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theguvna88

06/23/07 1:06 AM

#146793 RE: reach567 #146788

So what is MacAfee doing?
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helpfulbacteria

06/23/07 7:45 AM

#146797 RE: reach567 #146788

Symantec...


This Symantec endpoint product, along with their Project Hamlet, do not compete with Wave... at all.

A version of the above statement has been used on Wave boards for as long as there have been Wave boards. I should make it clear that I'm NOT bragging that Wave and Symantec are not in competition. Symantec is a MARKET giant in ITS market. Wave, on the other hand, is central to trusted computing... which, as of today, is STILL a small market with enormous potential.

A security (Intrusion Detection or Prevention systems; "Bug" scanners; anti-spam products like Barracuda and the more powerful Ironport, purchased by Cisco, I think) product is not necessarily a product that falls under the "trusted computing" umbrella. Indeed, at present, there are PRECIOUS few TCG-based and TCG-blessed trusted computing products. But many (most) security software products (including anti-virus) CAN be strengthened by leveraging TPMs.

The Symantec anti-virus product (with its vaunted single console management) is, IMHO, THEIR attempt to catch up with McAfee's single console management/ePO/Total Protection Suite offerings. (ePO is Electronic Policy Orchestrator.) That sounds odd, I suppose... given that Symantec is THE market leader. But McAfee has offered superior technology for quite some time. (Note to self: has it become a cliche to note that the best technology seldom wins?)

Wave offers no signature-based (or other type) of anti-virus product. Wave will never offer such a technology. It's just not Wave's end of the beach. Anti-virus (which is now more likely to be combined with anti-spyware/anti-malware and anti-spam stuff) is becoming a commoditized offering in any case; thus Symantec is scooping up companies well beyond the pure security market.

Symantec is **somewhat** active in the TCG... mostly on the NAC side. (McAfee is just occupying space within the TCG, at present. I can tell you that McAfee, as of now, does not have much interest in trusted computing.)

Both McAfee and Symantec ARE hugely successful companies. I know a lot more about McAfee than I do Symantec. McAfee's business is, in essence, a marvelous annuity business that throws off QUITE a bit of free cash each year. They have hired a new CEO and are bringing in a good team after that options back-dating "scandal." They have a lot of smart people... who are probably compensated at a level that is 20-25% higher than industry standard.

Best Regards,

c m