Microsoft ISA Server 2004

Microsoft ISA Server 2004 vastly extends the security capability of Windows Server 2003. It is a very cost effective Software Based Firewall solution with deep Application Layer inspection and filtering capability. This offers far greater protection than most hardware devices which tend to inspect and filter at the packet level. Set-up and management tasks (which tends to be complicated for security) are assisted greatly by wizards and a superb new user interface. Runs on standard Intel hardware, thus providing a far cheaper option than Hardware Device Firewalls with equivalent capability and also has a much longer life since hardware and software can be much more easily upgraded or repaired. Also includes powerful web-caching and web-proxy capability enabling efficient deployment and management of Internet access for users with faster connection experience. Enhances Windows Server 2003 VPN deployment and management capability with support for most powerful security standards, including L2TP/IPSec, also Site to Site VPN deployment and management. Enables internal web sites to be exposed to the Internet, securely and in a controlled manner (eg certain customers, suppliers and employees). Enhances Exchange Server allowing full Outlook Client Capability for remote users - easily and securely, even if they are not logged onto VPN (using RPC over https), assists with deployment and management of Outlook Web Access and Outlook Mobile access. Easy export of configuration via XML file greatly enhances disaster recovery ability.