At the RSA conference 2008, Microsoft release the future version of its network security code name as "Stirling". Stirling is currently in beta 1 and Microsoft expect to ship Stirling in first half of 2009. Stirling help IT companies to mange their network resources from a single machine.Microsoft Forefront codename "Stirling" is an integrated security system that delivers comprehensive, coordinated protection across endpoints, server applications and the network edge, providing simplified management and critical visibility that makes security easier to manage and control." [According To Microsoft] .
Stirling includes following next generation versions of Forefront products.
- A central management console for security configuration and enterprise-wide visibility.
- The next generation endpoint protection: Forefront Client Security.
- The next generation messaging & collaboration protection : Forefront Security for Exchange Server and Forefront Security for SharePoint.
- The next generation edge protection: Internet Security & Acceleration Server, to be renamed Forefront Threat Management Gateway.
Stirling also has the feature of dynamic response, use security information to automatically respond to and resolve the security threats and Integrated Protection. Currently there a lot of Microsoft Forefront products are available and Stirling gives administrators a single console to mange all Microsoft Enterprise security products.
Stirling beta is available for download in both x86 (55.7MB) and x64 (64.4MB) flavors
Source : Microsoft , arstechnica, Dr. Tom Shinder’s Blog and RSA conference 2008
I’ve found that in our network WAN accelerators have made a big difference