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Security Software Vendors Respond to Microsoft's Market Challenge

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In an effort to stay competitive, leading security software vendors are revamping their products in response to Microsoft's recent introduction of Windows Live One Care, a security suite for household computer networks. Symantec and Trend Micro have released new suites, offering improved features, faster performance, and lower prices. These changes are aimed at protecting household computer networks in more ways for less money than before.

Key Takeaways:

  • Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2007 suite offers added online transaction protection, faster performance, and a new firewall.
  • Trend Micro's 2007 Internet Security suite includes a Web portal for accessing safety features while using other computers at cyber cafes or elsewhere.
  • Trend Micro's portal features a way for users to remotely lock up data on their laptops with encryption, after a laptop is stolen.
  • Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2007 can be used on up to three home computers for a price of $69.99 for new users and $49.99 for current ones.
  • Trend Micro's three-user license is now included in a $49.95 annual subscription, down from $89.95.
  • Microsoft's Windows Live One Care has had strong brick-and-mortar and online retail unit sales, with a 13% unit share in August.
  • Unit sales of OneCare were boosted by retailers offering the product at a discount, with some retailers selling it for as low as $19 at Amazon.
  • Symantec has remade Norton Internet Security to be faster, take less memory, and be easier to use than last year's version.
  • Symantec is testing a new product, Norton 360, which is positioned more directly against Microsoft's OneCare.

Statistics:

  • Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2007 costs $69.99 for new users and $49.99 for current ones.
  • Trends Micro's three-user license is now included in a $49.95 annual subscription.
  • Microsoft's Windows Live One Care has a 13% unit share in August.
  • Unit sales of OneCare were boosted by retailers offering the product at a discount, with some retailers selling it for as low as $19 at Amazon.
  • Symantec's Norton 360 is being tested to compete directly with Microsoft's OneCare.

Sources:

  • Donna Howell, article author
  • Chris Swenson, analyst for research firm The NPD Group
  • Symantec, press release on Norton Internet Security 2007
  • Trend Micro, press release on 2007 Internet Security suite
  • Microsoft, press release on Windows Live One Care
  • Cowen & Co., analysis on Symantec and Microsoft security software
  • The NPD Group, research report on security software market share

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