FUDBusters: Microsoft Pre-Installs ISA

FUDBust: Microsoft may know software, but it has a lot to learn about security. Whereas the Microsoft product promises a "one size fits all" solution, the industry is more in need of a "shrink to fit" approach. The cracks and crevices around the edges are prime targets for malicious code writers, and a blanket approach may frustrate users and break critical business apps.

True, Microsoft is adept at bundling functions, and it does have a few years of the Trusted Computing Initiative under its belt. But it will take a leap of faith for administrators to embrace Microsoft's "leave the driving to us" strategy, which positions network security as a service that can be installed and maintained with little or no intervention.

Microsoft's announcement may signal a step in the evolution of security appliances, but it's far too early for IT managers to begin embracing a hands-off network-security plan.