Microsoft releases beta of Stirling integrated security
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Microsoft’s Forefront integrated security solution beta, code-named Stirling, was released last week, claimed to deliver comprehensive, coordinated protection, making it easy to control, access and manage security across an organisation’s IT infrastructure.
Stirling uses a central management console for security configuration and visibility, combined with the next-generation Forefront products that span client, server and network edge.
“Customers tell us that IT security is becoming increasingly complex, with multiple point solutions and management consoles creating both a financial and management headache for businesses today,” says Ryan Hamlin, general manager in Microsoft’s Access and Security Division.
“By taking an integrated solutions approach that combines IT security, identity and access with systems management capabilities at the foundational level, and by delivering innovative products like Stirling, we are providing dynamic protection and response capabilities that help customers secure their business while also saving time and reducing costs,” he adds.
Analysts agree. “Our research shows IT departments are demanding integration between individual security technologies,” says Chris Christiansen, programme vice president for Security Products and Services at analyst IDC.
“Products like Forefront Stirling will play a key role in reducing administrative and support costs and, ultimately, reducing the total cost of ownership of managing multiple security technologies,” he asserts.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has also announced the name of its next-generation network edge security product, Forefront Threat Management Gateway – the next generation of Microsoft ISA Server. The software giant says it’s designed to provide multiple-threat protection, simplified management and secure connectivity, and will be built on Windows Server 2008.
