In Las Vegas, Nevada, Bill Gates stung the audience at COMDEX 2003 by demonstrating Microsoft's next generation Internet Security and Acceleration Server code-named "Stingray."

The first public beta will be distributed in early 2004, delivering on the company's "securing the perimeter" promise of new security initiatives.

Stingray is an enterprise firewall, virtual private network (VPN), and Web cache solution designed to augment existing security infrastructure. The release is being marketed toward a broad range of customers from small businesses, to the enterprise.

Redmond is labeling Stingray as a "must consider" for "any company that puts network security at a premium."

The software is to include updated architecture designed to take on the latest security threats including worms and Internet attacks. To combat these threats, signature blocking as well as a new simplified used interface meant to avoid firewall mis-configuration has been included.

Microsoft's firewall can supplement existing firewall packet filtering and stateful inspection with application-layer security capabilities.

In addition to building walls around network assets, Stingray incorporates an expanded array of tools to deploy and secure VPN access to corporate networks.

The finished Internet Security and Acceleration Server product is due out by the end of 2004, according to Microsoft.