Windows OneCare: Microsoft's Consumer Security Service.
Well, it's official. Microsoft today reveiled that their 'A1' project will be called Windows OneCare.
Apparently their consumer PC security bundle is entering a new phase
for release. It has entered into a closed beta, and expectations are
that it will be released to consumers before the end of the year.
According to an article
on Eweek, Microsoft plans to 'dog-food' the service with its employees
starting next week. In the summer, they expect to expand the test to
consumers in a “private, invite-only manner,” and a full-scale rollout
by the end of the year.
We know about the anti-spyware (most of us are testing that already
for them 🙂 ), and their new AV driver thats tick off the likes of
Symantec and Mcafee. What you might NOT know is that in OneCare,
Microsoft plans to include a PROPER two way firewall. (Oh that should
make the ZoneAlarm people really happy) That will be a NICE upgrade
past the pathetic nature of ICF. Being able to properly control
packetflow in both directions is ESSENTIAL to maintain corporate
security policy as it relates to network service use.
Will be interesting to see how this turns out. I am curious to see
how Microsoft handles the pricing strategy here. Could work well in
their favour, or have huge backlash from consumers. I also can't wait
to see how integrated this really is. We will have to wait and see.
Guess I will learn more this summer when I get a copy. Because you ARE
giving me a copy… right Microsoft???
[Dana Epp's ramblings at the Sanctuary]