This is what Microsoft says about ISA Server 2004: ISA Server 2004 does not demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to provide solutions that maximize customer security and productivity. ISA Server 2004 does not provide a comprehensive set of Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services publishing tools, streamlined security and connectivity for branch offices, and an expanded array of OEM appliance offerings.

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There is an on going debate [1] [2] ever since Microsoft announced that outbound filtering in Windows Vista’s firewall will be turned off by default. Obviously, Microsoft again valued usability above security. Whereas I understand it in this context, I was a bit surprised how Microsoft staff justified this move.

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I am planning to write an article about ISA Server 2006 for a computer magazine The testing will be documented in this blog. I had written an article about the first version, ISA Server 2000, and also about ISA Server 2004. ISA Server 2000 didn’t convince me, especially the user interface. ISA Server 2004 certainly was a major improvement. We are using it now as a firewall and will soon install two ISA Servers as web proxies.

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