Microsoft Integrates Security, Management Lines

Microsoft is preparing to bring together its security and management products under the Forefront and System Center brand names.

Specifically, the vendor aims to integrate Forefront Client Security and System Center Essential 2007, both of which are part of Microsoft's Operations Management platform.

Forefront Client Security is focused on helping IT secure desktops, laptops and services from a variety of threats, including viruses, spyware, Trojans and more. The client provides centralized visibility into such threats through Microsoft's System Center management platform. The latest version of that platform, System Center Essential 2007, is launching soon. It features a single console from which IT management can view and manage IT systems and services.Forefront Client Security is licensed on a per-user, per-device basis, starting at $12.72 per user or device, per year for the security agent and at $2,468 per year for the management console. Microsoft System Center Essentials is offered as a management server with built-in support to manage 50 clients and 10 servers starting at $2,000.