Forefront codename Stirling Beta is designed as an integrated security system bundling multiple solutions together and aimed at Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003 SP2 and 2008 as well as Windows XP SP2. Microsoft said nothing about the support offered for Vista SP1 and XP SP3, but as Stirling integrates with both Windows Server 2008 and XP SP3, the first service pack for Vista as well as the third and final SP for XP should not be a problem. Stirling has debuted into beta on April 8, 2008, and as such is available as a free download.

At RSA Conference 2008, Ryan Hamlin, general manager in the Access and Security Division of the Server and Tools Business at Microsoft, explained that "customers tell us that IT security is becoming increasingly complex, with multiple point solutions and management consoles creating both a financial and management headache for businesses today. Microsoft is focused on reducing that burden for customers."

Stirling is nothing more than the evolution of the Forefront security products. The solution packages Forefront offerings for endpoint, messaging, collaboration, as well as network protection, and at the same time centralizes management via a single console.

"By taking an integrated solutions approach that combines IT security, identity and access with systems management capabilities at the foundational level, and by delivering innovative products like Forefront 'Stirling,' we are providing dynamic protection and response capabilities that help customers secure their business while also saving time and reducing costs," Hamlin added.

According to Microsoft, Stirling is comprised of Forefront Client Security, Forefront Security for Exchange Server, Forefront Security for SharePoint and Internet Security and Acceleration Server (ISA Server), plus Forefront Threat Management Gateway. In this manner, Stirling offers protection not only for client platforms but also across servers and networks. At this point in time, the Redmond company is planning to drop Stirling in the first half of 2009.

"Our research shows IT departments are demanding integration between individual security technologies," added Chris Christiansen, program vice president for Security Products and Services, IDC. "Products like Forefront 'Stirling' will play a key role in reducing administrative and support costs and, ultimately, reducing the total cost of ownership of managing multiple security technologies."

Microsoft Forefront Codename "Stirling" Beta can be downloaded from here.