According to the APC website Microsoft is in the process of releasing it's own free security software in the second half of 2009. Due to an anti trust ruling that prevents Microsoft from building virus protection in to Windows. The new software code named "Morro" is not going to be a direct replacement of OneCare, instead it is going to be a stripped down version of OneCare. Morro is going to be aimed at defending against viruses, malware, trojans, etc.
What effect will this have on the average Papua New Guinean wantok? I believe that it is going to have a positive effect because if Microsoft releases a free anti virus program. Anti Virus vendors like Symantec, McAfee, etc will be forced to release free versions as well. I believe they will have to base their business modules on AVG's (by the way is a great anti virus software). Where a free version is offered but the Grisoft (Company that produces AVG) recommends that you purchase the premium verison because it also does x amount of extra things that are not offered in the free version. To cut a long story short in long run if Microsoft does something link release free virus software it is going to increase compertition and choice. Which we have seen in Papua New Guinea in recent times is a good thing e.g. Digicel Vs B Mobile, Airline PNG Vs Air Nuiguni. Due to compertition bring down prices and improving customer service.
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Painting the town red
10 months ago
Will there come a point in the technology timeline when everything will just be free due to the immense competition?
ReplyDeleteRevenue can be made else where while bums on seats using your products would be the ideal goal - after all, if nobody uses your technology, does it even exist?
Hi Garamut
ReplyDeleteI don't think that there will be a point in time in the technology time line when everything is going to be free. The main reason being that commercial software is developed on the basis that it will make a profit. In the case of Google and a few others like Grisoft (AVG Anti Virus) they do make their revenue else where and from commercial version of their applications. But this business model is not going to be applicable to all technology in general. For example a car maker can't sell ad's to pay for making of new cars and giving it away to everyone for free. With regards to the Freeware business model, this model on the other hand is a different ball game. Freeware is developed to provide a solution to a problem. People freely devote their time and effort to keep these freeware projects running. That may be supplemented by donations. But in general the freeware model is great but it works on donations and there is a limit on what people are willing to give.