Computer Associates Exits COAST Amidst Spyware Battle

Computer Associates (CA) has left the nascent Consortium of Anti-Spyware Technology Vendors (COAST) after two of its founders, WebRoot and Aluria, abandoned the organization. CA's Sam Curry expressed concerns that the remaining members were fearful of losing their influence in the industry if major companies joined COAST. Curry stated that the group was making progress in combating spyware, but its efforts were undermined by the sudden departure of two key members. CA has vowed to continue fighting against spyware through its eTrust security management operation and has pledged to collaborate with other major companies in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Computer Associates (CA) has exited the Consortium of Anti-Spyware Technology Vendors (COAST) after two of its founders, WebRoot and Aluria, abandoned the organization.
• CA's Sam Curry expressed concerns that the remaining members of COAST were fearful of becoming "small fish in a big pond" if major companies joined the consortium.
• Curry stated that the group was making progress in combating spyware, but its efforts were undermined by the sudden departure of two key members.
• CA has vowed to continue fighting against spyware through its eTrust security management operation.
• Curry has pledged to reach out to other big firms to band together in some kind of anti-spyware initiative.
• CA acquired PestPatrol in August and released eTrust Pest Patrol Anti-Spyware r5 to consumers, SMEs, and larger enterprises in November.
• A million people reportedly use the eTrust Pest Patrol Anti-Spyware application.

Statistics:

• CA acquired PestPatrol in August [1].
• CA released eTrust Pest Patrol Anti-Spyware r5 to consumers, SMEs, and larger enterprises in November [1].
• A million people reportedly use the eTrust Pest Patrol Anti-Spyware application [1].