Microsoft is preparing to launch a pre-beta suite of networking and security products.

Code-named Comet, the suite is believed to be comprised of a proxy server, firewall, fax server, interactive voice response (IVR) engine, and more.

The software company has not yet confirmed the existence of the product. However sources say they expect Microsoft going to start inviting beta testers to try the product very shortly.

Comet also includes a preview version of Microsoft's H.323 Proxy and H.323 Gatekeeper. These components are designed to offer beefed up communications utilizing NetMeeting 3.0 and other H.323-compliant apps.

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