Forefront e SharePoint

Microsoft tests new SharePoint scanning tool

Plugs as many as five anti-virus scanning engines into SharePoint Server 2007

Microsoft Corp. has released a test version of its new Forefront Security for SharePoint software designed to support upcoming versions of Microsoft's portal software.

The beta code, gives administrators a way to plug as many as five antivirus scanning engines into SharePoint Server 2007 and SharePoint Services 3.0 in order to root out malicious or unwanted documents.

The product is based on the Antigen software Microsoft picked up in its June 2005 acquisition of Sybari Software. Another Sybari-based product, Forefront Security for Exchange went into beta in July.

This latest SharePoint release features a new Microsoft Antivirus engine, performance enhancements, and better management features.

It also comes with better support for languages other than English. "Until now we've only had English versions," said Joe Licari, director of product management for Forefront. "This release will localize in 11 languages including Japanese and Chinese."

Microsoft is tying the rollout of Forefront Security of SharePoint to the release of its SharePoint Server 2007 and SharePoint Services 3.0 products. The commercial version will be available for download by year's end, and then on DVD during the first quarter of 2007.