Microsoft Security PM: OneCare Should Have Never Been Shipped

Windows Live OneCare shouldn't have been shipped, because of unresolved issues of the Microsoft anti-virus. For Windows Live OneCare 1.5, Microsoft is sending out contradictory reports. Some call the Microsoft security solution a solid success, while others believe that the anti-virus was not ready for commercial availability.

In the aftermath of the OneCare and .PST and .DBX Bug, Arno Edelmann, Microsoft's European business security product manager revealed to ZDNet UK, that OneCare 1.5 has not been perfected enough to justify such an early consumer launch and that the anti-virus even has missing elements.

"Usually Microsoft doesn't develop products, we buy products. It's not a bad product, but bits and pieces are missing. It's a problem with the updates, and it's a problem with the implementation. OneCare is a new product - they shouldn't have rolled it out when they did, but they're fixing the problems now," Edelmann explained.

Edelmann's statement has to be taken with a certain degree of circumspection. In fact, Microsoft does develop their own products. Windows and Office are examples in this area. As far as OneCare is concerned, the Microsoft security solution is indeed based on the anti-virus engine acquired simultaneously with the Romanian GeCAD company back in 2003.

Gina Narkunas, Microsoft Lead Product Manager, has a whole different perspective on OneCare: "Thanks to all of you, the international launch of OneCare v1.5 has been a solid success. Customers around the world are now using the service and telling us how much they like the simplicity, ease-of-use and great price of OneCare. And for those of you that don't already have OneCare in your countries, we hear you and appreciate your patience - rest assured we are looking at continuing to expand the service to new markets."