Corporate Strategy Case Study

Microsoft's Entry into Antivirus Industry

OR

Abstract:
In September 2003, Microsoft entered the antivirus industry by acquiring the antivirus solution provider, GeCAD. This move of Microsoft left many a analyst to speculate about the future of the antivirus industry, given that, throughout its history Microsoft had dominated every software market it entered.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To discuss why Microsoft entered into the antivirus market, and also the likely impact of its entry on the antivirus industry
• To discuss why Microsoft's entry into the antivirus market was perceived as a threat to Linux.

Keywords : Microsoft; Antivirus market; Threat to antivirus vendors; Symantec; Network Associates; Market Entry Strategies Case Study; Microsoft security initiatives; Linux; GeCAD; Flaws in Microsoft products; Antitrust laws; Microsoft monopoly; Future of antivirus industry; Microsoft bundling tactics; Netscape Navigator; Antivirus vendors concerns