Examples of WebDirect Use Cases

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 52 views

Introduction

In today's digital landscape, security and usability are paramount when it comes to web publishing. Microsoft's ISA Server 2004 is a powerful tool for managing web traffic, but it can be limited in its ability to issue HTTP and HTTPS redirects. This is where WebDirect comes in – a powerful add-on that enables ISA Server 2004 to issue HTTP and HTTPS redirects, making it easier to manage web traffic and enhance user experience.

What is WebDirect?

WebDirect is a feature that allows ISA Server 2004 to issue HTTP and HTTPS redirects. With WebDirect, you can write ISA web publishing rules that redirect browsers to an internal address or anywhere on the internet. This means you can easily redirect HTTP requests to HTTPS, or redirect users to a specific directory, such as /Exchange.

Benefits of WebDirect

So, what are the benefits of using WebDirect? Here are just a few:

Improved Security: By automatically correcting all requests for a particular server from HTTP to HTTPS, you can ensure that your remote users' connections remain secure.
Enhanced Usability: WebDirect can make your OWA publishing seamless by eliminating the need to type in the '/Exchange' directory.
Advanced Path Mapping: WebDirect supports advanced path mapping capabilities that give you more control over how to redirect your users.
Easy Installation: WebDirect is designed to work with both ISA 2004 Standard and Enterprise Editions, and it also can be used on ISA 2006.

How WebDirect Works

WebDirect works hand-in-hand with the built-in ISA web publishing features. If you already know how to configure ISA rules, then you're just one step away from HTTP redirects. WebDirect adds a tab to the web publishing properties that allows you to specify where the rule should redirect and what protocol to use.

Examples of WebDirect Use Cases

Here are some examples of how you can use WebDirect:

Redirect HTTP to HTTPS: Automatically correct all requests for a particular server from HTTP to HTTPS.
Redirect / to /Exchange: Redirect users to the /Exchange directory without having to type it in.
Assist Sharepoint publishing issues: Use WebDirect to resolve Sharepoint publishing issues by redirecting users to the correct directory.
Protect your servers by moving redirect rules to ISA: Use WebDirect to move redirect rules to ISA and protect your servers from unauthorized access.

Installation and Configuration

For installation information on WebDirect, see the documentation below. WebDirect is designed to be easy to install and configure, even for those who are new to ISA Server 2004.

Conclusion

In conclusion, WebDirect is a powerful add-on that enhances ISA Server 2004 with HTTP and HTTPS redirects. With its advanced path mapping capabilities and easy installation, WebDirect is a must-have for anyone looking to improve security and usability in their web publishing scenarios.

Documentation

For more information on WebDirect, including installation and configuration instructions, see the documentation below.

WebDirect Documentation

Installation Instructions: Learn how to install WebDirect on your ISA Server 2004.
Configuration Instructions: Learn how to configure WebDirect to meet your specific needs.
Troubleshooting Guide: Troubleshoot common issues with WebDirect.

System Requirements

ISA Server 2004 Standard or Enterprise Edition
ISA 2006
Windows Server 2003 or 2008

Download WebDirect

Download WebDirect for ISA Server 2004 Standard
Download WebDirect for ISA Server 2004 Enterprise
Download WebDirect for ISA 2006
WebDirect Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions =============================================

Introduction

WebDirect is a powerful add-on that enhances ISA Server 2004 with HTTP and HTTPS redirects. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about WebDirect, including its benefits, installation, and configuration.

Q: What is WebDirect and how does it work?

A: WebDirect is a feature that allows ISA Server 2004 to issue HTTP and HTTPS redirects. With WebDirect, you can write ISA web publishing rules that redirect browsers to an internal address or anywhere on the internet. This means you can easily redirect HTTP requests to HTTPS, or redirect users to a specific directory, such as /Exchange.

Q: What are the benefits of using WebDirect?

A: The benefits of using WebDirect include:

Improved Security: By automatically correcting all requests for a particular server from HTTP to HTTPS, you can ensure that your remote users' connections remain secure.
Enhanced Usability: WebDirect can make your OWA publishing seamless by eliminating the need to type in the '/Exchange' directory.
Advanced Path Mapping: WebDirect supports advanced path mapping capabilities that give you more control over how to redirect your users.
Easy Installation: WebDirect is designed to work with both ISA 2004 Standard and Enterprise Editions, and it also can be used on ISA 2006.

Q: How do I install WebDirect?

A: For installation information on WebDirect, see the documentation below. WebDirect is designed to be easy to install and configure, even for those who are new to ISA Server 2004.

Q: Can I use WebDirect with ISA 2006?

A: Yes, WebDirect can be used with ISA 2006. In fact, WebDirect is designed to work with both ISA 2004 Standard and Enterprise Editions, and it also can be used on ISA 2006.

Q: How do I configure WebDirect?

A: WebDirect adds a tab to the web publishing properties that allows you to specify where the rule should redirect and what protocol to use. You can also use advanced path mapping capabilities to give you more control over how to redirect your users.

Q: Can I use WebDirect to redirect HTTP to HTTPS?

A: Yes, WebDirect can be used to redirect HTTP to HTTPS. In fact, this is one of the most common use cases for WebDirect.

Q: Can I use WebDirect to assist Sharepoint publishing issues?

A: Yes, WebDirect can be used to assist Sharepoint publishing issues by redirecting users to the correct directory.

Q: Is WebDirect compatible with Windows Server 2003 or 2008?

A: Yes, WebDirect is compatible with Windows Server 2003 and 2008.

Q: Where can I download WebDirect?

A: You can download WebDirect from the Microsoft website.

WebDirect Documentation

Installation Instructions: Learn how to install WebDirect on your ISA Server 2004.
Configuration Instructions: Learn how to configure WebDirect to meet your specific needs.
Troubleshooting Guide: Troubleshoot common issues with WebDirect.

System Requirements

ISA Server 2004 Standard or Enterprise Edition
ISA 2006
Windows Server 2003 or 2008

Download WebDirect

Download WebDirect for ISA Server 2004 Standard
Download WebDirect for ISA Server 2004 Enterprise
Download WebDirect for ISA 2006