Forefront is intended to unify malware protection for desktop, laptop, and server platforms. With an early beta version already in the hands of select customers, Microsoft said that it would release a public beta in Q4.
The product line will consist of five core offerings. Microsoft Forefront Client Security, formerly called Microsoft Client Protection, will handle anti-virus and anti-spyware. It is scheduled for release during the first half of 2007.
At the other end, an existing product, Microsoft Antigen provides filtering at the server or gateway against malware threats. Various editions are now available for Exchange, SMTP gateways, SharePoint, and instant messaging.
New versions for Exchange and SharePoint are scheduled for the second half of this year. Originally part of the Sybari acquisitions, each of these Antigen products will get new Forefront branding.
Finally, Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2006 is an existing integrated security gateway that can be used for branch offices or web access. A new version is promised for next year.
