Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000 is an extensible enterprise firewall and Web cache server that integrates closely with Windows 2000 for policy-based security and straightforward management of internetworking. ISA Server provides three modes: a high-performance Web cache server, a multi-layer firewall, and an integrated mode combining both firewall and cache. The cache improves network performance and end-user experience by storing frequently requested Web information, while the multilayer firewall provides enterprise-class security. The firewall screens communication at the IP packet, circuit, and application layers. It controls access policy and the routing of network traffic. The cache and firewall can be deployed separately on dedicated servers, or used together on the same box.
ISA Server 2000 has been replaced with ISA Server 2004 and ISA Server 2006, which contain a variety of new security and management features. For companies that have not upgraded their security infrastructure to a later version of ISA Server, Progent's Microsoft-certified consultants can provide expertise in the maintenance and support of ISA Server 2000.
ISA Server 2000's sophisticated management tools simplify policy definition, traffic routing, server publishing, and monitoring. ISA Server builds on Windows 2000 security, directory, virtual private networking (VPN), and bandwidth control. Whether deployed as separate cache and firewall servers, or in integrated mode, ISA Server 2000 improves Internet access speed, maximizes employee productivity, and enforces network security policies and Internet usage policies for organizations of all sizes.
Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000 Architecture
Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000 integrates robust firewall and caching capabilities—providing performance and security enhancements to networks that connect to the Internet.
Firewall and Security
ISA Server 2000 serves as a firewall, providing secure Internet communication by preventing unauthorized network access. The firewall functionality is transparent to the other parties in the communication path. The intranet user is unaware that the firewall is interceding, unless the user attempts to access a service, or go to a site that has been denied by the administrator. Users interpret accessed Internet Web server requests from ISA Server as if they originated from the client applications.
The ISA Server firewall supports many Internet protocols including Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Internet Relay Chat (IRC), H.323, Transparent HTTP, Microsoft Windows Media™ technologies, RealAudio, RealVideo, and mail and news protocols. It is readily extensible for the creation of additional application filters.
Caching and Acceleration
ISA Server also allows distributed caching using multiple ISA servers. Distributing the cache load allows scaling beyond what a single server can provide, balancing the load, and providing fault tolerance if a cache server is unavailable. Distributed caching can be implemented with arrays, chains, or a combination of both. ISA Server uses the Cache Array Routing Protocol (CARP), a scalable, efficient, and flexible architecture that allows multiple servers to act as a single cache without duplicating content.
Administration
Using policy-based access control with ISA Server 2000 provides you with flexible policy, based on users and groups, client protocols, schedules, sites, and content groups and protocols. Leveraging Microsoft Active Directory service and enterprise-level policies, administrators can create and apply policies once and distribute them globally to many servers. ISA Server includes a graphical user interface (GUI), based on the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), with graphical task pads and wizards for common activities. Detailed logging, alerting, monitoring, and reporting help administrators understand the status, usage, and performance of the server.
How Progent's Consultants Can Help You with Microsoft ISA Server 2000
Firewall configuration and security policies are complex and can have pronounced impacts on worker productivity. Progent's ISA Server 2000 experts offer extensive practical experience planning and implementing security solutions for businesses of all sizes and network environments that range from simple to highly complex. Progent can help you manage and maintain a legacy ISA Server 2000 firewall and Progent's CISM and CISSP-certified security professionals can help you develop and deploy a comprehensive security strategy that incorporates hardware and software products from multiple vendors and that is informed by industry best practices in developing company-wide security policies and processes. Progent can also help you plan and execute a smooth ISA Server 2000 to ISA Server 2006 migration so that you can take advantage of Microsoft's latest firewall technology.
Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft Technology
For small businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area or anywhere in the U.S., Progent's Microsoft-certified consultants can provide network help and professional consulting support for the whole array of Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers, Microsoft Windows 2008 Server, and Microsoft Windows 2003 Server. Progent's planning, integration, update, and consulting services include network design, configuration, and administration help for
project analysis and documentation, on-site and off-site
IT support and network diagnosis,
Help Desk Call Center Support, certified
security consulting, turn-key
outsourcing, and
network and application server hosting options.
If your business needs urgent online help from a certified engineer, refer to Progent's Emergency Online Network Support.
In order to get in touch with Progent about technical help for ISA Server technology, call 1-800-993-9400 or e-mail isa-server-help@progent.com.
