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???