Microsoft Buying Network Associates?
Tuesday June 22, 2004
Is it April 1st? This almost seems like one of those stories you hear on April Fool's Day. I wouldn't picture Bill Gates as one of those guys with the "I Brake For Yard Sales" bumper stickers on his Mercedes, but according to a News Flash on crn.com Network Associates Inc. has hung a "For Sale" sign in their yard and Microsoft is interested in making the purchase. Microsoft has continued to make security one of its top priorities over the past couple years. Last year they purchased Romanian security firm GeCAD, makers of RAV Antivirus software. This move would provide Microsoft with a lot of intellectual property and a product line that would let them enter the security field and compete with firms like Symantec and Trend Micro head to head. This whole thing is at rumor status right now, but according to the rumor an announcement could come as early as July 1st so keep your ears open.
UPDATE: Microsoft isn't commenting, but Network Associates denies the rumors. Only time will tell. See this eWeek article for more information- NAI Denies Microsoft Sale Rumor