Symantec sues Microsoft

By Steve Malone

Posted on 22 May 2006 at 10:19

A bitter fight has broken out between Microsoft and security specialist Symantec that could threaten the launch of the Vista and Longhorn server operating systems. Symantec claims that Microsoft is illegally using its security code in the new OSs and has filed a lawsuit claiming damages and an asking for a court injunction to prevent their market debut.

Any legal delay to the rollout of the much delayed Vista would be another blow to Microsoft as it attempts to build market awareness ahead of the official launch at the end of this year.

In 1996 Microsoft licensed a version of the Volume Manager storage reconfiguration and disk storage management software from its then owners Veritas for use in Windows NT/2000 server. Volume Manager extends NTFS partitions and volumes, simplifies backup and adds extra security. In December 2004 Symantec acquired Veritas in order to extend its presence in the corporate market.

The company now claims that Microsoft is seeking to extend the use of Volume Manager technology into Vista and Longhorn server, which is outside the original agreement. Symantec also alleges that Microsoft is also attempting to patent parts of Volume Manager for itself. Microsoft is disputing the suit.

Although the issue is specifically about Volume Manager, Symantec will have watched with alarm as Microsoft has increasingly encroached upon its territory with the introduction of Windows Defender anti-spyware software and its Windows OneCare Live antivirus solution. Both products are currently 'in beta' and free. Microsoft has said that it may well charge for either or both sometime in the future. Either way, the products are likely to drive a big hole in Symantec's cash cow Norton Antivirus revenues.

No doubt Symantec will use any court victory in order to gain assurances that Microsoft's introduction of security software into the basic operating system will be limited.