Is Microsoft a security threat?

The potential impact of Microsoft's broader move into security software has been noted by McAfee and other incumbents.

Microsoft's entrance promises to change the competitive landscape for companies specialising in software to clean up and protect computers from viruses, spyware and other online threats.

Microsoft has so far kept key elements of its security software plans under wraps. The company acknowledges it will offer its own anti-spyware and antivirus products, based on technology acquired during the past two years. But executives have remained quiet on such issues as pricing, packaging and timing.

Those are potentially critical details for McAfee, Symantec, Trend Micro and other companies already established in the security software industry. One major question: whether Microsoft will offer its security software strictly on a standalone basis or also integrate it with the Windows operating system.

Microsoft plans to charge for the server-based antivirus technology it will receive through its planned acquisition of New York-based Sybari Software. The company hasn't been specific about its pricing plans for the antivirus and anti-spyware software it expects to offer for desktop computers.

Many of the problems encountered by personal computer users result from the exploitation of vulnerabilities in Windows and other Microsoft programs, such as Internet Explorer. Last year, the company released a massive collection of security fixes and adjustments, known as Service Pack 2, for Windows XP.