MSFT: BUY; SYMC: SELL?

Microsoft releases a Beta version of its security product, OneCare, in direct competition with Symantec and McAfee, both of which are in tight spots now. Security is a must-have category, and a huge, growing market.

I admit, I quite like the steps from Microsoft, recently. Here is a good analysis of the MSN business and its prospects that I tend to agree with. The Online Advertising market is validated now, and on a huge growth curve. Ready for Microsoft to swoop in and capture a portion. It’s also a very profitable business.

Xbox is probably not going to be a huge profit generator, but a good strategic move.

The next 2-3 years would be interesting to watch, and see how Microsoft executes on its promise.

In the process, certain companies could, likely, be rendered irrelevant. How does Symantec / McAfee maneuver now? Calls for some phenomenal leadership at those camps …