The acquisition by Microsoft of the antivirus technology developed by the Romanian company GeCAD Software has had a ripple effect on the market, including the other producers of such applications.
Which were quick to wonder if the 10 million RAV Antivirus users could be convinced to switch. It is a well-known fact that the product will lose its brand identity and be included in the technological solutions provided by Microsoft.#leadend# Whether this means a totally new antivirus or merely additional Windows functions, that remains to be seen.
The sure thing is that shortly after the announcement of the deal between GeCAD and Microsoft, Softwin, now the only antivirus software developer left in Romania, said it was planning to attract as many RAV users as possible by offering them 50% discount on products and services for switching to the BitDefender solution.
"I estimate Softwin's strategy to take over RAV users will lead to a significant share of RAV Antivirus clients switching to BitDefender in the next three to six months," Daniel Ionescu, head of the data security department within Softwin said.
The initiative is a natural response previously used by other major antivirus solution producers, such as F Prot, Central Command or Symantec, says Radu Georgescu, GeCAD software manager.
"This is exactly what we would have probably done in such a situation. Just think that 10 million users suddenly find themselves faced with the uncertainty of the antivirus solution they are using. If a certain pressure of the 'upgrade from RAV to our product until some day and get 50% off'-type is added to this uncertainty, most people will probably bite," Georgescu said.
The sale of RAV to Microsoft therefore turns out to be an opportunity for the other producers. Which have to hurry, though, before the Redmond-based giant's marketing troops are ready to engage. For a RAV in Microsoft clothes, promoted with the cash of the American company is a potential threat to any company in this field.
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