Microsoft Corp. 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. To mark the deal close, Microsoft is providing a special price promotion for all current and new customers.

Now through Dec. 31, 2006, customers will receive 25 percent off the list price of the Whale Intelligent Application Gateway and 25 percent off on any add-on modules, including Whale�s Connectivity Modules and Application Optimizers. Whale�s Application Optimizers add the benefits of customized 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 fulfill our promise to protect information and control access and move us closer to our vision of providing a comprehensive secure access platform,� said Bob Kelly, general manager of Infrastructure Marketing at Microsoft. �Microsoft is committed to the continued investment and support of Whale technology and its focus on optimizing Microsoft and third-party applications, as SSL-based access and application protection are integral parts of our secure access road map.�

• Q&A: Microsoft Completes Acquisition of Secure Remote Access Technology Leader Whale Communications