Microsoft has unveiled its latest strategy for IT
security with two products that combine IT security with IT
management.
Microsoft Forefront Client Security is
designed to help IT departments protect desktops, laptops and
server operating systems from viruses, spyware and Trojans. The
product integrates with Microsoft's System Center software and
Active Directory services to provide centralised security
management.
Forefront works alongside
System Center Essentials 2007, a unified
management tool, which Microsoft said could help manage IT
environments in mid-size companies.
System Center Essentials 2007 provides a single console from
which IT managers can view and manage servers, clients, hardware,
software and IT services. With prices starting at £1,000, it is
offered as a management server with built-in support to manage 50
clients and 10 servers. This can be extended with additional
licensing.
Forefront Client Security is licensed on a per-user, per-device
basis, starting at about £6.50 a year per user/device for the
security agent and about £1,250 a year for the management
console.
The product is available as part of the
Microsoft Enterprise Client Access License
suite through Microsoft Volume Licensing. From July it will be
available as a standalone product via standard Microsoft Volume
Licensing agreements.
The company's strategy is to make IT management part of IT
security. Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said, "We
understand that security and management are two of the biggest
challenges that [IT departments] face, and Microsoft is ready to
help you overcome these challenges with our Forefront and System
Center solutions."
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