Microsoft has formed the Virus Information Alliance (Via) with Network Associates and Trend Micro to help customers get information about the latest virus threats affecting its products.

The Redmond giant said that the alliance with Network Associates' Anti-Virus Emergency Response Team (Avert) and Trend Micro's TrendLabs will give Microsoft customers a centralised resource for reliable information about high-risk viruses.

It includes a full assessment of current threats based on the collective research results of Via, available at Microsoft's TechNet web page here.

"Providing customers with timely and prescriptive security information plays a crucial role in our ability as an industry to deliver on the Trustworthy Computing vision," said Andy Erlandson, director of security for product support services at Microsoft.

The company said that, over time, the service will deliver additional guidance such as white papers and online resources to help users defend themselves against malicious cyber activity.

"As viruses and malicious code continue to be a threat to consumers and businesses, it is important that customers have immediate access to information and a fix when a threat arises," said Vincent Gullotto, vice president of Network Associates' Avert Labs.