Microsoft ISA Server 2006
Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006 is the advanced stateful packet and application-layer inspection firewall, virtual private network (VPN), and Web cache solution that enables enterprise customers to easily maximize existing information technology (IT) investments by improving network security and performance. ISA Server 2004 is available in two versions: standard edition and enterprise edition. Information included in this product overview includes features and capabilities in both versions, unless otherwise specified.
ISA Server 2006 provides advanced protection, ease of use, and fast, secure access for all types of networks. ISA Server is particularly well suited for protecting large enterprise network configurations requiring multiple firewall arrays in disparate locations that are running Microsoft client and server applications, such as Microsoft Office, Office Outlook Web Access 2003, Office SharePoint Portal Server 2003, Internet Information Services (IIS), Routing and Remote Access, Active Directory directory service, and many other Microsoft applications, servers, and services.
ISA Server contains a full featured, application-layer aware firewall that helps protect organizations of all sizes from attack by both external and internal threats. ISA Server performs deep inspection of Internet protocols such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which enables it to detect many threats that traditional firewalls cannot detect. The integrated firewall and VPN architecture of ISA Server support stateful filtering and inspection of all VPN traffic. The firewall also provides VPN client inspection for Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based quarantine solutions, helping to protect networks from attacks that enter through a VPN connection. In addition, a completely new user interface, wizards, templates, and a host of management tools help administrators avoid common security configuration errors. |
ISA Server 2006 + Exchange Server Quick Reference
ISA Server 2006 is an ideal companion to Exchange Server for organizations looking to improve the security of connectivity to Exchange Server services such as Microsoft Office Outlook Web Access, Outlook Mobile Access, and Exchange ActiveSync. ISA Server 2006 complements traditional firewall solutions already deployed by adding application-layer firewall protection. Key features and benefits include:
• More advanced protection through application-layer filtering that provides deep content inspection through filters that examine all traffic and help ensure that only verified-safe Exchange Server traffic passes through the firewall
• Improved protection against common network-layer attacks through stateful packet filtering
• Faster and more secure publishing of Exchange Server services such as Outlook Web Access through use of comprehensive wizards, templates, and tools that help administrators walk through setup and avoid common configuration mistakes
• Easier authentication by natively allowing existing Microsoft Active Directory policies to be used, and allowing multifactor authentication options such as Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) and RSA SecurID to be leveraged
• As a key part of the Windows Server System, ISA Server 2006 has greater integration with Exchange Server and Windows Server 2003
• Lower costs by allowing commodity hardware to be leveraged and upgraded as needed
• Greater deployment flexibility through the choice of a software solution, or a preconfigured server appliance solution, optimized by select Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners |
