Beta releases of Windows Live OneCare originally provided US-based PC users with security, maintenance, and performance utilities for use with XP Service Pack 2. These have been augmented with unified virus and spyware scanning, more file backup options, and support for Vista to enable real-time anti-virus protection and management of firewall policies.
The new service will be available from January 30 in the US and 16 other countries for an annual subscription of $49.95 for three PCs. It will also be available via retail outlets.
Microsoft is using the Live project, which also embraces Office and has CRM planned for later this year, as a means to probe the subscription-based on-demand deployment model and to explore how it can adjust its existing applications and architecture.
