Notice to McAfee and Symantec: Be afraid, be very afraid

Like most of you I have heard and read some of the buzz about Microsoft's new anti-virus, anti-spyware offering, OneCare.  Probably, like many of you, I thought to myself, typical Microsoft product, this 1.0 version probably sucks, but it will be good in 3 or 4 versions.  I think I was wrong and Microsoft got this one right.

Last night I noticed that the Norton Internet Security 2005 subscription ran out on my wife Bonnie's desktop.  Rather than pony up the money to renew, I thought I would have a look at what MS had to offer.  The fact that they have a 90 day free trial and then it is cheaper than Symantec or McAfee certainly influenced me to give it a try.  I frankly figured for the free trial and with a new product that if it was just a little behind Norton, I would be lucky.  I almost did not install it, as the download checks to see if your computer is up to spec to run it and told me I had to un-install Norton.  I was not into removing Norton, in case I did not like OneCare.  However, after thinking about it, I figured that I was going to have to buy a new version anyway, so gave it a whirl. 

While it was downloading I did some digital picture editing and before I noticed it, a pop up message came up that asked me to restart.  I did and was greeted by the OneCare application on start up.  Smart interface, easy to understand, obvious great integration with Windows and Windows Security Center.  It comes with Window's Defender anti-spyware as well.  Easy to set up automated updates and scanning, nice integration into the tray area (no surprise there).  Forget being just a little behind Norton, I think it may in fact be better than Norton all ready!  I will have to see what the coverage is for signatures and such but it looks hot.  I am waiting to see what the performance tune-ups do.  I think the idea of security and maintenance combination is brilliant.  I also think offering it as a service, rather than software is a great idea as well.

One thing for sure, Microsoft is going to kick butt on the anti-virus folks out there.  Unless Symantec and McAfee respond with something radically different in features and price, they will not match Microsoft's distribution footprint.  They are in a heap of trouble. Can you say Lotus 1-2-3 or Word Perfect?  I am sure glad we don't compete with this product. Also, the OneCare team has a blog up that you can follow up for new news on OneCare.