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08 Feb 2006
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.
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Profitable Vulnerabilities
So if we start paying Microsoft to protect us from their own security flaws, where is the incentive for them to build a more secure version of Windows. In fact it would become unprofitable for them to do so. If this product takes off then I would expect to see Microsoft including vulnerabilities by design in future versions of Windows in order to "stimulate demand" for their future "security" products. You would have to be a fool to not see the conflict of interests here and you would have to be a mug to "buy into" this nonsense. There are several companies who distribute high quality security products for free, on the basis that it helps to keep the internet free of infected machines. Use these products instead. They have helped me to keep my system clean for the last three years (see below). If everybody does this then perhaps Microsoft will start to act more responsibly and stop trying to view their own mistakes as a business opportunity. AVG anti virus (free.grisoft.com) Zonealarm Firewall (www.zonelabs.com and click the tab that says zonealarm) Spybot Search and Destroy anti spyware (www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html) Ad-Aware personal anti spyware (www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/)
Posted by: Mark 09 Feb 2006
What a Joke!
Rather than provide secure products, Microsoft wants to charge for virus protection on buggy software. They can't get it right with the OS, so what makes anyone think OneCare will be any better. Buyer beware!!! MWS, Atlanta, GA
Posted by: M. Stidston 07 Feb 2006