SEATTLE – Senior Microsoft executives on Thursday plan to provide an update on the software maker’s security strategy and products plans, including its upcoming enterprise anti-spyware offering, sources said Tuesday.
Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer and Mike Nash, corporate vice president of the Microsoft’s Security Business & Technology Unit, are scheduled to discuss the company’s “security strategy and product road map” at an event in Munich, Germany, on Thursday morning, a source close to Microsoft told CNET.Com.
The event is expected to include more details on Microsoft’s upcoming tools to fight spyware in the enterprise, sources familiar with the company’s plans said. A Microsoft representative declined to comment for this report.
Microsoft has been testing a consumer version of Windows AntiSpyware since January and has said it would also deliver a version of the product for corporate users that would support enterprise needs such as management and deployment. The company has not yet provided a delivery time for the product.
Spyware is software that is installed surreptitiously on computers. Typically, spyware generates pop-up ads or keeps track of people’s Web surfing habits. Microsoft acquired spyware-fighting technology with its purchase of security software maker Giant Software in December.
Another closely watched Microsoft product is Windows OneCare, a subscription antivirus and anti-spyware service for consumers. OneCare marks Microsoft’s entry into the antivirus space–until now the domain of specialized vendors such as Symantec, McAfee and Trend Micro.
As with Windows AntiSpyware, however, Microsoft has not committed to a delivery date for the final OneCare product. A broad public beta is planned in the United States later this year, Microsoft has said. The company might provide further details on Thursday.
