Microsoft has bought Romanian antivirus company GeCAD Software and will be embedding an antivirus engine in a future version of Windows.

The software giant will also start a subscription service for users to receive antivirus updates. Microsoft said it would introduce the service as soon as possible but could not set a date.

"This is part of our plan to re-engineer Windows to make it more effective at resisting viruses," said Hilary Wittmann, security marketing manager at Microsoft UK.

"We're already working with antivirus vendors to achieve this, and offering our own solution gives customers more choice. They can still use third-party antivirus software if they choose, or even both."

This is not the first time Microsoft has tried to build antivirus support into its operating systems.

In 1994 DOS 6 and Windows 3.1 had an antivirus engine, which was a cut down version of commercial software from Central Point Anti-Virus.

But the engine was bedevilled with virus update problems and was dropped when Windows 95 was launched.

Graham Cluley, antivirus specialist at Sophos, said: "We're not in the least bit worried.

"XP already has a firewall built-in and that market's still healthy. Microsoft's big test will come with the first serious virus outbreak.

"It will need trained technicians on the phones giving support and a fast team to keep up with the specialists."

It is expected that the bulk of staff at GeCAD will remain in Romania with a few transferring to Redmond.