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Microsoft today introduced new security and mobile workforce software while mapping an 18-month strategy taking a holistic view of IT systems.
First, the Redmond, Wash., giant said it will offer customers user identification technology from RSA Security to block fraudulent attempts to tap into corporate networks.
“Our joint customers now have the option of incorporating stronger authentication technology into their applications,” Timothy Powers, an RSA spokesman told
internetnews.com
Under a new license, Microsoft will integrate RSA’s SecurID agent, which prompts users for two authenticating factors at sign-on, into its offerings. The first product
to have the feature built-in will be Microsoft’s Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, which handles firewall and Web caching services for
enterprises.
In addition, RSA has developed a software token for the Windows Pocket PC 2002 operating system. Now, after passing an initial security check, users of mobile
devices can obtain a second unique code to access the network from their PDA. By embedding the technology into the operating system, users no longer have to
carry separate hardware tokens — small devices attached to keychains that generated access codes, Powers said.
RSA and Microsoft also reiterated support for the submission of WS-Security standards to OASIS, a Boston policy making board. WS-Security is a set of SOAP
extension that supports, integrated and unified several popular security technologies and allows interoperability with Web services.
Neither the financial terms, nor duration of the licenses, was disclosed. With support for the Windows Pocket PC platform, RSA has nearly blanket coverage of
the mobile security market. Earlier this year, it inked a deal to provide authentication and data
protection for the popular newest Palm handheld operating system.
In other Microsoft news, the company detailed its wireless messaging and customer relationship management (CRM) strategy at the MEC 2002 trade show in
Anaheim, Calif.
First announced in July, the Mobile Workplace initiative simplifies deployment of Windows-powered mobile device applications through coordination between
Microsoft and mobile operators and systems integrators, including Accenture, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, HP Services and AT&T Wireless.
The offerings include Mobile Workplace Messaging, integrated software that enables wireless access to e-mail from PocketPCs, Web-enabled phones and laptops
that support wireless networks; and Mobile Workplace CRM, software for sales and field personnel to help track orders, retrieve contact information and
directions, among other things.
Microsoft expects the number of integrators offering Mobile Workplace to increase. Partners are expected to deliver additional offerings, including
enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, to their government, utilities, pharmaceutical and health care providers, and financial services customers.
Finally, Microsoft took the wraps off its so-called Jupiter initiative. The project will utilize Microsoft e-business servers to help enterprises connect information, people and business processes.
The technologies will be delivered in two phases over the next year to 18 months and will include additional support for XML Web services standards and richer developer support through enhanced integrations with Visual Studio .NET and Office.
Editor’s note: For additional coverage of Microsoft’s Jupiter initiative, please see the following internetnews story.
