Microsoft announced e-mail security software

On June 6, Microsoft issued a trial version of its e-mail security software - Antigen, and is expected to release a full version next month after acquiring Sybari Software in June 2005.

Microsoft has added a number of features to Antigen, including a new Web-based management core, new cluster capabilities, and a new malware detection engine, all based on technology that Microsoft use in the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.

Antigen also includes scanning engines for CA, Sophos, Kaspersky, and 5 other security vendors. This product will be released on July 1, including: Antigen for Exchange; Antigen for SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) Gateways; Antigen Spam Manager, (also known as Antigen Enterprise Manager); and finally Antigen Messaging Security Suite - a combination of Exchange, SMTP, and Spam Manager products.

For pricing, Antigen for Exchange will cost $ 10.50 per person (licensing for 250 people or less); Antigen Messaging Security Suite costs $ 14.50 / person; and Enterprise Manager cost $ 98 / server.

Users can download the trial versions of Antigen at the Microsoft website .

VH