REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 29, 1996 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the release of Microsoft® Proxy Server version 1.0, formerly code-named
“Catapult.”
Customers can evaluate Proxy Server for 60 days at no charge by downloading it from http://www.microsoft.com/proxy/ (connect time charges may apply).
Microsoft Proxy Server is the easy way to provide secure Internet access to every desktop in an organization. It eliminates the need to share a dedicated computer for the Internet or provide multiple Internet lines and modems for each desktop. Microsoft Proxy Server is the only proxy server that is fully integrated with the Windows NT® Server network operating system version 4.0, making it easy to install and manage and delivering high performance. Proxy Server works with most of the applications and networks that customers have today.
“Our 34,000 beta testers have told us that Proxy Server is easy to install and use and extremely fast,”
said Jim Allchin, senior vice president in the desktop and business systems division at Microsoft.
“This is due to Proxy Server’s unique approach of tight integration with Windows NT Server, open protocol support and intelligent caching that automatically anticipates information needs and downloads Web pages before users request them.”
Customers Using Proxy Server
“The proxy server from Microsoft is one of the finest new add-ons for the Windows NT Server environment,”
said Chris Muench, SIRO-Siemens Redmond Office.
“It offers Internet access for a whole company through one single server using low-cost connections. The easy installation and perfect integration in Microsoft Internet Manager allow fast and uncomplicated setup, so users can be Internet-ready in seconds.”
Third-Party Support
Microsoft Proxy Server is designed to be extensible to make it easier for third parties to deliver value-adding solutions. Among these solutions are Checkpoint Firewall-1, a firewall product; MicroSystems Cyberpatrol Proxy, a content filtering product; Trend Micro InterScan WebProtect, a virus-checking product; SecureComputing Webster Control List, a content filtering product; Spyglass Inc. SurfWatch, a content filtering product; and The Sapphire Group’s PageBlazer, application development environment.
Key Features of Microsoft Proxy Server
Microsoft Proxy Server is easy to install and manage. Administrators can control Internet access by granting or denying connections according to users already stored in the existing Windows NT Server Directory Service, or by service, port or IP domain. Proxy Server can help track Internet use to ensure that workers are using their Internet access appropriately. All Microsoft Internet server products can be managed through a single set of familiar administrative tools found in Windows NT Server so administrators can manage all their servers by leveraging what they already know.
Microsoft Proxy Server integrates with existing applications and networks. It supports most popular applications on the Internet, including rich multimedia support through ActiveMovie
™
Streaming Format and streaming audio and video support through RealAudio, NetShow and IRC. In addition, Proxy Server integrates with most popular network protocols such as IPX/SPX and TCP/IP, so organizations don’t need to change their existing network infrastructure to provide every desktop with seamless Internet access.
Microsoft Proxy Server automatically caches and updates frequently accessed Web sites. This conserves network bandwidth, improves response time for clients, and improves control over network resources without burdening end users or network administrators.
Pricing and Availability
Customers can evaluate Microsoft Proxy Server 1.0 at no charge for 60 days by downloading it from http://www.microsoft.com/. Microsoft Proxy Server 1.0 will be available at an introductory price of approximately $995 per server with an unlimited access license in a few weeks. Customers currently using another proxy server can upgrade to Microsoft Proxy Server for $595 per server.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Windows NT and ActiveMovie are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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