McAfee to help Microsoft deliver security services

Microsoft Corp. announced Tuesday it is joining forces with McAfee.com Inc. to deliver Web-based security services that will incorporate the software giant's HailStorm XML technology and .Net services.

McAfee.com, based in Sunnyvale, Calif., has been delivering software over the Web for almost two years, a model that Microsoft is trying emulate via its .Net strategy to sell software as a service over the Internet.

HailStorm is Microsoft's code-name for a set of XML-based Web services that are designed to deliver tighter integration of applications and greater personalization for users.

The first fruit of the new partnership will be a new McAfee.com security service that integrates with Microsoft's Passport to provide single sign-on and registration across several Web sites. Users will also get automatic virus and security alerts on their computers and Internet-enabled devices through the notification technology that is part of HailStorm.

The two companies will also jointly market and promote the new services.

McAfee.com, a spin-off of security conglomerate Network Associates Inc., sells anti-virus, personal firewall, wireless security and data-recovery services online.