We've looked hard at the nature of this problem, and made a decision that this anti-spyware capability will become something that's available at no additional charge for Windows users ... ... both the blocking capability, and the scanning and removal capabilities -- disturbing:
- Not because of the irony of providing a solution to a problem it created.
- Not because it portends another monopoly to a convicted monopolist.
- Not because the spyware is spyware itself. Because under the rubric of safer computing, this is the next browser war, and a new way of filtering out competition. Microsoft was right to realize that the its solutions presented a significant threat to customer satisfaction and its core business (although, spyware does cripple your average user's computer by forcing clean installs and in many cases, upgrades). A big move is required in this area, not just to protect the core, however. This is a and fined for cold calling the list!). Even further, some of the better applications on the horizon will leverage sharing of personal data, files and media. If this is locked down, not only will innovation be stemmed, so will be the production of social goods. I am actually less worried about these issues than I would have been if I was developing Windows applications a decade ago. Now we have open source alternatives and the browser is a viable application platform. But this is a scenario that, while we don't fully understand it, quite frankly makes me very insecure. The enemy's spies who have come to spy on us must be sought out, tempted with bribes, led away and comfortably housed. Thus they will become double agents and available for our service. It is through the information brought by the double agent that we are able to acquire and employ local and inward spies. It is owing to his information, again, that we can cause the doomed spy to carry false tidings to the enemy. -- Ross Mayfield is CEO and co-founder of Ross Mayfield's Weblog which focuses on markets, technology and musings.
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