Microsoft's TechEd 2006 was the opportune time for the 'rechristening' of Windows Client Protection application as Forefront Client Security. This will contain an enhanced version of Microsoft Client Protection software and will provide security to desktops, laptops and server operating systems.

Bob Muglia, senior vice president, Server and Tools Business at Microsoft, presented the new application as a more effective way to counteract and prevent online threats, offering clients a superior class of security options and access control. In this regard, Forefront Client Security follows the recently launched Microsoft Antigen E-mail Security and Internet Security & Acceleration Server 2006. The last is a security gateway for IT environments that offers protection against Internet-based threats and, simultaneously fast and secure data access.

In the end, Forefront will be a brand that will comprise all of Microsoft's security portfolio, including Internet Security & Acceleration Server 2006 and Antigen E-mail Security, antivirus and antispyware application.

During the same Boston conference, Microsoft's officials have announced that a beta version of Forefront Client Security is already available to a select group of clients that will offer feed-back after testing it, and that a similar version, but addressed to the public will be launched in the last quarter of 2006.