By Dan Ragle
April 13, 2006
Whether it's anti-spam mixed with anti-virus, or firewall inspections mixed with network access controls, it's rare these days to find tools that are focused on only one parameter of an organization's security. Convergence, it would seem, is key; and longtime security player McAfee has recognized that with this week's announcement of McAfee Total Protection.
By "Total," the vendor means the centralized control of multiple endpoint security concerns; including anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-spyware, and network access controls. The new Total Protection platform leverages several of these core McAfee competencies to bring all of these capabilities under the control of a centralized administrator.
"Total" does not, however, mean that you must select a one-size-fits-all product deployment. Total Protection is served up in both Small Business (less than 100 employees) and Enterprise versions; with each flavor subdivided into a Standard and Advanced Edition with additional functionality. The Enterprise - Advanced version, for example, adds the network access control capabilities. Sound a lot like ePolicy Orchestrator? In fact, the Enterprise version is centered around ePO; while the Small Business version is hosted by McAfee with the administrator controlling their desktop's protection via a Web browser interface. The Enterprise version is expected to see general availability early next week.
Other highlights from this week's collection of Enterprise IT Planet Product Guide new and updated briefings include 802.11n Draft gear from D-Link and a new Apple Remote Desktop release with Tiger-specific improvements. | 
