Microsoft has debuted a new Beta program via Connect focused on the Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8 Security Baselines. According to the Redmond company, the solution accelerator is designed to help organizations reduce the amount of resources necessary to meet the business-critical security needs and bulletproof Microsoft products on top of what the software offers by default. Essentially, with the baselines, organizations can access free Microsoft recommendations designed to help them address security challenges. The Redmond company's promise is that, in combination with best-practice guidance, the baselines are designed to streamline the planning process as well as tasks such as deployment and monitoring of the security of Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8.

“Meet organizational security needs faster and easier than ever before with these new security baselines. The baselines are designed to help your organization address its security and compliance requirements by providing resources for Windows 7, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and Internet Explorer 8. Benefits include: Knowledge to plan for and quickly deploy security baselines for Windows 7, BitLocker, and Internet Explorer 8 in your environment. Decreased time to deployment. Reduced security testing. Increased confidence in Microsoft technologies thanks to security baselines that are thoroughly tested and prepared by Microsoft security professionals,” the Redmond company revealed.

With the Beta for Windows 7 and IE8 Security Baselines, Microsoft provides a range of resources tailored to both the operating system and its default browser. In this regard, customers will be able to get the Windows 7 Security Guide, Windows 7 Security Baseline settings, Windows 7 GPO backup files, BitLocker Security Baseline settings and BitLocker GPO backup files. As far as IE8 is concerned, the company is providing Internet Explorer 8 Security Guide, Internet Explorer 8 Security Baseline settings and Internet Explorer 8 GPO backup files.

“The Beta review period runs until August 17, 2009. We need to receive your input during this period for your feedback to be included in the final release,” Microsoft added.