Intel Buys $16M of AVG Shares

[pop pop]

The trend continues.

http://www.it-observer.com/articles.php?id=875

Intel is not Norton, but another free solution has been purchased. The article doesn't say that Intel bought AVG outright but you have to believe that $16 million makes them a majority shareholder if not the majority shareholder. Will they still continue the free version? You have to wonder. With the free firewalls being purchased and/or discontinued (Sygate and Kerio), if you've got it now it remains useable and effective. With AV applications, once they require subscriptions for updates, you buy or you're done.

Who's next?

[Whyzman]

The startup sees the freeware as advertising for the upsell...

Buyers usually see it as lost revenue...probably because they realize they just spent a bunch of money! :D

[PrntRhd]

I like free programs that work well.
I particularly like free security programs because they make the Internet a safer place.

It is sad to see these choices removed but hopefully Intel will be less heavy handed than some of the others.
Wait and see.

[tommy]

Since Intel is not really in the software business, I suggest that it is primarily an investment for them. I hope.