Microsoft plans to release a version of its Windows Live OneCare suite for servers.
Steven VanRoekel, senior director of Windows Server Product Solutions, and I discussed the new product in a Microsoft Watch podcast posted today.

"This is something new," VanRoekel said. "Windows Live OneCare for Server is a one-year server anti-virus engine."

The software will be bundled with Small Business Server and Essential Server 2008 editions, along with a one-year subscription to Forefront for Exchange. "We've taken a different tact on connecting subscription services with the core infrastructure," VanRoekel said about the bundling.

I asked if Microsoft planned to extend Windows Live OneCare for Server bundling to the desktop.

"No. We're not doing any client AV with this wave. We think that's part of the partner opportunity with the product," VanRoekel said.

The Microsoft senior director didn't discuss discreet pricing, but Windows Live OneCare for Server would be part of the purchase price of the new small business and midmarket server software.

I asked about discreet pricing because Microsoft will offer the software for at least one other product: Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition.

"As far as other support across the server SKUs, I'm not part of that group, and they haven't made announcements of that yet," VanRoekel said. "But it's something I definitely think that they're looking at.

Windows Live OneCare's move up to the server stack is perplexing, given its desktop origins and consumer branding. How seriously will businesses take software that's brand is associated with consumers? Answer: They'll take it. Whether or not they use the software may depend more on the channel.

Microsoft's Small Business Server and Essential Business Server bundling strategy assures that SMBs will get the software/service with 12-month subscription. My prediction: Many smaller businesses will either take the software or follow Microsoft recommendations.

The product strategy reveals what Microsoft wanted to do with Windows: Bundle anti-virus into Vista and/or offer Windows Live OneCare client for free. It has been my strong belief that Microsoft didn't bundle anti-virus because of its antitrust trouble here and abroad.

Source: Microsoft Watch

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