ISA Server 2004 brings improved security, ease of use
crn.com | at | by Mike
With the release of Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2004 on Tuesday, Microsoft aims to quell many security concerns while opening new markets.
From the outset, Microsoft designed ISA Server 2004 to meet the needs of two distinct markets: integrated security appliances and software firewalls. Though that may be an unusual approach, the fact is that all firewalls run some type of software, either embedded in firmware or running through a custom operating system. Vendors such as Cisco Systems and SonicWall have embedded their own customized operating systems and software to create their firewalls. Microsoft has taken a similar route to move ISA Server 2004 into the appliance market and has partnered with vendors such as Celestix, Hewlett-Packard and Network Engines to deliver ISA Server 2004 appliances.