Five years ago: McAfee revenues high, but anti-virus war rages on

First published 29 April, 1997.

McAfee has recorded first quarter revenues of $73 million but its results have been overshadowed by the Symantec lawsuit and the escalating war of words between the big three anti-virus vendors.

McAfee's revenue showed a 117 per cent increase on the same period last year, while net income rose to $19.7 million compared with $1.1 million a year ago. The good results follow Dr Solomon's figures earlier this month which gave the UK software company a £2.9 million profit on revenues of £9.6 million for its third quarter.

McAfee UK could not yet comment on the Symantec lawsuit, not having received formal details from its US parent. However, the episode is the latest shot in a market which has seen increasingly hostile exchanges between the manufacturers.

Last week McAfee accused Symantec of using IDC market research figures to paint a false picture of itself as a market leader, while in March, McAfee also had a go at Dr Solomons by publishing an advert calling its rival, 'Dr Dolittle.' In February, Dr Solomons dismissed a McAfee virus warning as marketing puff.