The leading headline on major security news sites is about Microsoft’s new anti-virus and malware protection application called Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). Symantec has launched a marketing attack on MSE suggesting it is a mulligan for the failed OneCare program. Symantec states in their test of MSE they contracted with Dennis Technology Lab (DTL) in the UK to perform the actual testing. This is quite amusing because of the linking word in this test, contract. What business would contract someone to provide tests results which make them look bad? It’s not as if Symantec would have written this article if they would have lost. Being a contract relationship nullifies any credibility. If Symantec really wanted to boast their product over MSE, they should make the contract with DTL public. No compensation amounts need be posted, just the details of deliverables and agreements. It is interesting to note that DTL is a part of Dennis Publishing, who owns various high profile technology focused publications. Wouldn’t it be a coincident to see these publications hammering MSE?
Network World Security and Computerworld Security are reporting that AV.test.org, a real independent tester, have given MSE high marks. It should also be noted that Symantec, DTL and AV.test.org are all members of Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO).
The real issue here is MSE is free and Symantec will see a considerable reduction in market share and profits.
