Hi there I am in a position where I have to explain the advantages/disadvantages of the new ISA 2004 and the PIX ver 7 that has just been released. To me the critical component here is that both products claim to perform application security or packet/content inspection up to layer 7. I have just returned from Tech-Ed South Africa, and have seen the way in which ISA2004 can inspect HTTP packets for specific words, lengths etc. What I want to know is: 1. Does ISA scan non-HTTP packets as well? I.e. SMB, SSL (I would think/hope not...) 2. Does anyone know the boundaries of the new ASA5500, or even the PIX ver 7 which has just been released, which claims to perform the exact same thing? 3. Is there a way in which I, a simple naïve admin, can setup some malicious packets to push through these 2 firewalls to in fact show how they do/don't work on layer 7 scanning? Thanks William R. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Everything in this e-mail and attachments relating to the official business of Columbus Stainless is proprietary to the company. It is confidential, legally privileged and protected by law. Columbus Stainless does not own and endorse any other content. Views and opinions are those of the sender unless clearly stated as being that of Columbus Stainless. The person addressed in the e-mail is the sole authorised recipient. Please notify the sender immediately if it has unintentionally reached you and do not read, disclose or use the content in any way. Whilst all reasonable steps are taken to ensure the accuracy and integrity of information and data transmitted electronically and to preserve the confidentiality thereof, no liability or responsibility whatsoever is accepted if information or data is, for whatever reason, corrupted or does not reach its intended destination.