Symantec, the security software vendor, recently killed its PC Tools security product lines. It was in October 2008 that Symantec had acquired PC Tools, a global provider of security and utility products, including the then popular Spyware Doctor. The announcement can be termed as a bit of a surprise because software from PC Tools could not even complete a five-year term in Symantec. For Symantec the acquisition was strategically important as it aimed at expanding its consumer product portfolio thereby gaining access to new emerging regional markets. PC Tools too, justified its acquisition, as it was a regular in VB100 comparatives over the last 5 years or so.
The announcement was made discretely, in which Symantec announced the end of PC Tools Spyware Doctor, PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus, PC Tools Antivirus and PC Tools Internet Security. This effectively puts an end to the sales of these security products, however if you are an existing user you will continue to get the support and protection against the latest threats until your subscription ends.
The announcement from Symantec says,
“We are retiring the PC Tools Security portfolio as we focus on streamlining our product range to provide fewer, better solutions for our customers. As an alternative to your PC Tools Security solution, Symantec recommends the award-winning, new Norton Internet Security. It provides you with powerful internet protection, no matter where you go or what you do online – and we have special offers available to our existing PC Tools Security customers.”
As you noticed in the above announcement, Symantec proposes “special offers” to existing PC Tools Security customers if they upgrade to Norton Internet Security, a popular antivirus program. If you are a PC Tool user, it’s a good idea to check if you are getting an additional discount or extended subscription. What you need is the existing PC Tools license code.
