Microsoft plans to release a test version of a new
enterprise security product by the end of the year, designed to
protect business desktops, laptops and servers against malicious
attacks.
Called Microsoft Client Protection, it will guard against
threats such as spyware, viruses and rootkits, the company revealed
in Munich yesterday.
The software will give IT administrators central management
capabilities and work with Microsoft's Active Directory and Windows
Server Updates Services patch management tool.
A "limited beta" is due out by the end of the year, with
Microsoft planning to release more details in the coming
months.
The pricing of the product is not yet known. The new enterprise
service comes after limited beta testing of the company's OneCare
consumer protection service, which is expected to appear
commercially next year.
The Munich event was attended by Microsoft chief executive
officer Steve Ballmer, who also helped to launch the SecureIT
Alliance, a new group focused on providing security solutions to
users of Microsoft products.
The alliance so far includes Symantec, McAfee, Trend Micro,
F-Secure and VeriSign.