Intel needs to rethink security to profit from McAfee buy Intel's surprise $7.76bn acquisition of McAfee is not only the biggest pure-play security deal in history, but the most significant statement of intent by an IT superpower since Microsoft launched its Trustworthy Computing initiative back in 2002. Microsoft launched the initiative to develop products that are more secure by …
When the hero is strapped to the bench, with his bikini-clad accomplice handcuffed to a desk, and your satellite, about to unleash electric death on the world's superpowers...? That's a bad time.
However, when standing up in front of your shareholders and the world's press, after farting-off more than one and three quarter times your entire last-year's profits, buying shares at twice their market value...? That's a good time.
Intel seem to be letting the world's press run speculative articles about what their evil plan might be, right now, though - and no one seems too sure. Maybe the plan is just to piss off for the weekend and pick the best suggestion, anyone has managed to think of, come Monday morning?
Or maybe it's just a case of: "Hey, it's Autumn! Let's invade Russia! What could possibly go wrong?"
- Why McAfee and not one of the other AV vendors
- Why so much money? Is McAfee with annual revenues of ~US1.6bn really woth more than Sun with annual revenue of ~US$11bn? (I realise this is simplified...)
- Even with hardware integration of any of the existing features, I don't see this as something that would boost CPU revenues are allow them into the phone/low power CPU markets. A closed OS that is locked down seems to be a cheaper approach.
- Will this go the way of the majority of Intels non-x86 related purchases and be sold off in 2-5 years after being sucked of all useful IP?
Short of McAfee being on the verge of announcing the greatest security product ever that stops all viruses and spyware, can entertain the in-laws while you're having a pint at the pub with your mates and fixes the leaking kitchen tap, something doesn't seem right....
Intel CEO (getting on the phone) – “I’ve been reading about cyber-crime… I think we need some anti-virus.”
Intel Staff - “Yes boss, will do!”
A few hours later…..
Intel Staff – “Done – we got you anti-virus. We chose McAfee. It is not as good as Symantec but it was cheaper.”
CEO – “Uh…OK…. I’m not sure saving a few dollars matters but OK. What version did you buy”
Intel Staff – “Version…....? Oh shit….”
How about they create a lovely fast ASCI as part of their mobo designs that CAN be licenced out to other competitors.
That way AV just runs a LOT quicker, and obviously McAfee will take advantage of this. Other 3rd parties can too but as obviously Intel/McAfee will have the upper hand and be first to market...
E.g. doing a Microsoft in hardware...
The Register 
Biting the hand that feeds IT
Copyright. All rights reserved © 1998–2024
