Free Consumer Security Offering By Microsoft

On November 18,2008 Microsoft has announced that, they are planning to offer a new consumer security offering focused on core anti-malware protection. This solution will be offer to consumers at no charge. Code-named “Morro,” this streamlined solution will be available in the second half of 2009 and will provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans. This new solution will be developed in such a way that it will use less computing resources and ideal for low-bandwidth scenarios. Microsoft also announced that it will discontinue retail sales of its Windows Live OneCare subscription service effective June 30, 2009.

“Morro” will take the full advantage of Microsoft’s award winning anti-malware protection technology. Microsoft’s current anti-malware protection technology currently powering most of the companies security products. Microsoft anti-malware technology have received the VB100 award from Virus Bulletin, Checkmark Certification from West Coast Labs and certification from the International Computer Security Association Labs. The new solution will deliver the same core protection against malware as that offered through Microsoft’s enterprise solutions, but will not include many of the additional non-security features found in many consumer security suites.

Amy Barzdukas, senior director of product management for the Online Services and Windows Division at Microsoft, Said

Customers around the world have told us that they need comprehensive, ongoing protection from new and existing threats, and we take that concern seriously. This new, no-cost offering will give us the ability to protect an even greater number of consumers, especially in markets where the growth of new PC purchases is outpaced only by the growth of malware.

Roger Kay, founder and president of Endpoint Technologies Associates, Said

Because uptake of standard anti-malware is low around the world, particularly in developing nations, the availability of basic protection for anyone who wants it is all the more important. By offering such basic protection at no charge to the consumer, Microsoft is promoting a safer environment for PCs, service providers and e-commerce itself, since it is through unprotected PCs that the worst threats are introduced to the system as a whole.

“Morro” will be available as a stand-alone download and offer malware protection for the Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. Windows Live OneCare will continue to be sold for Windows XP and Windows Vista at retail through June 30, 2009. Direct sales of OneCare will be gradually phased out when “Morro” becomes available. Regardless of their method of purchase.

Source: Microsoft Announces Plans for No-Cost Consumer Security Offering