Microsoft buys Giant Software, entering anti-spyware market

Microsoft buys Giant Software, entering anti-spyware market

Looks like Microsoft is finally realizing that just patching software flaws and releasing updates is not going to help its reputation. They already have their own firewall, which they integrated in the Windows XP version. Sometime back, they bought an Antivirus company with plans to enter that segment. While we wait for an anti-virus to come out from their stables, Microsoft has made another interesting acquisition.

Microsoft has bought privately held Giant Software, which specializes in making security products to detect and remove unwanted software from Windows Operating System. Microsoft is planning to use their expertise in making anti-spyware products and release a test version within a month for windows users.

Spyware has become one of the biggest nuisances in the computer market. Having an antivirus no longer works. Some applications even bypass firewalls and install on the PCs. They can be a security hazard and lead to problems like slowing down PCs and wastage of resources.

Microsoft has indicated that the software would be available only for those customers who have legal copies of Windows 2000 and later operating systems. A move that is aimed to please legitimate users of their software.