Microsoft OneCare Security Service

We have all seen the Microsoft of late concentrating a lot on beefing up the security of its Windows OS, especially so since the release of Windows XP SP2 with a built-in firewall and a Security Center control panel interface. It only seems like a natural progression for Microsoft to further its endeavor in system security by having a security software such as an anti-virus and anti-spyware for its popular Windows Operating System.

By middle of this year, Microsoft would officially enter the security software market with a subscription based security suite – Windows OneCare.

OneCare combines antivirus, anti-spyware and firewall software with backup features and several tune-up tools for Windows PCs.
- Microsoft

Although the efficiency (low system resources) and effectiveness of Microsoft’s security software in fending off these cyber threats remains debatable (and questionable) when compared to today’s major security software by Symantec and McAfee, the price of US$49.95 for a year’s subscription to shield up to three PCs could just be Microsoft’s best selling point. This could just be the beginning of a price war in the security software industry which would benefit most users like you and me in the near future.

If the price war would to be initiated by any other company, I would be very pleased… but Microsoft? That may spell the end of a competitive security software industry a decade from now. If history were any sign of things to come, Microsoft used the same tactic in marketing its Microsoft Office productivity suite about a decade ago. It sold its MS Office at a price lower than its competitors. Today, all the once glorious productivity software makers such as Corel and Lotus just fades away from the competition (also partly due to their internal problems and inability to introduce more competitive products).

Personally, I feel that security software such as anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall is essential towards a safe and enjoyable computing experience to keep cyber threats at bay. Security software seems to have a “special bond” with the operating system. I wouldn’t plug my computer into the World Wide Web if my system isn’t protected by some security software. Thus, it wouldn’t surprise me that a few years down the road, Microsoft may just integrate the OneCare security suite as part of the Windows operating system and sells its subscription service as part of the Windows update. A sure fire recipe to increase Microsoft’s market share in the security market and for yet another series of anti-trust lawsuit for Microsoft. Remember Netscape?

I hope I do not sound too negative about Microsoft’s OneCare. I personally welcome Microsoft’s entry into the security software industry with a hope that it would be a wakeup call to all the other security software companies like Symantec, McAfee and the rest to produce more innovative and competitive products with a more competitive pricing structure.