Microsoft Acquires Anti-Spyware Leader GIANT Company

Microsoft Acquires Anti-Spyware Leader GIANT Company

New Offerings Will Help Customers Keep Spyware and Other Deceptive Software Off Their Computers

REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) today announced that it has acquired GIANT Company Software Inc., a provider of top-rated anti-spyware and Internet security products. Microsoft will use intellectual property and technology assets from the acquisition to provide Microsoft(R) Windows(R) customers with new tools to help protect them from the threat of spyware and other deceptive software. In addition, key personnel from GIANT Company will be joining Microsoft's security efforts.

(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )

"Spyware is a serious and growing problem for PC users, and customers have made it clear that they want Microsoft to deliver effective solutions to protect against the threat," said Mike Nash, corporate vice president of the Security Business and Technology Unit at Microsoft. "Through this acquisition we're excited to be able to provide near-term relief to Windows customers by offering new technology to help keep spyware and other deceptive software off their PCs."

Microsoft plans to make available to Windows customers a beta version of a spyware protection, detection and removal tool, based on the GIANT AntiSpyware product, within one month. The upcoming beta will scan a customer's PC to locate spyware and other deceptive software threats and enable customers to remove them. The tool will be configurable to block known spyware and other unwanted software from being installed on the computer. It will be available for Microsoft Windows 2000 and later versions.

Spyware is an emerging breed of malicious software that can range from unwanted pop-up ads to unseen programs that record keystrokes or take over a person's PC. Spyware and other unwanted software can slow PC performance, change a computer's configuration, and steal passwords and personal information. A November 2004 IDC study estimated that 67 percent of consumer PCs are infected with some form of spyware.

"Spyware is an industrywide challenge, and it is encouraging to see Microsoft take strong action to protect Windows users," said Chris Christiansen, vice president of security products and services program at IDC. "This announcement and the release of the free beta will help consumers regain control over their PCs."

"Microsoft's investment in GIANT Company means Windows customers will benefit from our anti-spyware technology, which puts the control of software back into the hands of users where it belongs," said Ron Franczyk, co-founder and president of technology at GIANT Company. "The GIANT solution uses extensive spyware-signature databases, real-time security agents and an innovative 'neighborhood watch' for spyware to protect customers from the threat of spyware and other deceptive software."

Terms of the acquisition were not announced. Details of the Microsoft solution beyond the planned beta, including product plans, pricing and a timeline for delivery, are not yet available. The anti-spyware technology will complement the enhanced security features available in Windows XP Service Pack 2 to provide a higher level of protection for Web browsing and other Internet computing activities. Microsoft strongly recommends that customers use an anti-spyware solution in addition to following the three simple steps outlined at http://www.microsoft.com/protect: Use an Internet firewall on all PCs, update all PCs regularly with the latest security updates, and use up-to-date antivirus software.

More information about Microsoft and its efforts to address computer security and provide customers with guidance about spyware and information about anti-spyware solutions is available at http://www.microsoft.com/spyware .

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

GIANT Company is a trademark of GIANT Company Software Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

GIANT Company Software Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corp.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: Rapid Response Team of Waggener Edstrom, +1-503-443-7070, or
rrt@wagged.com, for Microsoft Corp.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/

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