Microsoft Gets Set For ISA, XP Firewall Updates

The launch of the ISA 2004 network firewall and caching solution at Tech Ed 2004, as well as the Windows XP security update in mid-May, stand to give ISVs and channel partners better firewall technology and opportunities to seal up clients' Windows infrastructures.

Microsoft would not comment on the launch time frame for ISA 2004 except to say it's on track for the first half.

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Microsoft's Mike Nash says releases will help boost network security.

During a security Webcast last week, Mike Nash, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Security Business and Technology unit, said the delivery of ISA 2004 and IPsec and integration of SSL, Remote Procedure Call (RPC) over HTTP with Windows will provide advanced network security. The enhanced Windows Firewall in XP SP2, to be turned on by default, and the ability to plug firewalls from McAfee and ZoneAlarm into the SP2's Windows Security Center will provide further defense against breaches, company executives said.

While Windows XP SP2 stands to drive more services for the channel, Microsoft is lining up ISVs and channel partners to drive ISA 2004 deeper into the market.

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At least three ISVs,Venation, Whale Communications and McAfee,plan to unveil add-on products for ISA 2004 and related channel programs. At Tech Ed 2004, Venation is slated to launch its V-Web content-delivery software, which integrates ISA 2004 with its advanced, high-performance caching engine. The U.K-based company last week kicked off a channel program to lure integrators to sell the solution, which runs $3,000 to $4,000.

In the fourth quarter, Fort Lee, N.J.-based Whale Communications plans to ship an appliance that combines the ISA 2004 firewall with its SSL VPN secure remote-access solution, which starts at $20,000.

One solution provider said ISA 2004's integration with the Windows XP client and application-level detection are key differentiators for Microsoft.