14 DAY TRIAL // Total Care is the security bundle that AOL will use to compete against Windows, Symantec and McAfee. Similar to Microsoft's offer, Total Care will be comprised of firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware applications, combined with different tools for maintenance and back-up.
AOL is not alone in taking its first step, being backed by several security providers, partners of the Dulles-based company. Among these is McAfee, which is already offering AOL subscribers security services through the Safety and Security Center. As a result of their agreement, AOL subscribers enjoy free firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware services and phishing protection.
AOL is running the beta version of Active Security Monitor, an application that evaluates the PC in order to offer a complete security status on the risks it faces, also being a guide to increase the level of protection.
"We expect the big brand ISPs and search companies to launch their own security offerings. These will come either from partnerships with established players or from relabeling no-name security products with their own brand," said Arabella Hallawell, a Gartner analyst.
AOL's presence in the security arena, one that is crowded to say the least by offers from Microsoft, Symantec and McAfee indicates the market's growth tendencies that last year reached a peak of 1.95 billion dollars with a 17% growth.
Total Care will be available for testing in the coming weeks.