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Microsoft gets its new, paid client-security product out the door

Microsoft released to manufacturing on December 16 its Forefront Endpoint Protection (FEP) 2010 security product.
Written by Mary Jo Foley, Senior Contributing Editor

Microsoft released to manufacturing on December 16 its Forefront Endpoint Protection (FEP) 2010 security product.

FEP 2010, the renamed and updated Forefront Client Security, is Microsoft's paid security client. An evaluation version is available immediately; Volume licensees will be able to get the bits from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center starting January 1, 2011.

Forefront Endpoint Protection — which is based on System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 –  is designed to provide security for XP, Windows Server 2003 and all subsequent versions of Windows client and server. The coming release includes the same anti-virus engine that is part of MSE; new behavioral threat detection; better protection against “unknown” and “zero day” threats; Windows Firewall management; and on-demand signature updates from the cloud.

Microsoft is pitching Forefront client as its security offering for business users of any size, from the smallest business to the largest enterprise. It is pitching its free Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) client as being tailored for consumers, and, as a couple of months ago, small businesses with up to 10 PCs.

A new version of MSE also is due to ship before the end of 2010.

Update: Microsoft is now confirming that MSE 2.0 was released on December 16, as well. A statement from the spokesperson: "Microsoft Security Essentials was also updated on December 16th, with new antimalware technology so that consumers and small businesses can enjoy enhanced protection and performance as well."

The updated MSE can be downloaded manually from the Microsoft Download Center.

The refreshed MSE includes Windows Firewall integration, Internet Explorer integration and an updated malware engine, among other features.

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