Protection At A New High For Vista Launch

An announcement from Microsoft revealed release plans for Windows Vista-ready products and services from its security unit and leading security firms like Symantec, McAfee and Trend Micro. The release is scheduled on January 30, 2007 coinciding with the general availability of the operating system. It marks a departure from the Vista release for businesses last November. Back then McAfee alone, among major security companies, was ready.

The importance of increased security for computing experience, which includes defense against online threats, worms and hackers, for both businesses and consumers has become more pronounced than ever, according to a January 17, 2007 press release by Ben Fathi - corporate vice president with Microsoft Security Technology Unit.

With Windows Vista being the most secured among the operating systems ever built by them, their security partners are continuing their strategic contributions in the protective layers being added to the Microsoft Windows platform. Collaborating efforts would make it possible to give people a greater sense of security and confidence in PC usage.

Encroachment by Microsoft into the territory of traditional security companies including Symantec, McAfee and Trend Micro has been growing. Vista also comprises two of the three protection technologies recommended by security experts for all Windows PCs, a firewall and spyware shield. Virus protection, the third one is excluded in the new operating system but it is now being sold as Windows Live OneCare by Microsoft.

The press release in conclusion stated that the purpose of building Windows Vista was for in-depth protection from current and upcoming digital threats. Initially Windows Vista was being designed by Microsoft with the Security Development Lifecycle, a process involving education, design & testing for keeping security bugs within the OS' underlying code to a minimum. Additionally, further layers of protection are provided with new in-built security features like Windows Defender, improved Windows Firewall, User Account Control, Parental Controls etc.

The significance of Microsoft's revelation of the availability of third-party security products is due to the tussle involving the Redmond, Wash, company and security ISVs concerning entry into the security software market and blocked Vista APIs last year. Despite resolution of some of these issues, this year competition is likely to increase with Microsoft's attempt to sell Windows Live OneCare service and Forefront Client Security product to Vista customers.

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» SPAMfighter News - 1/20/2007