By John Borland, 16 May 2005 09:00
NEWS Microsoft has unveiled a new subscription-based computer fix-it service, aimed at automatically patching security holes, blocking viruses and spyware, and generally automating the chores of maintaining a computer's health.
Dubbed Windows OneCare, the service will draw in part on existing tools like the company's anti-spyware software, as well as on basic PC management functions inside Windows. But it will add a more powerful firewall, ongoing antivirus protection and the right to get a live support person on the phone without paying extra, the company said.
Noting that most people don't even run a basic antivirus scan on their computers at home, Dennis Bonsall, group product manager for the company's technology care and safety group, said: "We're trying to address a consumer need we see being unmet today. Our target is those consumers who aren't protected by this kind of PC health solution today."
The service, which won't be available for ordinary consumers even in beta until much later this year, represents the latest stage in Microsoft's move against the security problems that have plagued its software over the past few years.
But it also adds to the growing number of ways - such as with MSN and the Xbox Live gaming service - that the company is seeking to establish an ongoing billing relationship with customers. The service should provide the company with recurring revenue, as opposed to the one-time sales of software releases like Windows or Microsoft Office.
The OneCare service marks the first time that Microsoft has offered antivirus software directly to consumers, even though it has spent several years buying companies that offer the technology. Executives said they did not plan on offering the virus-fighting technology outside the OneCare bundle of services.
The package will also include Microsoft's spyware-fighting tools and a firewall that blocks unauthorised outbound traffic, such as spyware data, as well as the inbound traffic blocked by XP.
Analysts said a Microsoft antivirus product would be likely to appeal to the large percentage of consumers - close to 75 per cent, by some estimates - who have no virus protection loaded on their computers.
Gartner analyst Peter Firstbrook said: "I don't think that Microsoft is going to take market share away from [security providers such as Symantec], but instead it's more likely [Microsoft] will be able to attract a lot of people who haven't had antivirus on their desktops before."
The OneCare package will also offer automatic computer care tools such as disk defragging and file repair, and scheduled data backup features that will save critical data such as photos and financial information to CDs or DVDs.
Microsoft critics often point out that many of the worst PC problems, ranging from viruses to spyware, take advantage of security vulnerabilities in Microsoft's own Windows, Internet Explorer and other software. But company executives said there was nothing untoward about charging consumers in part to block these problems.
Amy Roberts, director of product management in Microsoft's Security, Business and Technology unit said: "I think that at this point, a fair number of the kind of threats we see on the security front are not just attacking vulnerabilities. Security is a key component, but OneCare goes beyond that to help customers have a broader sense of PC health."
The service will be launched in beta form to Microsoft employees in a week, and will be released to consumers in late summer or autumn, the software giant said. The company did not provide any details on projected pricing.
John Borland writes for CNET News.com
Comments
There are 6 comments. Join the discussion
1. Happyonamac
Of course, MS aren't going to compete with Symantec...nnooooo, they would NEVER do that. What antitrust?
So, Microsoft make a poor product, miss the boat on an industry sector (in this case, AV), buy companies doing what they should have done years ago, then make money putting innovative companies out of business, while charging increasing amounts to fix problems with the shoddy software they botched together in the first place.
I'm sorry, I don't get it. Where's the news here?
Using Windows just gets better and better, doesn't it?
Have fun!
2. anonymous
A problem-free PC can be had any time by observing basic principles of good housekeeping and common sense, regardless of which O/S one runs. It's not diffricult, anyone can do it, seriously.
The real problem is that where computers are concerned, many people seem to switch off at least a portion of their analytical thinking, as if the territory of home computing is so foreign that no experience or natural law will apply there.
Office workers have even less of an excuse, as almost every company will issue freely available 'best practice' guidelines, and often have help desk staff on-site.
No, I'm not a hairy 20-something Linux prophet, nor a glib Mac user. I use stock Intel machines running Windows 98 and upward, all connected to a standard ISP's DSL line, but behind a simple (free) firewall.
I've had no break-in attempts, because my machines are virtually invisible on the Internet. Also, I've never had a virus, and I still have to receive my first spam.
Those who don't believe that, try this: scan everything you let into your machine's memory for nasty bits. There's at least 1 excellent free on-line service available for that (Trend Micro Housecall). And don't leave your e-mail address anywhere you wouldn't want to leave your housekeys or agenda.
Common sense helps there, too. Why insist on using an e-mail client that is know to be targeted by every would-be 'hacker' in the world? And if you really have to, why not associate extensions like .VBS with a text editor? Why have the Windows Scripting Host installed at all?
Computers these days are well-made, free or affordable utility software exists in large quantities, and there are entire sites filled with helpful information for the non-professional. I'd almost say that there is less excuse for Joe User to let his machine be driven into a wall than there is for an urban adult to get infected with AIDS.
3. Sam Freedman
since windows software costs hundreds of $$$$ to buy, i think it's unfair to charge anything to repair flaws
4. Richard
Pay-back time:
Last week, I claimed that whereas technology has made modern cars more reliable; PC have become ever more difficult and expensive to maintain.
Almost immediately, my trusty car broke down.
Hours later, the weird symptoms were finally traced to the effects of a faulty battery on the car’s electronics.
Memo to self: Keep quiet!
5. Geoffrey Darnton
...and read the fine print .... just in case it contains the usual stuff about how the customer agrees that the supplier is not providing any warranty whatsoever about anything - so take it as it is - so the company can take your money to solve a problem, but you can't do anything if the company gets it wrong and the problem isn't really solved! Common, probably unlawful, trickery rife in the software world!
6. Nikki
How can MS possibly justify charging a recurring fee for software that merely plugs the holes of its other software which, I might add, consumers have already bought and paid for?