OneCare Security Product Released

The first version of Windows Live OneCare, a consumer-oriented PC security and maintenance service, is now available in the United States through retailers or directly from Microsoft. The OneCare client and Web service includes virus protection, firewall, and backup. The long-awaited release signals sharper competition with consumer security software vendors.

OneCare is available only for computers running Windows XP SP2, including the Home, Professional, Media Center, and Tablet PC Editions, with support for Windows Vista to be added in the future.

Prior to release of the final version of the product, consumers who took part in the beta were able to purchase the product at a discount, but the suggested annual subscription rate for the final release of OneCare is US$49.95 for up to three personal computers, although many retailers may offer rebates and in-store promotions for OneCare. Microsoft is expected to roll out OneCare in other countries over the next year.

Despite the combination of tools that help keep a Windows computer free from malicious software, up-to-date, running efficiently, and backed up, it is not clear that customers will be any more willing to renew a subscription for OneCare than they were to update a subscription to security and system utilities from Microsoft partners such as McAfee and Symantec. Both of those companies have announced, but not yet launched, similar services.