Antivirus Firms Release Windows 7 Software Previews to Combat Microsoft's Free Offering

Back in November, Microsoft announced plans to discontinue its fee-based Live OneCare subscription service by June 30, 2009 and replace it with free security software the company claims "will provide comprehensive protection from malware including virusus, spyware, rootkits, and trojans." Microsoft's plans could spell bad news for security vendors who sell comprehensive security suites, but at least three companies are already looking forward.

Kaspersky, AVG, and Symantec -- each of which was featured in our recent antivirus roundup --have released public previews of their next-gen security suites intended for Windows 7 in order to entice potential customers. These include Symantec's Norton 360 Beta 3.0, Kaspersky's technical preview of its Anti-Virus for Windows 7, and AVG's Internet Security.

It remains to be seen how Microsoft's Morro will compete will full fledged third-party applications, but according to Windows communications manager Brandon LeBlanc, competition won't stand in the way of ensuring everyone's security apps work with Windows 7.

"Microsoft has been actively working with security partners to help them get their applications ready for Windows 7," LeBlanc said. "Three security developers have taken the build we released to developers in October and have developed solutions available today that work with Windows 7 Beta."

Hit the jump and tell us what effect you think Morro will have third party security software.