Microsoft unveils security suite

Microsoft unveils security suite

Microsoft has plans to come out with its first antivirus cum antispyware software. This announcement was made by the organization's Chief Executive Steve Ballmer at a function organized in Munich, Germany.

The security product presently called Microsoft Client is specifically to safeguard desktops, laptops and window file servers from viruses, spy ware and other nasty elements harming your computing experience.

Microsoft Client Protection is the blending of software's acquired from antivirus and antispyware developers GeCAD (in June 2003) and Giant Company Software (December 2004) respectively.

According to Microsoft, this safety suite will enable IT management to accurately administer the software via the Microsoft products like Active Directory and Windows Server Updates Services patch management tool.

With this release, Microsoft hopes to give stiff competition to the current leaders providing security solutions like Symantec, McAfee and Trend Micro.

Sponsors

CEO, Ballmer, feels stopping the malicious virus, spy ware attacks and other internet hazards to develop a safer computing environment is possible only through a resolute, long-standing endeavor on behalf of all the technological companies, consumers and not least of all the governments.

Keeping this mind, Microsoft also declared the formation of the Secure IT Alliance through which different security providers can work in close unison with Microsoft to produce better security features for Windows. Founder members of the alliance comprise Citrix Systems, Computer Associates, F-Secure Corp., McAfee, Symantec Corp., Trend Micro and Version.

Paul Bryan, director of Product Management, Enterprise Access and Security Products, revealed that the amalgamation of many security features in this suite is primarily to provide wider solutions to most of the consumers' safety concerns using fewer packages.

Three years back, Microsoft decided to revamp its oft criticized security failings by launching the Trustworthy Computing Initiative which had led to the development of Service Pack 2 for Windows XP and also a firewall with Windows.

Client Protection is complaint with Windows XP SP2 and Windows 2000 SP4. For servers, it also recognizes Windows 2003 SP1 and above, and Windows 2000 SP4.

The beta product will most likely ship by the end of this year even though the organization is yet to decide on both the launch date and the pricing.