Summary

Simply tearing open the ISA Server 2004 box and quickly installing the software onto a system is not the best strategy, in most cases, because the power and functionality of the environment call for a well-thought out design process that takes into account how the functionality of ISA can be applied to address specific organizational needs. Through the use of basic design and project management skills, ISA can be leveraged in a way that takes full advantage of the various types of functionality the environment can provide.

The design decisions reached during the design process can subsequently be tested and validated in a prototype lab and a pilot deployment, before they are implemented in production. Following this basic methodology, along with proper design, can help to ensure the success of an ISA project.