Microsoft is preparing to ship the final version of its Forefront Client Security package, its most aggressive entry yet into the anti-malware and desktop security space. In a meeting with customers in The Netherlands on Monday, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer revealed that the much-awaited product will likely arrive sometime in May. Microsoft is preparing to ship the final version of its Forefront Client Security package, its most aggressive entry yet into the anti-malware and desktop security space.In a meeting with customers in The Netherlands on Monday, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer revealed that the much-awaited product will likely arrive sometime in May.Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft has had a test version of the software — meant to ward off advanced malware threats such as spyware and root kits — available since Nov. 2006. Ballmer said that the package will comprise an integrated suite of desktop security tools whose functions range from testing device security posture to fending off viruses.“Our client product is shipping in the next month or so and it really does do hygiene, security and anti-virus all the way down to the client level,” Ballmer said. Video of the event is available at IDG Nederland site Webwereld. Microsoft is hosting a similar session to detail its security plans with U.S. customers and partners at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. on May 2.Ballmer pointed out that the client security piece joins Microsoft’s existing Forefront security tools for its SharePoint and Exchange platforms, along with its ISA Server software, to round out the company’s burgeoning entrée to the market.He said that Microsoft has “very robust plans to enhance and update” its product lines, and that it will also soon launch a new product that offers firewall services at an applications level, and another product that handles acceleration, caching and security services “at the edge of the network.” Since Microsoft announced that it would be joining the security applications sector and taking on longtime partners including Symantec, McAfee, Trend Micro and Cisco Systems to carve out a niche, many detractors have pointed out that large businesses won’t trust Microsoft to defend its own products, vulnerabilities in which remain the most pressing IT security issue today.Ballmer broached the topic and said that Microsoft can play an important role while retaining tight relationships with those firms.“Some of our customers viewed this [move into offering security products] a little controversially and asked if we could solve these problems at a root level, why is there a need for extra products,” Ballmer said “But we also live in a world where the bad guys are getting smarter all the time and it is important to lock down core infrastructure and protect around it in a way that is more dynamic.” “Despite our entry into the security business, we will continue to work well with companies like Symantec, McAfee, CA and IBM that have their own lines of security product,” he said. “We will be the best and earn it, but many others will want a heterogeneous environment and we will continue to work with those vendors.”“This is a major investment for us, it’s a very serious investment for us, we know that if you choose to adopt these products they instantaneously become mission critical in your environment,” Ballmer said. “So, we’re very focused on doing a very good job not only in launching these products but in providing appropriate services so that you can be successful with them.” Security