Software leviathan Microsoft aims to produce a product in 2005 that will offer a protective barrier against spyware, viruses and rootkits. This test product, Microsoft Client Protection, will provide protections for business file servers, desktops and laptops against the traditional enemies of the computer world.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Mike Nash, VP of the Security Technology Unit, explained their plans to build their IT protection side. In the past, Microsoft has had some real problems security in a number of areas. This should help rectify some of that problem.
“At Microsoft, we’re investing heavily in security because we want customers to be able to trust their computing experiences, so they can realize the full benefits of the interconnected world we live in,” Ballmer said. “With the continuing onslaught of malware, viruses, phishing attacks and other kinds of Internet fraud, creating a more secure computing environment requires a concerted, long-term effort on the part of all technology companies, as well as customers and governments.”
Microsoft also said they plant to release their own anti-virus and anti-spam program called Microsoft Antigen. This product is aimed at messaging and collaborating servers based on technology from their recently acquired Sybari Software.
“Customers are telling us what our research shows: the nature and complexity of online threats and attacks are continuing to evolve, and hackers, thieves and pirates are getting more sophisticated,” Nash said.
“At Microsoft, we believe customers have the right to know what software is running on their machine, how it got there, its purpose and how to remove it if necessary. To help our customers combat the evolving threats and to have those rights protected, we are taking a holistic approach to security that includes developing new technology, partnering with the industry, and keeping customers as educated as possible about how to stay ahead of the latest threats facing them.”
The problem is that a beta test will be out by the end of the year. That leaves us three months and who knows when the primary product will be out. This dilemma was expressed by Michael Cherry of Directions on Microsoft in a ZDNet feature.
While some of this product will put Microsoft at odds with security companies, the wizards of Redmond has also entered into a SecureIT Alliance with some of these firms. These firms represent some of the biggest names in the Internet Security business including McAfee, Symantec, Trend Micro and VeriSign.
John Stith is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.
