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Forefront Client Security Still Available/Supported?

Answered Forefront Client Security Still Available/Supported?

  • Monday, May 14, 2012 9:29 PM
     
     
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    I am running SBS 2008 R1 x64 Standard on a small network (1 server + 5 clients). In 2009 when I set it up I bought a 3-year license for Forefront Client Security. All computers, including the server, are running unmanaged FCS agents and have done just fine. My problem is that my license expires later this year.

    I can run MS Security Essentials on the PCs but that still leaves the server. If I read the forums correctly, despite begging and pleading from users Microsoft has abandoned or ignored the SBS community, at least for AV solutions. Apparently, FEP 2010 won't install on SBS 2008, not even as an unmanaged client. Why MS would take a step back from FCS is puzzling. So I guess I need help with two issues:

    1. I called MS Open License and they claim that I can buy FEP 2010 and downgrade it to FCS. Does this seem right? FCS is currently being supported, but will it last?

    2. Is there an alternative AV program to protect the server that is small, simple, and doesn't cost a fortune? The Exchange 2007 side of SBS is protected by Forefront Protection for Exchange Server 2010 (why MS supports the Exchange side of SBS but not the file server side is a mystery).

    3. I am considering moving Exchange to Exchange Online. If I do and remove Exchange 2007 from SBS 2008, does that leave me with Server 2008? And will FEP 2010 install?

    Thanks,
    Terry

     

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  • Wednesday, May 16, 2012 8:10 AM
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    Hello,
     
    Thank you for your question.

    I am trying to involve someone familiar with this topic to further look at this issue. There might be some time delay. Appreciate your patience.
     
    Thank you for your understanding and support.

    Rick Tan

    TechNet Community Support

     
  • Wednesday, May 16, 2012 7:58 PM
     
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    Hi,

    Here are the answers to the questions you posed earlier:

    1. I called MS Open License and they claim that I can buy FEP 2010 and downgrade it to FCS. Does this seem right? FCS is currently being supported, but will it last?
    - ANSWER: Per our Lifecycle of FCS, http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/search/default.aspx?sort=PN&alpha=Forefront+Client&Filter=FilterNO, it has not been determined when the EOL will be for FCS.  This would be the link that would provide that information.  There should not be an issue with downgrading from FEP 2010 to FCS, but this would be best answered by an Account Manager/Licensing Managers who handle those requests on a regular basis.

    2. Is there an alternative AV program to protect the server that is small, simple, and doesn't cost a fortune? The Exchange 2007 side of SBS is protected by Forefront Protection for Exchange Server 2010 (why MS supports the Exchange side of SBS but not the file server side is a mystery).
    - ANSWER: Please review our Security program support in Windows SBS 2011 Essentials environments - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2663776.  Unfortunately, this does NOT cover SBS and would require either FCS or a third party solution

    3. I am considering moving Exchange to Exchange Online. If I do and remove Exchange 2007 from SBS 2008, does that leave me with Server 2008? And will FEP 2010 install?
    - ANSWER: SBS 2008 and Windows Server 2008 are two separate products.  So uninstalling Exchange would not convert it into Windows Server 2008, therefore FEP 2010 would not install.

    Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns!

    Hope this helps!

    • Marked As Answer by TMoore615 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 10:56 PM
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  • Wednesday, May 16, 2012 10:56 PM
     
     
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    Thanks Angela,

    You've answered my questions. I'm not yet sure how much it helps, but at least I know where I stand!

    --Terry

     
  • Thursday, May 17, 2012 12:51 PM
     
     
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    My pleasure to assist you Terry!