Hardware FAQs for ISA Server 2006
Learn about the benefits offered by hardware preinstalled with Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server by reviewing these frequently asked questions (FAQs). Select a question from the list to show the answer. You can also view the answers to all of the questions by selecting the check box.
| Q. | What is ISA Server 2006? |
| A. | 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. |
| Q. | What is an ISA Server 2006–based hardware solution? |
| A. | Microsoft has joined with several Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to bring ISA Server 2006–based security appliances to market. These solutions combine the best of ISA Server 2006 with a hardened version of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and optimized hardware. To learn more, visit the Partner Hardware Solutions page. |
| Q. | Why should I consider a hardware solution? |
| A. | Purchase a hardware solution if you want an ISA Server device built specifically to run ISA Server 2006. These devices come with a preinstalled hardened version of Windows Server 2003 and ISA Server 2006, ready for deployment. Several hardware vendors have also added additional components and technology to their products such as protocol accelerators, antivirus gateways, and content filtering software to extend the value of ISA Server 2006 for your infrastructure. Lastly, some hardware vendors have created security appliances that you can quickly deploy and automatically update. In addition, these security appliances feature added management tools and Web-based user interfaces for remote management. |
| Q. | What are the differences between the various solutions from different OEMs? |
| A. | All OEM solutions include Windows Server 2003 and ISA Server 2006 Standard Edition or Enterprise Edition. Some solutions might only be available in certain countries or regions and might include optional value-added components. For more information, see the Hardware Vendors Comparison page. |
| Q. | Can I reuse my existing ISA Server 2006 license on a hardware solution? |
| A. | ISA Server 2006 hardware solutions have a special OEM license that is specific to the piece of hardware you purchase. Only those OEM licenses may be used with these hardware solutions. For more information, see the on the Microsoft Licensing site. |
| Q. | What scenarios are most appropriate for ISA Server 2006 hardware solutions? |
| A. | You can use ISA Server 2006 hardware solutions for any application or scenario that you would use ISA Server 2006 software. Learn more about deploying ISA Server 2006 for Secure Remote Access, Branch Office Security , and Internet Access Protection . |
| Q. | Is ISA Server 2006 Enterprise Edition available as a hardware solution? |
| A. | Yes, ISA Server 2006 Enterprise Edition is available as a hardware solution. However, ISA Server 2004 Enterprise Edition is not available as a hardware solution. |
