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Q1: What is Microsoft ISA Server 2004?
Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 is the advanced application layer firewall, VPN and Web cache solution that enables customers to easily maximize existing IT investments by improving network security and performance.
Q2: What’s new in ISA Server 2004 Standard Edition (SE)?
ISA Server 2004 SE offers news levels of protection, ease of use and high performance.
The solution helps to improve security levels for your Microsoft applications through an enhanced security architecture with application layer filtering, fully integrated VPN capabilities and comprehensive, extensible authentication mechanisms, such as RSA SecurID and RADIUS. It is easier than ever to use by virtue of a vastly improved user interface (UI).
New features include: support for multiple network architectures, rich network templates and automated wizards, a robust visual policy editor and user-friendly troubleshooting capabilities.
ISA Server 2004 SE also makes great strides in the area of performance and helps to enhance application layer filtering speeds.
Q3: Who should consider ISA Server 2004 SE?
Any company needing added application layer protection for Microsoft Exchange Server, IIS, SharePoint or other applications.
ISA Server 2004 is optimized for a broad range of customers, from small businesses looking for a simple yet integrated edge security product, to enterprises requiring the highest levels of protection. Mid-sized businesses in particular are ideal candidates for ISA Server 2004 SE because it meets their need for an advanced application-layer security solution that is easy to implement, use and manage. Companies considering upgrading their branch office infrastructure will also benefit from ISA Server’s unique combination of enhanced security, VPN and caching.
With ISA Server 2004 SE, customers do not have to spend time buying, deploying, and managing disparate systems.
Q4: Why should you consider ISA Server 2004 when you might already be satisfied with your existing firewall?
Microsoft believes that an in-depth defense strategy is the best approach for any business today.
In many situations, ISA Server 2004 alone will help companies to deploy a cost-effective protection for networks. In other scenarios, particularly at larger companies, ISA Server’s application-layer security capabilities will help provide a deeper level of than traditional firewalls for your applications.
Q5: Does ISA 2004 include all of the hot fixes that were posted for ISA Server 2000?
ISA Server 2004 is a significant upgrade from ISA Server 2000, with many new features and architectural enhancements.
ISA Server 2004 also went through Microsoft’s new product security release practices, including detailed code reviews, penetration testing, and third party verification. These processes ensure that ISA Server 2004 provides the high quality. In addition, all hot fixes and patches for any product components that are carryovers from ISA Server 2000 have been fully integrated and tested in this new release.
Q6: What languages will you offer for ISA Server 2004 SE?
ISA Server 2004 will ship in English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, and standard and traditional Chinese.
Q7: If I’m on Software Assurance, how do I get ISA 2004 SE?
Customers who have purchased Software Assurance receive automatic access to ISA Server 2004 SE and can deploy it at their own pace.
Q8: Will there be an evaluation edition?
Yes, there will be a 120-day evaluation period for the full package product.
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