoft Free “Morro” Antivirus for Windows 7, Vista SP2, XP SP3

    Microsoft is cooking a free security solution, designed to integrate seamlessly with Windows 7, as well as with Windows Vista RTM/SP1/SP2 and Windows XP SP3.

  • Microsoft to offer free consumer security suite

    Updated at 6:15 p.m. PST with Microsoft and McAfee comment, at 5:30 p.m. with Sophos comment, and at 4:40 p.m. with customer comment.

    Windows Live OneCare logo(Credit: Microsoft)

    Microsoft on Tuesday said it is changing its strategy for offering PC antivirus software, with plans to discontinue its subscription-based consumer security suite and instead offer individuals free software to protect their PCs.

  • Microsoft Will Replace OneCare with Security Software (NewsFactor)

    NewsFactor - Microsoft plans to stop accepting paid subscriptions to Windows Live OneCare in mid-2009. The security software is slated to be replaced by a free offering code-named Morro, which will focus on providing consumer PCs with core protection from viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans and other forms of malware.