madmatt

This might be of an interest to a few forum members, but likely not.

I decided to give Microsoft Forefront Client Security a try to compare it to my current favorite Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition.

Short story: Symantec is still king in my books. But not for the reason you might think.

Long story: Microsoft did a nice job with its first attempt in client security. However, this product is not for small business. The system requirements are very high and the software requirements will have an impact.

Firstly, you have to have Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (Standard or Enterprise) installed. The agent itself is very inexpensive (MSRP $12.95/yearly per user or device). The rest with SQL Enterprise will cost you roughly $2400.00. However, that will handle up to 10,000 clients (another sign that this product is geared towards large business).

The client looks identical to Windows Defender. It has the same look and feel. The management console runs using MMC and is identical to all newer MMC snap-ins like WSUS 3.0.

The installation process also installs MOM 2005. MOM 2005 has a similar look to Microsoft Office Outlook and Accounting. But that, in my opinion, is what put it over the top. Too much other software needs to be or is installed to make Forefront work.

System requirements can be found here.

Symantec is simple to install, simple to manage, and simple to use. I didn't get the same warm and fuzzy feeling from Forefront.

That's my opinion.

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kcnychief

Nice little writeup.

FWIW, I used Symantec for coporate for the last few years but have recently switched to Sophos. I love it and I'll stick with them for awhile most likely.

/thread hijack

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