Should security programs stop having yearly versions?

Man, you speak the truth!!

 

Sorry to bump this old post but I think my title has been partly misinterpreted.

My question wasn't on how the versions are numbered really but more if new features should be offered on a regular basis instead of a yearly basis.

For example security suite 1.0 will come out at the start of 2013 and usually you won't get anything update wise till a years time when 2.0 will come out with some new features.

The reason I am asking this is techniques change regularly. Hackers and so on are always trying to find new ways to get around security. Why waste a year building the next version when instead you could simply improve the current version. Even if it was just small changes, if it made the suite better and more secure it would be better for everyone.

That is why I previously mentioned chrome. If you look at both Chrome and Firefox compared with Internet Explorer you will notice the first two are updated regularly with Normal versions, Beta versions, Developer versions etc. This allows both companies to try new features out, sometimes simply a new design method, tweaks etc but often new small features that can help. Microsoft on the other hand spends a year or so working on their next version which can be good but often because of the time spent it ends up being out of date quick.

 

I think the mistake is your starting assumption. Most products I know are kept updated and improved all year long. They do not just wait to improve it with a new version. New antivirus engines, heuristics, modules, etc. This exactly following your principle, i.e. malware does not wait for yearly release of security software to attack users.

On the other hand, depending on the software manufacturer deeper redesign (GUI, technology, etc) is developed and then released. Sometimes I see yearly major re-design sometimes more time is needed.

In short: your issue is a non issue. , At least in IMHO.

 

Updates do happen but usually they tend to be fixes from what I've seen. Maybe a few security programs will add more but from what I've seen most release most changes yearly.

This probably is so that they can get people each year to buy their new version. Each year I tend to see the new 2013 version with a list of improvements and new features. I do feel some of these improvements are held back just so they can make more money.

 

Sorry, not what I have seen in ESET or Kaspersky or Zonealarm. Modules are constantly updated across the year to address emerging threats or new functionality. Then major technology revisions will happen once or every two years (revisions sometimes only touch upon functionality and not major AV technology change see, for example, shift from KAV 2012 to 2013 as compared to complete re-design of KAV 2011 as compared to KAV 2009). This is normal as they need major redesign and time to develop.

 

1. Quality Control

If the sole motive is to make more money (without regards to any other factors), they would release it earlier. You don't wait a year to show off what you have now or you risk losing the edge to your competitors. My answer to this is "quality control". To some extent, it's wise to retain your new tech and make sure it's suitable to be released to the masses. What's the point in having the newest tech or improvements but your customers run away due to problems of rushed releases?

2. Marketing

Retain your new tech to be introduced later on while you create anticipation and hype. It gets the crowd talking (especially among those that already part of your loyal user base) and hopefully when it's released, you can expect those eager customers to pay for your products. It's common among most industries. An example are tech products such as smartphones and laptops. While journalists and reviewers go gaga over the 'latest and greatest' in town, the companies are already cooking up 'newer' models in the background.

3. Sales strategy by taking advantage of the end of the year/starting of new year

End of year till start of new year is a good period for sales. The holidays, festive celebrations and not to mention, bonuses that people get during this time period encourage users to spend. Having a 'yearly version' is just that - taking advantage of the moment. Consumers are easier targets during this period.