Frequently Asked Questions

ISA Server 2006 is the integrated edge security gateway that helps protect IT environments from Internet-based threats while providing users with fast and secure remote access to applications and data. ISA Server 2006 provides value to IT managers, network administrators, and information security professionals who are concerned about the security, performance, manageability, or reduced cost of network operations. ISA Server 2006 can help you:

ISA Server 2006 demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to provide solutions that maximize customer security and productivity. To achieve this goal, Microsoft is continuing its product innovation for next-generation security as well as working with a broad ecosystem of security partners to offer complete end-to-end solutions. ISA Server 2006 provides a comprehensive set of publishing tools for Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services, streamlined security and connectivity for branch offices, as well as network edge protection. Read about the new features of ISA Server 2006.

Enterprises are facing an onslaught of increasingly targeted and sophisticated attacks on their networks. Protecting corporate resources at their headquarters as well as their branch offices while providing seamless access for legitimate business functions requires a sophisticated and multifunctional edge gateway. ISA Server follows a scenario-based design, ideal for mid-market to enterprise environments, with single or multiple sites and varied access and publishing needs. Businesses in verticals such as financial services, retail, government/public sector, and so on will see great benefits in deploying ISA Server to help protect Internet clients and make internal resources available to remote employees.

Read more about How to Buy ISA Server 2006.

We have a selection of evaluation tools and material available at www.microsoft.com/isaserver.

Customers who subscribe to Software Assurance at the time the final product releases will be eligible to upgrade their licenses to ISA Server 2006 at no cost (media/ shipping and handling fees may apply). Other customers with enterprise or volume licensing agreements should contact either their reseller or their Microsoft account representative.

Read more about Upgrading ISA Server 2004 to ISA Server 2006.

Microsoft continues to work with a broad base of partners to provide flexible hardware-based ISA Server solutions. ISA 2006 Enterprise Edition is now also available on appliances.

Integrated Security: ISA Server 2006 provides improved security through integration with Microsoft application infrastructure and Windows services.

Efficient Management: Reduced TCO via simplified deployment and management tools.

Fast, Secure Access: Secure, high speed and seamless user access to corporate applications and data.

ISA Server has led the market by bringing together application layer firewall, VPN, and Web cache services into a single edge solution. And, by integrating with back-end application infrastructure such as Windows/IIS, Exchange Server, Windows SharePoint Services, and others, ISA Server provides a unique security and access mechanism. Tools such as wizards for automatically publishing server resources, forms-based pre-authentication, customizable security settings for Exchange and Windows SharePoint Services, and many other enhancements give ISA Server something that no other edge platform can deliver: a seamless, policy-based gateway for Windows servers and clients, Windows Server System application infrastructure, and data resources.

ISA Server 2006 has been optimized to help protect Microsoft applications, such as Exchange. What this means is it's a great solution for customers who are interested in taking advantage of the remote access capabilities of Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA) but have some security concerns. We've also made this product extremely easy to deploy and manage, an important benefit that can help customers save time, money, and reduce the risk of misconfiguration, which can lead to security breaches. And it's extensible, meaning you can easily add third-party security solutions, such as intrusion prevention and virus protection that make sense for your business. All of this makes ISA Server an ideal solution for small to midsized businesses, but it can also be a great complement to your existing firewall implementation, providing added application layer protection against new and emerging attacks.

Yes, we have commenced the certification process for EAL4+ (Evaluation Assurance Level), which is the highest level granted to a commercial product.