HP to sell Microsoft firewall apps

Microsoft has said that hardware makers will sell its forthcoming Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004 software preinstalled on hardware appliances. Hewlett-Packard, Celestix Networks and Network Engines will be the first hardware makers to offer appliances based on ISA Server, a firewall, virtual private network (VPN) and web cache product, Microsoft announced at its Tech Ed conference in San Diego. The products will compete with appliances sold by CheckPoint Software Technologies, Cisco Systems and others.

Selling ISA Server preinstalled on an appliance has two major advantages, said Gordon Mangione, a corporate vice-president in Microsoft's Security Business and Technology Unit. The appliance offers simple configuration and improved security, he said.

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