Trend Micro Incorporated has released a prototype security solution for VMware virtualized environments.

The prototype technology consists of a new virtualization security solution that operates in a VMware ESX 3.5 environment, scans for infected machines and remediates any that are found. With this technology, Trend Micro will be able to provide greater protection for VMware virtual machines.

Trend Micro is also announcing that its enterprise security products for the endpoint, gateway and server are supported in VMware environments. This enables joint customers to gain the same level of support for Trend Micro products running in VMware virtualized environments as they would on physical hardware.

Trend Micro is integrating the VMware VMsafe APIs into its security technology in an effort to enable channel partners and customers to enhance the security of their VMware environments. VMsafe technology protects applications running on virtual machines in ways previously not possible in physical environments. The VMsafe APIs allow vendors to develop advanced security products that combat the latest generation of malware. VMsafe technology integrates into the VMware hypervisor and provides the transparency to prevent threats and attacks such as viruses, Trojans and keyloggers from ever reaching a virtual machine. The Trend Micro brand of security software will have the ability to run isolated from, and at a higher level of privilege than, the target malware. This will allow offline VMware virtual machines to be scanned and remediated prior to being reactivated.

In the physical world, businesses spend a great deal of time and money securing their physical endpoints from malware and other Web threats that could enter their networks. In the virtual world, security solutions typically have not taken advantage of the benefits of virtualization to provide security solutions that are superior to those used in pure physical environments. By using the unique introspection capabilities of VMware virtualization software, Trend Micro is able to provide effective solutions to businesses that want the cost-savings and operating efficiencies of virtualization, but need the protection from malware and other Web threats that may compromise their networks.

"Working with our recently announced VMsafe technology, Trend Micro can build advanced security features into future products aimed at helping our joint customers make virtual infrastructure more secure than a physical environment," said Brian Byun, vice president of global partners and solutions at VMware. "For example, the offline scanning and remediation functionality being demonstrated by Trend Micro today would protect virtual machines against malware while they are dormant before customers bring them back online."

"While organizations frequently use virtualization to help save energy costs and lower administrative IT expenses, they also have an opportunity to leverage this technology for improved security," said Punit Minocha, vice president of business development for Trend Micro. "Most security solutions in the market underperform in virtual environments so, together with VMware, we want to help our customers to take advantage of the cost benefits of virtualization and to improve their organization's security profile at the same time."