Microsoft is set to launch its OneCare security suite in the US this June, providing antivirus, anti-spyware, back-up software and system maintenance and performance tools.

OneCare also offers a two-way firewall that will filter incoming and outgoing traffic. The Windows XP SP2 firewall only filters incoming traffic.

The suite targets consumers and small businesses and will cost $49.95 a year including updates. Users are allowed to run the software on up to three computers.

Microsoft's introduction is expected to upset the current balance of power in the consumer security software segment.

The largest providers are currently Symantec, McAfee and Trend Micro which charge $69.99, $69.99 and $49.95 a year respectively for products similar to Microsoft's.

Brian Hall, group programme manager for Windows OneCare Live, explained that this idea is to compete by offering a comprehensive and easy-to-use suite.

"We found that current products on the market are underused," he told vnunet.com, claiming that 60 to 70 per cent of users lack up-to-date antivirus software.

"There are a certain amount of usability challenges that we think we can do a much better job at with Windows OneCare."

Analyst firm Gartner suggested late last year that Microsoft could significantly undercut the incumbents' prices by charging as little as $15 per user per PC.

Antivirus prices are set to drop about 10 per cent per year over the next few years, according to Gartner predictions.