Microsoft needs to Stop Trying to Do Everything

The latest test results of independent antivirus test lab AV-Test Institute were released recently and Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection, the Corporate version, came in dead last.  The Home version, Microsoft Security Essentials, also performed poorly.

 AV-Test Institute reported on 33 antivirus applications, 9 corporate applications and 24 home applications.  They have a very comprehensive testing process that uses 150- to 200 current real-world threats.  They evaluate the software for the following categories;

 Protection - effectiveness against virus and malware threats

 Performance – impact of the software on the performance of the computer

Usability – detection of false positives

Microsoft’s corporate version only detected 74% of the real-world virus and malware threats compared to the industry average of 96%. The home version did slightly better.   The software performed well in the other two categories.  All other vendors performance was rated 96% or better.  Microsoft needs to go back to doing what they do best – Application software for servers and PC’s.  Antivirus software is specialized and it’s apparent they don’t do it well. 

Kassner, M. (2014, October 6). Microsoft scores poorly in latest virus protection test for Windows 7 - TechRepublic [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.techrepublic.com/article/microsoft-scores-poorly-in-latest-virus-protection-test-for-windows-7.