Microsoft strengthens secure access platform with close of Whale acquisition

Manoj Bhoola, Server & Tools business group manager at Microsoft South Africa

Microsoft today announced it has completed the acquisition of Whale Communications Ltd, strengthening Microsoft`s secure access platform (http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/default.mspx).

Whale`s best-of-breed product line includes the Intelligent Application Gateway, which combines Whale`s secure sockets layer (SSL)-based access and application protection technologies with Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server.

Now through 31 December 2006, customers will receive 25% off the list price of the Whale Intelligent Application Gateway and 25% off on any add-on modules, including Whale`s Connectivity Modules and Application Optimizers. Whale`s Application Optimizers add the benefits of customised policy and content inspection for Microsoft applications and third-party customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning and collaboration platforms.

This acquisition and Whale`s products help us fulfil our promise to protect information and control access and move us closer to our vision of providing a comprehensive secure access platform. Microsoft is committed to the continued investment and support of Whale technology and its focus on optimising Microsoft and third-party applications, as SSL-based access and application protection are integral parts of our secure access road map.

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Whale distinguished itself in the marketplace with its early focus on application-level security. Microsoft plans to further integrate the Whale access and application optimisation technologies into its secure access platform, including ISA Server, in the future. As with Microsoft`s current security solutions, Whale`s products enable partners to offer strong security solutions and services to their customers. In addition to Whale`s existing global partner channel, Microsoft field sales professionals are now able to sell and support Whale`s products. Microsoft is also committed to releasing these products through its channel of original equipment manufacturers in the near future.

The Whale acquisition follows Microsoft`s recent announcement of Microsoft Forefront, the new brand for its portfolio of security products. Microsoft Forefront-branded products will be rolled out with the next wave of Microsoft`s business security and secure access products across the client, server and network edge. Whale Communications is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corp.

All Whale Communications products, including the Intelligent Application Gateway, remain immediately available through Whale and its global partner channel and Microsoft sales professionals. More information and product specifications are available at http://www.whalecommunications.com or http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver.