Is Microsoft Finally Taking Security Seriously?

The idea here is to offer the most protection in the simplest form possible. The Forefront product line will later include Forefront Security for Exchange Server, Forefront Security for SharePoint and Forefront threat management gateway, formally known as ISA (Internet Security and Acceleration) Server.

All of the products will share a common management console and will effectively integrate and communicate with each other. That allows users to pick and choose which security technologies to integrate, without experiencing the penalty of escalating management chores.

What's more, the various security products all communicate with each other to further enhance overall security. For example, if the desktop firewall uncovers a new threat, the firewall at the edge will be notified, along with any other integrated security products.

A management dashboard and extensive reporting follow the same thread, all products are integrated and all events are rolled into a single dashboard and logged for consistent reporting. The idea is to give administrators almost instantaneous notification of any type of a security problem in a centralized environment. This allows those same administrators to react quickly, which will prove to be an important capability during an outbreak or intrusion that an administrator must contain immediately.

Forefront is truly an indication that Microsoft is taking security seriously and is looking to build integrated products that the channel can sell into enterprise accounts.

The question remains though: Will Forefront be effective enough to unseat security leaders such as Symantec, MacAfee, Sonicwall and others from their domination of the market? Either way, Forefront will be sure to create more opportunities for channel partners looking to sell security products.