Microsoft to deliver free anti-malware to Windows users

News just in from Microsoft - the company is to offer no-cost anti-malware to Windows users and phase-out sales of Windows Live OneCare subscription.

Code-named "Morro," the product, which is scheduled for release during the second half of 2009, will offer protection against viruses, spyware, rootkits and Trojans.

From the press release:

As part of its commitment to provide users with a trustworthy computing experience, Microsoft has announced plans to offer a new, core security solution for consumers. Available at no additional cost,this new solution will focus on delivering easy-to-use protection from threats that can place personal information at risk and harm system performance.

This new anti-malware offering, scheduled to be released in the second half of 2009, will provide protection from a variety of threats – including viruses, spyware, rootkits and Trojans – and is specifically designed to address the demands of smaller PC form factors and the rapid increases in the incidence of global malware. This solution will be suitable for customers in emerging markets where infection rates tend to be higher,and where demand for entry-level PCs makes it even more important that protection be available that does not sacrifice system performance.

As part of the effort to protect the broadest possible range of consumers, Microsoft has also announced it will phase out sales of its Windows Live OneCare subscription offering in order to focus on removing hardware and cost barriers that can limit access to core malware protection.

Two questions ...

• Do you trust Microsoft to provide security software? (no, I don't ... )
• How will other security vendors react to this? (badly I guess, unless this application turns out to be next to useless and be an advert for third-party security vendors)

Thoughts?