My profiles:
"I think Microsoft will incorporate antivirus software into its system for marketing reasons that are directly related to the company's .NET strategy. I also suspect that Microsoft will license the software from an existing antivirus company and put it under the Microsoft label, but that's not important. What is important is the underlying reason for all this—and it's not computer security. Microsoft wants people to get used to the idea of 24/7 online connections to Microsoft."
It's been a long time since I last read John Dvorak making sense, but he's got a point here. Security software is a very good entry point into recurring subscription revenue. I suspect Symantec does not copy-protect NAV only to get it on more seats that will eventually pay to get updated signatures.