The Interop conference in Las Vegas was the stage where Microsoft introduced two new edge security products debuted under the Forefront brand umbrella. The Forefront Unified Access Gateway, together with the Forefront Threat Management Gateway are the latest additions to the Forefront line of products. In this manner, the Redmond company is presenting both the next-generation network edge protection product and remote network access solution, concomitantly with the rebranding that takes the new offerings on a new path compared to their predecessors. Internet Security & Acceleration Server 2006 is now Forefront Threat Management Gateway, while the Internet Access Gateway has evolved into the Forefront Unified Access Gateway.

"Forefront Unified Access Gateway is the evolution of Microsoft's current solution, Intelligent Application Gateway (IAG 2007), and moves the successful product under the Forefront brand. UAG will bring new features and functionality to make remote access easier than ever," explained David Burt, Product Manager, Communications, Microsoft. "Built on Windows Server 2008, UAG is designed to offer one solution to fit all remote access needs through centralized management and policy control across all users, devices, and network resources. Microsoft will provide an easy product and licensing upgrade path from IAG 2007 or customers using ISA 2006 for remote access to Forefront UAG, and IAG customers that have or buy Microsoft Software Assurance can be confident of receiving strong value with Forefront UAG."

The Threat Management Gateway is designed to offer both firewall functionality and Web caching capabilities, bundled into a product which also focuses on delivering network security and secure access. The Redmond company's future plans will be centralized on evolving remote access with UAG and enabling advanced network protection with TMG. Both products are scheduled to hit public Beta stages later this year. And to top it all off, Microsoft has also brought to the table a new version of Application Optimizers.

"Microsoft latest Application Optimizers is an updated SharePoint Optimizer for the IAG 2007, providing enhanced functionality and performance for remote access to SharePoint by all mobile users. The updated IAG 2007 SharePoint Optimizer leverages SharePoint Alternate Access Mapping (AAM) to provide an easier, more secure and productive user experience when accessing SharePoint remotely," Burt added.