REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 3, 2007 — Microsoft Corp. is positioned in the “Visionaries” quadrant of the SSL VPN Magic Quadrant1, published recently by Gartner Inc. The report evaluates the Intelligent Application Gateway (IAG), Microsoft’s secure sockets layer virtual private network (SSL VPN) product obtained in the acquisition of Whale Communications in July 2006, and Microsoft’s Internet Security and Acceleration Server (ISA Server). Microsoft’s ISA Server is integrated with the IAG to provide a single, consolidated appliance for network perimeter defense, remote access, endpoint security and application-layer protection (http://www.microsoft.com/whale).
“We believe our position in the Visionaries quadrant validates Microsoft’s strategy of providing customers with a comprehensive secure access platform that is easy to use and manage,” said Avi Nathan, general manager, research and development, Forefront Edge Products, Microsoft. “We are building on the innovative technologies and application-level granular access controls developed by Whale Communications, and we will continue to innovate and further integrate with Microsoft technologies to provide customers with comprehensive solutions.
According to Microsoft, the IAG allows administrators to manage IPSec and SSL VPN connections through a single appliance from a shared Microsoft® Active Directory® repository. The device provides the ability to securely extend access to partners, customers, consultants and remote employees through a standard browser in addition to site-to-site connections.
The Magic Quadrant considers which vendors will likely dominate sales and influence technology directions through 2007, as well as which vendors are most visible among clients, generate the greatest number of requests for information and contract review, and account for the most new and ongoing installations in Gartner’s client base.
More information about Microsoft’s SSL VPN solutions can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/whale.
About the Magic Quadrant
The Magic Quadrant is copyrighted December 27, 2006, by Gartner and is reused with permission. The Magic Quadrant is a graphical representation of a marketplace at and for a specific time period. It depicts Gartner’s analysis of how certain vendors measure against criteria for that marketplace, as defined by Gartner. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in the Magic Quadrant, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors placed in the “Leaders” quadrant. The Magic Quadrant is intended solely as a research tool, and is not meant to be a specific guide to action. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.
