Microsoft has announced that Windows Live OneCare, its subscription-based security suite, will be discontinued on June 30th 2009 to be later replaced by a freeware alternative going by the codename of "Morro".
OneCare, a software package that provides anti-virus, malware protection, a built-in firewall, tune-up functionality and various other performance-enhancing tweaks has been subject to negative press since its launch nearly three years ago, and has largely failed to make the desired impact.
Despite being unable to take large chunks of market share from the likes of McAfee and Symantec, Microsoft will once again try its hand at security with the streamlined Morro. The software giant is continuing to stress the importance of reducing bloatware and OneCare's successor will be a trimmed-down solution that promises to utilise fewer resources and function with ease on low-spec systems.
Morro will be built upon Microsoft's existing anti-malware technology but is expected to do away with additional features such as printer sharing and tune-up. It'll be available for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 in late 2009.
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.
Microsoft will be keen to turn the light to Morro, but the announcement all but confirms OneCare's failure to attract a large audience. We'd expect Morro, however, to fare favourably as a result of its Microsoft branding and freeware status.
Customers of Windows Live OneCare are being assured that protection will continue throughout their subscription and a set of commonly asked questions are available at the Windows Live OneCare blog.
Official press release: Microsoft Announces Plans for No-Cost Consumer Security Offering
