AVG Sees Uphill Battle for Microsoft in Its Launch of Free Anti-Virus Software
AVG Replies to Announcement of Competitor's Replication of Its Anti-Virus Software Offering
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands/PRNewswire/ -- AVG, a global
anti-virus and Internet security software provider with over 85 million
users in 167 countries, today responded to Microsoft's announcement of
a free anti-virus software product slated to appear in mid-2009.
AVG, which for eight years has offered free anti-virus software to
users worldwide, noted the multiple challenges Microsoft faces in
supporting a free anti-virus software product -- chief among them the
enormous overhead costs it will incur for customer service and support
issues, as well as for ongoing product management and upgrades.
Microsoft will also likely contend with a severe backlash from
dissatisfied channel partners, whose margins and unit sales will be
negatively impacted as a result of the free product offering, AVG
believes.
"For over eight years, AVG has recognized and responded to the
growing global threat of malware by offering a free and comprehensive
tool to combat computer viruses, spyware, malware and online threats,"
said J.R. Smith, the company's CEO. "Microsoft is clearly following our
lead, which will certainly help combat basic and less sophisticated
threats. But the real threat in this scenario is to Microsoft's own
profitability and channel partner relations."
AVG also highlighted the challenges facing Microsoft to keep pace
with the growing proliferation of new and increasingly onerous online
threats. Microsoft often relies on its monthly "patch Tuesday" updates
to refresh its current anti-virus product, leaving computer users
vulnerable to botnets and other malicious attacks. Importantly, the
free Microsoft anti-virus software will have even less protective
features than its current OneCare offering - further heightening
computer users' vulnerability to fast-spreading viruses and other
threats.
Statistics highlight the escalating problem. Computer infections
from malware are increasing exponentially. AVG's in-house research team
notes that 50,000 variants are being issued every day - further
pointing up the need for real-time protection.
AVG's LinkScanner feature provides up-to-the-minute protection
against the very latest threats. What's more, AVG's award-winning
anti-virus products have long been recognized for providing maximum
computer security and online protection with minimal resource strain.
From a global protection perspective, AVG has a strong presence in
established and emerging markets. The company's strategic growth plan
includes the introduction of several new native-language versions of
its anti-virus programs in the coming weeks. Moreover, the company's
worldwide user-support community -- with people and small businesses
from 167 countries -- continues to grow as the industry's only truly
"self-help" network.
"The exceptional ease of use and simplicity of AVG's products have
long been a strong sell for the channel, providing more security
strength and functionality at a much lower cost than Microsoft's
anti-virus offerings," added Mr. Smith. "Given these tough economic
times, our resellers appreciate the robust product margins we offer and
the vitality of our end-user community to help drive future sales."
About AVG Technologies
AVG is a global security solutions leader protecting more than 85
million consumers and small business computer users in 167 countries
from the ever-growing incidence of web threats, viruses, spam,
cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. Headquartered in Amsterdam,
AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime and
one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and
combating Web-borne threats from around the world. Its free online,
downloadable software model allows entry-level users to gain basic
anti-virus protection and then to easily and inexpensively upgrade to
greater levels of safety and defense in both single and multi-user
environments. Nearly 6,000 resellers, partners and distributors team
with AVG globally including Amazon.com, CNET, Cisco, Ingram Micro,
Play.com, Wal-Mart, and Yahoo!. More information is available at http://www.avg.com/.
Source: AVG Technologies
CONTACT: Media, Siobhan MacDermott of AVG Technologies, Mobile,
+420 725 695 132
, or 
+1-415-299-2945, siobhan.macdermott@avg.com; or Ron
Tomczyk of GlobalFluency, +1-646-652-5210, rtomczyk@globalfluency.com, for
AVG
Web site:
http://www.avg.com/
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