Microsoft set for June OneCare security launch

Microsoft's OneCare is expected to upset the current balance of power

Microsoft is set to launch its OneCare security suite in the US this June, providing antivirus, anti-spyware, back-up software and system maintenance and performance tools.

OneCare also offers a two-way firewall that will filter incoming and outgoing traffic. The Windows XP SP2 firewall only filters incoming traffic.

The suite targets consumers and small businesses and will cost $49.95 a year including updates. Users are allowed to run the software on up to three computers.

Microsoft's introduction is expected to upset the current balance of power in the consumer security software segment.

The largest providers are currently Symantec, McAfee and Trend Micro which charge $69.99, $69.99 and $49.95 a year respectively for products similar to Microsoft's.

Brian Hall, group programme manager for Windows OneCare Live, explained that this idea is to compete by offering a comprehensive and easy-to-use suite.

"We found that current products on the market are underused," he told vnunet.com, claiming that 60 to 70 per cent of users lack up-to-date antivirus software.

"There are a certain amount of usability challenges that we think we can do a much better job at with Windows OneCare."

Analyst firm Gartner suggested late last year that Microsoft could significantly undercut the incumbents' prices by charging as little as $15 per user per PC.

Antivirus prices are set to drop about 10 per cent per year over the next few years, according to Gartner predictions.

But the analyst firm also pointed out that existing providers have a 10-year lead over Microsoft, and that the software giant will have to overcome a creditability gap because Windows is considered the weakest link in today's security chain.

Microsoft kicked off its foray into the security space two years ago and first started talking about OneCare in May last year.

A first beta of the product was launched in July, followed by a public beta in December. Microsoft plans to offer beta testers a 60 per cent discount as a thank you for the feedback, according to Hall. Users can still sign up for the beta here.

Microsoft has made a few adjustments since the beta was published, adding a feature that enables users to scan the contents of a folder or a single file by right clicking.

Another change is the inclusion of Windows Defender Anti Spyware in the suite. The application is currently in beta under the name Windows AntiSpyware, but a final version will be released before June. 

In addition to the bundled application, Microsoft will also make Windows AntiSpyware available as a free standalone product.

Windows OneCare will be available initially in the US only. Hall declined to give a projected launch date for other geographies.

The application is slated for availability as a software download from Microsoft's website or through retailers. The vendor may sign deals with computer manufacturers to preload the application onto new PCs at a later stage.