Security and antivirus firm Grisoft has announced that Microsoft is making the company's AVG Anti-Virus 7.5 and AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition available via the Windows Security Center as a compatible Windows Vista security solution.

Grisoft's offering will now be available in the latest release of the Windows Vista beta programme and will sit alongside other compatible software from firms such as Computer Associates, F-Secure and Trend Micro, as well as Windows Live OneCare. 

Grisoft claims that its AVG products utilise a low level of computer resources, which becomes more important as personal computers and networks run more and more applications and services simultaneously.

"Partners are critical to the success of our platform and the security of customers," said Ben Fathi, vice president of Microsoft's Security Technology Unit.

"Grisoft has worked closely with us during the recent launch of its AVG 7.5 security programs to assist Windows Vista beta users, and this partnership helps support our goal of protecting customers, providing choice and enabling ISV innovation."

Although Windows Vista is still in beta, Microsoft said that it has been working closely with security providers to ensure that Windows Vista RC1 has the same antivirus protection as previous Windows versions.