ESoft on Monday launched a Web security gateway that provides enterprises with URL- and Web-content filtering, as well as a number of management and protection features.

Available now, eSoft’s ThreatWall Web Security Gateway appliance goes beyond the traditional role of Web filters that block users from visiting certain Web sites based on their URLs or content, and adds Web-application and infrastructure security as well, according to company officials.

ESoft has included in the new appliances its bimodal scanning technology, which has proxy-based scanning for URL filtering and malware detection along with real-time, packet-based scanning that offers Web server and browser security, instant messaging and peer-to-peer security, and application-layer intrusion prevention, officials say.

Web infrastructure and application security is achieved by scanning all Web-based traffic for signs of attacks on servers, browsers, and applications. The appliance combines signature-based scanning for known attacks, with anomaly detection and heuristics to find new threats, officials say. It also includes eSoft’s own reputation services to protect users from visiting sites known to distribute malware. The appliance automatically generates logs, alarms and summary reports of threats.

By tying into Microsoft’s Active Directory, administrators can set policies regarding which Web sites users can visit and when, on an individual or group-by-group basis, they say. Detailed reports can be generated that summarize Web use.

The appliance also includes IM and P2P controls that let companies limit the services users can take advantage of.

ThreatWall Web Security Gateway starts at $3,400 for an unlimited number of users. In addition, companies can opt to add eSoft’s antispam module, sold separately, to run on the same appliance.