More than 40 security software firms from around the world recently met in Spain to formalize the charter for the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization, or AMTSO. The organization was formed in response to the increasing concerns about what anti-malware technologies actually do and the tests used to evaluate them. As these technologies and solutions become more complex, many tests are unable to evaluate their effectiveness properly. From the official press release:

AMTSO is focused on addressing the global need for improvement in the objectivity, quality and relevance of testing methodologies. The organization also aims to promulgate universally adopted standards and guidelines for anti- malware testing. The vision for AMTSO was formed in May 2007 during the International Antivirus Testing Workshop in Reykjavik, Iceland, and developed further during the Antivirus Asia Researchers Conference in Seoul, South Korea last December. Pursuant to its preliminary charter, AMTSO will:

Provide a forum for discussions related to the testing of anti-malware and related products;

Develop and publicize objective standards and best practices for testing of anti-malware and related products;

Promote education and awareness of issues related to the testing of anti-malware and related products;

Provide tools and resources to aid standards-based testing methodologies; and,

Provide analysis and review of current and future testing of anti-malware and related products.Hosted by Panda Security, the meeting in Bilbao included representatives from the industry's leading companies and testing organizations, including:

- ALWIL Software
- AV-Comparatives
- AV-Test.org
- AVG Technologies
- Avira GmbH
- Bit9
- BitDefender
- Dr. Web, Ltd.
- ESET
- F-Secure Corporation
- G DATA Software
- Hispasec Sistemas
- International Business Machines Corporation
- Kaspersky Lab
- McAfee, Inc.
- Microsoft Corp.
- Norman ASA
- Panda Security
- PC Tools
- Sana Security
- Secure Computing
- Sophos Plc
- Symantec Corporation
- Trend Micro Incorporated
- Virusbuster Ltd.

The AMTSO is dedicated to improving the quality of anti-malware technology.