Did you miss it? The Launch of Windows Essential Business Server 2008

Last week, Microsoft announced the General Availability of Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/nov08/11-12WESSPR.mspx). In September of this year, I had announced to the community that we had released to manufacturing the first version of the new Forefront Threat Management Gateway (TMG) as part of the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (EBS) release. See: http://blogs.technet.com/isablog/archive/2008/09/16/announcing-forefront-threat-management-gateway-medium-business-edition.aspx.

 

The WEBS general availability and product line as a whole (http://www.microsoft.com/ebs/en/us/default.aspx) for TMG is quite exciting for us as it is not only our first showcase of some of our new capabilities in our gateway platform, but it is also the first time we have provided this technology in a fully integrated solution for mid size business that is installed by default. We have made significant investment in the simplified setup and configuration – without taking away the ability for customers or value added service providers to provide the customization or control they may require for their specific environments. The UTM approach of TMG truly provides a comprehensive, all-in-one integrated edge security solution, for both the headquarters and the branch offices. The integrated anti-virus subscription services provide administrative relief to IT professionals from having to constantly monitor the security threats and changing edge policies.

I just wanted to make sure the community was aware of the final availibility and did not miss this great launch and announcement. I hope to be back soon for future details around our future public beta release and integration with the Forefront code name "Stirling" security suite. Stay tuned to this channel for continual updates!

David B. Cross

Product Unit Manager