Windows Vista Security
Major security firms McAfee and Symantec have gone on the attack against Microsoft, accusing the software behemoth of changing security in the forthcoming Windows Vista operating system to lock them out.
The security tweak in question is limiting access to the system's kernel, which security vendors have been able to access in the past, and which is necessary for making third-party security software work effectively.
The security firms contend that Microsoft has made the changes to promote its own line of recently developed security products.
In a full-page ad in the Financial Times, McAfee ran an open letter to Microsoft, noting that the company "seems to envision a world in which one giant company not only controls the systems that drive most computers around the world but also the security that protects those computers from viruses and other online threats."
Security Gripes
Criticism over kernel access in Vista surfaced earlier when Symantec complained to the European Union about the issue. That complaint could lead to a shipping delay in Europe as antitrust charges are investigated.
Although it is likely that the U.S. version of Windows Vista will ship on time, Microsoft could face formal complaints here on its home turf.
"There's some legitimacy around Microsoft's argument that limiting kernel access will keep the bad guys out," said Jupiter Research analyst Joe Wilcox. "But it's clear that their competitors, which were formerly partners, don't necessarily buy that argument."
Microsoft has noted that it will play fair when it comes to competition, Wilcox said, pointing out that, given the company's anticompetitive behavior in the past, Microsoft's moves will be closely watched.
Limited Effect
Although the furor over kernel access could go on for some time as Vista rolls out, the issue will have limited impact on those who actually use the system, Wilcox noted.
"Under the current architecture, you wouldn't be able to use McAfee or Symantec products with the 64-bit version of Vista," he said. "But adoption of that version won't be very big. Most people will use 32-bit."
There has been a 64-bit version of Windows XP out for some time, he pointed out, and adoption is minimal, because users of that system face issues surrounding driver support and applications.
"The kernel issue is a complicated one, and both sides are telling their stories in believable ways," Wilcox said. "But, ultimately, it won't have a huge effect on most users."
The security tweak in question is limiting access to the system's kernel, which security vendors have been able to access in the past, and which is necessary for making third-party security software work effectively.
The security firms contend that Microsoft has made the changes to promote its own line of recently developed security products.
In a full-page ad in the Financial Times, McAfee ran an open letter to Microsoft, noting that the company "seems to envision a world in which one giant company not only controls the systems that drive most computers around the world but also the security that protects those computers from viruses and other online threats."
Security Gripes
Criticism over kernel access in Vista surfaced earlier when Symantec complained to the European Union about the issue. That complaint could lead to a shipping delay in Europe as antitrust charges are investigated.
Although it is likely that the U.S. version of Windows Vista will ship on time, Microsoft could face formal complaints here on its home turf.
"There's some legitimacy around Microsoft's argument that limiting kernel access will keep the bad guys out," said Jupiter Research analyst Joe Wilcox. "But it's clear that their competitors, which were formerly partners, don't necessarily buy that argument."
Microsoft has noted that it will play fair when it comes to competition, Wilcox said, pointing out that, given the company's anticompetitive behavior in the past, Microsoft's moves will be closely watched.
Limited Effect
Although the furor over kernel access could go on for some time as Vista rolls out, the issue will have limited impact on those who actually use the system, Wilcox noted.
"Under the current architecture, you wouldn't be able to use McAfee or Symantec products with the 64-bit version of Vista," he said. "But adoption of that version won't be very big. Most people will use 32-bit."
There has been a 64-bit version of Windows XP out for some time, he pointed out, and adoption is minimal, because users of that system face issues surrounding driver support and applications.
"The kernel issue is a complicated one, and both sides are telling their stories in believable ways," Wilcox said. "But, ultimately, it won't have a huge effect on most users."
posted by Kintu at
7:53 AM
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