New Core Components Coming to Windows Vista

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, formerly known as Windows Server Longhorn, will feature a new core component. The NAP Agent component - according to Microsoft - is designed to be used for both Trusted Computing Group's Trusted Network Connect architecture and the Redmond Company's own Network Access Protection's primary client-server protocol.

The new core components for Vista and Windows Server 2008 come as a result of a Microsoft interoperability partnership inked with Trusted Computing Group. Full interoperability between TCG's Trusted Network Connect architecture and Microsoft Network Access Protection for network access control will result in changes delivered to both the client and the server operating system of the Redmond Company.

"With this interoperability, Microsoft has reaffirmed its commitment to the Trusted Computing Group and to the development of industry standards that benefit all users," said Henry Sanders, general manager, Windows Networking and a Distinguished Engineer. "TCG is providing both the IT community and the networking industry with the benefits of integration and interoperability."

Microsoft made it clear that, following the agreement with TCG, NAP products will integrate seamlessly into TNC-protected networks and the other way around, while both NAP and TNC implementers will be able to deliver support for the NAP and TNC clients, servers and protocols. The partnership aims to increase the range of customer choice when it comes to interoperability, to deliver investment protection for NAP and TNC deployments and to adapt Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 accordingly.

While Windows Server 2008, scheduled for release to manufacturing towards the second half of 2007, will include the NAP Agent by default, the additional core component for Windows Vista will probably be integrated into the operating system with one of the future service packs.

"The contribution of the Statement of Health, Microsoft's primary client-server protocol, to the TNC architecture enables a wide variety of network access control implementations for customers and for vendors, ultimately helping provide significantly better protection of corporate information and assets," said Steve Hanna, co-chair of the TCG TNC work group and distinguished engineer, Juniper Networks. "Agreeing on common security standards provides a solid foundation on which we can build a more secure computing future."