Microsoft Corp., a regular target for software attacks and viruses, is hoping to strike back with a weapon of its own. Microsoft is acquiring antivirus technology from a Romanian software company and plans to develop its own antivirus product, Microsoft said June 10.

The news could have significant implications for schools and colleges. For one thing, if Microsoft bundles internet security products with Windows, the market for stand-alone brands could dry up, seriously threatening the future of those independent firms that offer internet security products now.

Linux advocates perceive an even more immediate threat. They note the company—GeCAD Software of Bucharest—is a primary provider of RAV Antivirus for Mail Servers, a popular Linux security solution. According to IDG News Service, Microsoft plans to discontinue the RAV line after the acquisition is complete. GeCAD reportedly has 10 million users worldwide. The security company said it would support RAV users through the end of their current contracts.

"The move has observers speculating," reported IDG, "about Microsoft's ultimate intentions. They wonder why Microsoft wants technology that powers leading virus scanning tools for eMail servers on Linux platforms, which are rivals to Windows and Exchange."

Microsoft said it simply wanted GeCAD's technology and key personnel. "We acquired the assets and the technology because of the quality of the technology and because the team is a good fit," Amy Carroll, group manager at Microsoft's security business unit, is quoted as saying. "It would be hard to find an antivirus vendor who did not have products on multiple platforms."

The systems administrator for Union College, a liberal arts college in Schenectady, N.Y., that runs some 4,000 Linux eMail accounts, is reportedly worried about the impending demise of RAV AntiVirus. "I researched antivirus solutions for a good eight months," Michael Pate told IDG, "and this was the best deal for the money." He said RAV saved his college up to $11,000, compared with the next most suitable product. "Now," he said, "we're going to start looking again."

For the time being, at least, alternatives should be readily available. Microsoft faces direct competition in the lucrative antivirus market from a number of specialty software security companies. But the future of those companies is not as positive as it was before Microsoft's GeCAD acquisition.

Microsoft plans to release its own antivirus product at some unspecified date, but according to Mike Nash, corporate vice president of Microsoft's security business unit, the software giant has not decided whether basic antivirus technology will be bundled into its Windows operating system.

The company did indicate it will sell subscriptions to institutional customers and consumers for updated inoculation files that protect against new viruses. Microsoft needs to do more, Nash said, to protect its customers from viruses and other malicious programs. He said Microsoft will continue to work with security companies, such as Symantec Corp. and Network Associates Inc., which make the most popular antivirus programs for consumers.