Celestix Networks Inc., developer of enterprise class security appliances, today announced the launch of seven different models of security appliances based on Microsoft Internet Security&Acceleration (ISA) Server 2006. These purpose-built appliances are designed to meet the rigorous reliability, performance and management standards of businesses of all sizes.

The new MSA series will be based on Celestix's fourth generation Scorpio X appliance platform. The Scorpio X has been finely tuned to provide one of the most compelling price/performance ratio of any Microsoft ISA Server 2006 hardware platform. It will support such features as dual-core processors, gigabit Ethernet interfaces, dual-channel DDR2 memory, a 1066 MHz system bus, PCI Express x1 I/O ports, and Serial ATA hard drives.

New software additions to the MSA series include an advanced update process that allows end customers to apply patches associated with the operating system, ISA Server 2006, or supported third-parties. In addition, the Last Good Version feature allows customers to restore their configurations back to a known working state. These combined features set a new standard for manageability and ease of use with ISA Server-based appliances.

?The raw processing power of the MSA, coupled with the aggressive price point, raises the price/performance bar for the entire industry,” said Yong Thye Lin, president, Celestix Networks. ?The new MSA marks our entry into the enterprise security space, rounding out our security offerings. Now we secure the branch and small business, all the way up to the enterprise."

Each Celestix security appliance is outfitted with a system locked pre-installation, which results in no requirement for an installation CD or licensing key. Initial configuration (setting IP addresses, etc.) is simplified with the use of a jog dial and LCD panel? -- a requirement in any datacenter. In disaster recovery scenarios, the jog dial can also be used as a one-button rollback mechanism to reset the unit to a factory default state. In addition, MSA appliances are configured with 6 front-facing network ports to enable multi-netting and ease cable connectivity.

MSA appliances are commonly deployed on an enterprise perimeter, and provide optimal protection when securing Microsoft networking environments (such as Exchange Server) via application layer filtering. MSA appliances are often used to deliver URL and web filtering solutions by leveraging technology partners who integrate with ISA Server 2006. In addition, whether potentially connecting branch offices through VPNs or caching inbound/outbound LAN traffic, MSA devices provide the flexibility required for constantly evolving network requirements.

Pricing for the new Celestix MSA security appliances range between USD 3,199 to USD 14,999 list and will be available through either Celestix's distributors or one of their authorized value added resellers. For more information on Celestix Networks' MSA security appliances, visit www.celestix.com