Network Edge Protection Servers Get Updates

Forefront Threat Management Gateway and Unified Access Gateway received service packs in Oct. 2011. The service packs deliver important fixes and new functionality to catch up with Microsoft applications such as Exchange and Lync. However, unusual servicing requirements will complicate deployment of the updates.

TMG 2010 SP2 Fixes E-Mail, Improves Error Reporting

Microsoft’s principal network access security product is Forefront Threat Management Gateway (TMG), previously called Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server. It has a dual role as a firewall to insulate corporate networks from the Internet and a cache that speeds viewing of Internet content and reduces WAN bandwidth requirements.

TMG 2010 SP2 fixes problems in several areas, including protecting e-mail from malware, redirecting spam messages, resolving startup problems, coordinating with Forefront for Exchange Server, and preventing unexpected disconnections. Startup times are dramatically improved; for example, down from 26 minutes to 3 minutes in a test scenario, due to improvements in memory allocation. Custom logos have been added to error reporting so that users understand that their own organizations, rather than Microsoft or another party, have prevented access to proscribed Web pages or sites.