Microsoft will offer free antivirus product
Microsoft Corp. said it will offer free software to protect PCs from viruses, in a move that could pose new challenges for independent makers of security software. The Redmond, Wash., company said it plans to introduce its security software, code-named Morro, during the second half of next year in an effort to persuade more users to secure their PCs against spyware, viruses and other forms of “malware.” Use of antimalware software is far from universal, especially in emerging markets.
There are two primary reasons consumers supply for not protecting their PCs, including a concern that the anti-malware software will bog down their PCs, said Amy Barzdukas, senior director of product management for the online services and Windows division at Microsoft. The other reason is the cost of security software, which can run $75 for the programs plus two years of updates. Morro will replace another security software program Windows Live OneCare, a broader suite of software and services. Microsoft will discontinue retail sales of that software, which costs consumers $49.95 a year, on June 30 of next year. The shift to a free security offering from Microsoft could be a problem for Symantec Corp., McAfee Inc. and other independent security companies that charge consumers for their products.
Source: WSJ
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Online Services Sluggish In Microsoft Q4
Microsoft (NSDQ:MSFT) raked in a record $60.4 billion in revenue in its fiscal year ended June 30, but its fourth quarter earnings came in just short of what Wall Street analysts were expecting, due in part to weakness in its online services business.Microsoft’s fiscal fourth quarter profit rose 42 percent to $4.3 billion and 46 cents a share, while Wall Street analysts had expected earnings of 47 cents per share. During the same quarter last year, Microsoft reported earnings of $3.0 billion and 31 cents per share.
During the quarter, Microsoft saw strong revenue growth in Windows Server and SQL Server, and also reported solid results in licensing for Office 2007 and Windows Vista, which passed the 180 million mark during the quarter.
However, Microsoft’s Online Services Business continued to underperform, reporting a $488 million loss in operating income, compared to $210 million during the same quarter last year. For the year, the Online Services Division racked up an operating income loss of $1.2 billion, compared to $617 million the previous year.
For its 2009 fiscal first quarter, which ends September 30, Microsoft expects revenue of $14.7 billion to $14.9 billion and earnings of between 47 and 48 cents a share. Wall Street analysts expected revenue of $15.1 billion and earnings of 49 cents per share.
For its full fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2009, Microsoft forecast revenue of $67.3 billion to $68.1 billion and earnings of $2.12 to $2.18 per share. Analysts expected revenue of between $66.9 and $68 billion and earnings of between $2.13 and 2.19 per share.
Microsoft shares were down $1.64 at $25.88 in after-hours trading Thursday.
New 60GB version of XboX 360 launched
Microsoft today announced an Xbox 360 console with triple the storage space of the original console, but for the same price of $349. Available in retail stores in the U.S. and Canada starting in early August, the upgraded Xbox 360 will include a 60GB hard drive for storing music, movies, television shows, and game content. In addition, Microsoft today dropped the price of its 20GB Xbox 360 console in the U.S. and Canada to $299 while supplies last.
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Arcade, which comes with a 256MB memory unit and five Xbox LIVE Arcade games, will continue to sell for $279, and the premium Xbox 360 Elite with a 120GB hard drive will also stay at the $449 price. The Xbox 360 60GB console includes a wireless controller, HDMI output, headset, free Xbox Live Silver account and a one-month Xbox Live Gold subscription.
Source: Cnet, PC World
