Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 is the advanced application-layer firewall, virtual private network (VPN), and Web cache solution that enables customers to easily maximize existing IT investments by improving network security and performance.

ISA Server 2004 Executive Summary

ISA Server 2004 provides advanced protection, ease of use, and fast and secure access for all types of networks. It is particularly well suited for protecting networks that are running Microsoft applications, such as Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA), Microsoft Internet Information Services, Office SharePoint Portal Server, Routing and Remote Access Service, Active Directory directory service, and others. ISA Server 2004 contains a full-featured, application-layer-aware firewall that helps protect organizations of all sizes from attack by both external and internal threats. ISA Server 2004 performs deep inspection of Internet protocols such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which enables it to detect many threats that traditional firewalls cannot detect. The integrated firewall and VPN architecture of ISA Server support stateful filtering and inspection of all VPN traffic. The firewall also provides VPN client inspection for Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based quarantine solutions, helping to protect networks from attacks that enter through a VPN connection. In addition, a completely new user interface, wizards, templates, and a host of management tools help administrators avoid common security configuration errors.