Microsoft
is to start selling its Windows OneCare Live security protection
service from tomorrow, after extensive beta trials among
consumers.
OneCare delivers
anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall protection, along with data
back-up features and several PC “tune-up” tools to maximise the
performance of machines.
The service will
be sold initially in the US, and will be rolled out to other
markets over the next 12 months. OneCare is seen as a potentially
formidable challenge to established security software players,
including Symantec, McAfee, Trend Micro and Sophos.
OneCare will cost
$49.95 (£29.50) a year in the US to protect up to three home users.
The price is very competitive when compared with those charged by
the established security software players for similar security
software bundles.
For instance,
McAfee charges almost £50 a year in the UK for anti-virus,
anti-spam, personal firewall and data privacy protection for home
users, via its distribution deal with Dell.
In the US, OneCare
will be sold on Microsoft’s website and in boxed versions through a
variety of retailers.
For businesses,
Microsoft is planning to launch its Microsoft Client Protection
system, aimed at protecting business desktops, laptops and file
servers from malicious attacks.
A public beta
version of Client Protection is expected in the third quarter of
this year.