14 DAY TRIAL // When Microsoft launches the brand new Windows RT, the Windows version specifically designed to be installed on tablets, it won't allow users to install third-party antivirus software.
Security companies across the globe have warned that the Redmond-based software giant wouldn't enable users to install other security products on their tablets, pointing out that a security software category is completely missing from the Windows Store.
The desktop version of Windows 8 will allow users to install application not only from Windows Store, but also in the traditional way, by downloading standalone software packages. That's why Windows RT can be distributed with such a limitation.
As compared to the standard Windows versions, Windows RT only lets its users to install apps from the Windows Store and since a security software category is missing, no security product can be installed on the upcoming tablets.
Security companies of course aren't quite pleased with this limitation, but some will still develop Windows RT products just in case Microsoft agrees to make them available via Windows Store.
“The answer is yes,” Gerry Egan, Symantec's senior director of product management, said when asked whether his company plans to develop a Windows RT app. “The question is whether we can, or whether there will be a need to. We predict that there will be a need to, and we’ll have to work with Microsoft to figure out how we can, and remain in compliance with their store policies."
Kaspersky, on the other hand, has already confirmed for readwriteweb.com that the company wouldn't develop a Windows RT antivirus product. “Our KAV/KIS 2013 should work fine on the Surface Pro but will not work with RT,” a Kaspersky spokesman explained.
So, will Microsoft develop its own security product to be installed on Windows RT? Some say it will definitely do this, but the company is yet to comment on the matter.