Microsoft and Cisco clash on security
Published: 17 Sep 2004 13:00 BST
"There's no question that the majority of desktops out there already run Microsoft Windows," Scull said. "But the Windows 2003 server software isn't that widely used, and it seems to me that Microsoft is trying to create a reason for customers to use it."
Cisco and Microsoft scoff at the idea that they are pushing proprietary implementations. They both claim they would love to see open standards. And both companies have pledged that they will work with standards groups to move the effort forward.
Gleichauf of Cisco defended the company's strategy thus far.
"We're trying to deliver an architecture as soon as possible, so that customers at least have something to work with," he said. "We announced NAC in November and delivered the first set of products in June. I think that's pretty good considering these other initiatives are still announcing participants. It takes time to get a big initiative moving with several different vendors. We are committed to opening up NAC, when the time is right."
Gleichauf added that it is important for Cisco to get the technology right before it invites other vendors into the mix. The more vendors involved, the more frustrated customers get when there is a problem. Customers want one number to call when something goes wrong, he said.
Anderson of Microsoft reiterated his company's commitment to open standards as well.
"We see a market where vendors will choose best-in-class policy engines," he said. "We hope that they choose Microsoft, but if they don't, we want to make sure that the architecture works within a mixed infrastructure."
Anderson added that it will take time before all the pieces can come together.
"Everyone is already working with the antivirus vendors," he said. "Those seem to be the easiest partnerships to pick-off at this point. The other parts, like the networking, will come later. These are all very complicated architectures. None of this can happen overnight."
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