Gartner has criticised Microsoft's plans to develop
anti-virus and anti-spam add-ons for its software
products.
The analyst group said Microsoft's move, announced last month,
could represent a conflict of interest. It urged Microsoft to
improve the security and quality of its software rather than
building add-on security features to patch insecure
applications.
Microsoft rejected Gartner's suggestion, telling Computer Weekly
that it was responding to user needs and pressure.
"I understand Microsoft's need to address the immediate pain that
users are feeling from spyware, worms and viruses. Its overriding
goal should be to eliminate the need for anti-virus and anti-spam
products over the long term," said Gartner vice-president Neil
MacDonald. "Microsoft has a fundamental conflict of interest in
selling add-on products to address problems it introduced with
products it built."
Responding to Gartner's allegations, Microsoft said its customers
have asked it to take a lead role on security issues. A spokeswoman
said, "That viruses and worms continue to propagate is proof enough
that there is a need for more innovation in the space. We believe
Microsoft has a responsibility to its customers to step up and
invest in developing world-class security products that move the
bar in terms of value and capabilities."
Gartner was also concerned Microsoft was leaving behind users of
Windows 2000. MacDonald, said, "The decision to restrict Internet
Explorer 7.0 to the XP platform suggests that Microsoft wants to
force users of older platforms to upgrade if they want improved
security. If Microsoft wishes to be seen as a responsible industry
leader in maintaining security for its products, it should provide
Internet Explorer 7.0 for Windows 2000 users."