Microsoft’s Morro not intended as Symantec, McAfee rival

San Francisco, November 20: Microsoft’s introduction of a new security software is not an attempt to compete with security software giants, Symantec and McAfee.

Microsoft announced on Tuesday that they would be producing a free security software called “Morro” after they finish the distribution of their subscription-based security service, Windows Live OneCare.

After the Microsoft’s announcement, stocks of both Symantec and McAfee dropped. Symantec shares went down by 9.44 percent to $11.23 while that of McAfee went down by 6.62 percent to $26.68. Even Microsoft shares dropped 6 percent to $18.45.

The company reiterated that this new software is not intended to bite into Symantec or McAfee market share. It is designed solely for anti-virus protection while the security software from the two companies and other security giants provides comprehensive suites including encryption, data loss prevention, firewalls and parental control.

Amy Barzdukas, senior director, product management for Microsoft's Online Services and Windows Division explained: “This [Morro] is really focused on the 50 to 60 percent [of PC users] who don't have, or won't pay for, anti-virus protection, anti-malware protection.”

The Morro security software is designed to give protection against viruses, spyware, rootkits, and Trojans. It is specifically made to cater to low-bandwidth systems and less powerful computers. Though it will be replacing the Windows Live OneCare Service that sells for $49.95 per year for three computers, Morro does not have OneCare’s non-security features such as printer sharing and automated computer tune-up.

The Windows Live OneCare security service will be available for Windows XP and Vista until June 30, 2009. After that, the sales of the product will be phased out gradually as soon as Morro becomes available.

A statement made by Microsoft ensures that “all current customers remain protected through the life of their subscriptions”.

Morro could be obtained by downloading it from the internet. It will be compatible for Windows XP, Vista and the soon to be released Windows 7.

Barzdukas said that the Morro security software would be made available across every country in the world, but will be focused more on countries like Brazil where a large number of people cannot afford anti-virus software.