SUPERAntiSpyware Acquired By Support.com

SUPERAntiSpyware is one of those popular malware removal software that provide both free and paid version. Many users find the free version sufficient for all related tasks, while fewer find it necessary to upgrade to the professional version for extra features such as threat realtime blocking or daily definition updates. Most have used the program in addition to traditional antivirus solutions, and especially in cases where other security software have failed to resolve issues on a system.

The acquisition announcement on the SUPERAntiSpyware website may have come as a shock to many long time users of the free or paid version of the application.

Information are scarce at this point in time, the only useful bits from the announcement are that the whole team will join support.com in the near future. The post mentions that “some things will change” but does not go into details what those things might be. The press release at support.com includes additional information.

Support.com has paid $8.5 million in cash for SUPERAntiSpyware and plans to “expand SUPERAntiSpyware’s business with increased distribution and product enhancements”.

When you look at support.com’s offerings you will note that they provide tech support to consumers and businesses alike. Services include one-time fixed prices for support requests, or subscriptions plans for round the clock PC support.

Services include installing hardware, troubleshooting computer problems or removing viruses and spyware. SUPERAntiSpyware will be added to the list of programs the company offers directly to consumers and small businesses.

But what about the free version of the software? Will it still be around after the acquisition? According to SUPERAntiSpyware founder Nick Skrepetos it will.

Of course we will honor lifetime licenses and the free edition isn’t going away

So, users who have a lifetime license will keep their licenses and will continue to get updates, and free users will still get access to a free version of the application.

I’d give the company the benefit of the doubt, but we have seen acquisitions in the past were promises were made but not kept. Lets hope that this is not one of those cases.