Microsoft News Tracker

Ted Kummert, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President, Security, Access and Solutions Division:

Today we are announcing key security products across the client, server and network edge, which map to our customer promise to help protect information and control access. First, we are excited to announce the public beta for Microsoft Forefront Client Security, a new product that helps protect business desktops, laptops, and server operating systems from viruses, spyware, and other threats. Second, we are announcing two new server security products, Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server and Microsoft Forefront Security for SharePoint, which are currently in public beta, and will be available to volume-licensing customers in December. Finally, today we are unveiling new Application Optimization features for the Intelligent Application Gateway, a product included in Microsoft’s acquisition of Whale Communications this year.

While all are of importance, Microsoft Forefront Client Security is drawing the most buzz since it’s a stake pointed right at the heart of the lucrative corporate security market which has heretofore been dominated by Symantec, McAfee, and other third party ISV’s whose relationship with Microsoft has grown so rancorous lately. More information and the Client Security beta download are here.