Microsoft introduces security software for Windows
In addition to the corporate security software called client protection technology, Microsoft has also announced a series of initiatives in security products for home users.By JOHN MARKOFF
The New York Times
Oct. 6 -- Microsoft will introduce a set of corporate products today that will move it more fully into competition with the leading makers of security software for Windows computers.
The company will outline plans for a package of corporate security software and services called client protection technology, along with software for identity management and access for corporate customers. The services will go into limited testing later this year; Microsoft would not give details on general availability or pricing.
This year Microsoft has announced a series of initiatives in security products for home users. In January it began testing an antispyware product, and it has announced a subscription antivirus and antispyware service called Windows OneCare.
Those products and the company's declaration that it plans to offer a wide range of products in the security field pose new competition to established security software makers like McAfee, Symantec and Trend Micro.
"Our focus here is helping to protect our customers," said Amy Roberts, director of product management for Microsoft's security technology unit. "Our concern is less about what the competitors are doing and more about what our customers are asking for."
Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive, and Mike Nash, corporate vice president of Microsoft's security business and technology unit, will make the corporate product announcement today in Munich.
They will also outline other steps in the security field, among them a new 30-company partnership to be called the Secure IT Alliance, which will include Symantec, McAfee and Trend Micro.
Microsoft has been struggling to make its Windows software more secure for several years and has made some progress, according to computer security industry analysts. In 2003, it abruptly stopped its programming for its Windows operating system and sent its programmers to a remedial training program in an effort to make its software less vulnerable to attack.
Story Produced by: Jessica Phillips
