Microsoft partners for security appliances

Microsoft is working with Hewlett Packard, Celestix Networks and Network Engines to create security devices based on its Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 software.

HP plans to produce a version of its ProLiant DL320 server that is a firewall, virtual private network (VPN) and web cache appliance.

Celestix Networks, working with Microsoft, will also produce a firewall, VPN and web cache device, while Network Engines plans to release a firewall appliance.

Each of the three vendors' devices will have ISA Server 2004 preinstalled and preconfigured. ISA Server 2004, part of Windows Server System, is Microsoft's application layer firewall, VPN and web cache software.

The appliances will also feature set-up wizards and templates to simplify setting network security policies and procedures, said Microsoft.

"Customers have told us that they appreciate the improvements we've made in advanced protection, ease of use and fast, more secure access with ISA Server 2004," said Mike Nash, corporate vice president at Microsoft, in a statement.

"As a result of today's announcement, customers will now have the ability to better protect business applications against new and emerging threats, while enjoying unprecedented ease of use with ISA Server 2004," said Rick Fricchione, vice president of Enterprise Microsoft Services at HP, in a statement.

ISA Server 2004 Standard Edition will be available in the autumn, priced at $1,499 per processor for deployments of up to four processors per server.