Three antivirus makers have weighed in on Microsoft's decision to make Microsoft Security Essentials free for small businesses with 10 PCs or fewer. Symantec, ESET, and Avast have all commented about the change, and their opinions can be summed up by saying "it's great what Microsoft is doing, but it's not enough."

Last week, Microsoft flipped the licensing switch for MSE, making it legal to use the antimalware program for free, even outside of home use. Microsoft claims that enterprise security software is too expensive, complicated, and hard to use for such small organizations, hence its decision to expand the reach of MSE.

Symantec, maker of the Norton line of products, says Microsoft's decision makes sense, and backs it up with data from a 2009 survey conducted by the company an the National Cyber Security Alliance. The survey found that small businesses are storing more important information than ever, while cybercriminals are particularly interested in taking advantage of these inadequately protected small companies.

That said, Symantec thinks Microsoft's approach is poor. "While we applaud any vendor that heightens small business awareness around the need for computer security, it's clear that today's threats have moved beyond the capabilities of the product Microsoft is offering," Symantec told Ars. "The perception that freeware vendors have created is that free, basic security is enough to protect customers from today's online threats. The reality is that the number and sophistication of Web-based viruses and malicious code continues to rise, resulting in small businesses needing more than just a signature-based antivirus product to fully protect their critical information."

ESET, the company behind the NOD32 line of products, is also highly critical of what MSE lacks. "Free software always sounds great - especially in this economy. And for businesses with relatively simple needs, it might be the perfect solution," the company said. "However customers should be aware that it's the same product as Microsoft Security Essentials for home users repackaged for business use. Protection for servers is not included and in case customers need help, there is no one to call. It's also our understanding that it doesn't have centralized management nor group policy capabilities, and is limited to Windows PCs."

Avast Software, creator of the Avast! antivirus program, seemed to agree. "We do applaud MS trying to help secure small businesses. We also believe, however, that small businesses - even those watching their cash flow - need better, faster security. What small firms do need [is] antivirus protection that is affordable in terms of its total cost. This includes not just the purchase price, but the labor costs of IT maintenance and also the expense of repairing an unblocked virus outbreak. We've taken a wider look at IT security costs when developing our new avast! 5.1 small business console product. Once we release it later this year, I think SMEs will discover that this is a more cost effective product than Security Essentials," Avast told Ars.

If Microsoft opened up MSE to all small businesses, then Microsoft's competitors might be correct. For fewer than 10 PCs, though, we think it's fine. Microsoft still recommends using its Forefront line of security products for companies that operate a small business with more than 10 PCs. Furthermore, there's nothing stopping these really small businesses from using ForeFront despite Microsoft's licensing change for MSE.

Choice is good, and free choice is even better. If you're the owner or employee of a small business, what are your thoughts on the change?