WASHINGTON - Microsoft said Friday it plans to launch a subscription based security service aimed at protecting against viruses and spyware, but also to safeguard data stored on personal computers.
The service, set for test launch in the US market later this year would bring the power of the world`s biggest software firm and maker of the Windows operating system used on 90 percent of PCs to a security field dominated by smaller firms.
Dubbed "Windows OneCare," the service will be "a comprehensive and simple-to-use consumer subscription service that will provide automated protection, maintenance and performance tuning as an all-in-one package for Windows-based PCs," the company said in a statement.
Microsoft employees will begin testing the service this week and a broader test version will be available in the United States in the coming months.
No pricing information was provided.
"Windows OneCare is the next major advance in our ongoing efforts to help keep consumers` Windows-based PCs `healthy` in a way that`s simple and as worry-free as possible for them," said Ryan Hamlin, head of the technology and safety unit at Microsoft.
"We`re designing the service so it will continually update and evolve over time, helping to ensure that our customers will have the most complete and effective protection and safety services in place every time they turn on their PC."
The service is designed to protect against worms, viruses and spyware, but also to "broader PC health issues" including the safeguarding of digital photos, music, financial data and software.
It also is aimed at maintaining PC performance degradation and helping users cope with "system clutter," Microsoft said
The service will have automatic or manual options for backing up key files and help users recover items accidentally deleted.
05/13/2005 14:52 GMT