Microsoft and Security - Demand if they do and demand if they don't

Michael Gartenberg | February 21, 2005, 07:39 PM

Read a news report today that cited how a firm that predicted Microsoft will be coming out with an anti-virus product and spyware software later this year. Wow. I think the sun will also rise tomorrow and perhaps even the day after. The report also criticizes them for these efforts (implying that it will come at the expense of other vendors) and suggests they should just focus on making Windows more secure...

It's tough to be Microsoft. On one hand, folks insist that security, spyware and virus are issues that they must own. On the other hand, when they do own it and respond, they get dinged for it. Microsoft's decision to get into the business and make these tools available should be lauded. Security is a tough issue that I've written about before and users need to also take on a share of the responsibility of keeping their systems safe. The fact is, even with good solutions on the market, not enough users are protecting their systems and if Microsoft entering the game can help change that, it's a good thing.