I like how easy it is to manage the filtering software from the web portal. It's super straightforward to set up my networking equipment with clear instructions. I like that it automatically blocks threats without me having to do anything. It also lets me remotely manage both of our locations and networks from the same portal with the same policies. Very useful for saving time setting up content filtering.
Smoothwall SWG is very suitable in companies where there is a lot of staff and power to distribute the bandwidth by areas and give priority to the staff that requires better service. It's also well suited for business that require protection of their data and services as it is constantly monitoring the network and does not let them enter dangerous sites.
Real-time IP filtering is very favorable. That helps limit and restrict prohibited content.
Elaboration of personalized reports of the activities or pages that users visit to make new blocking rules to the pages most visited by users that may damage the functioning of the servers.
Improved scalability: As an organization's needs grow and evolve, the software should be able to scale up and handle an increasing number of users and devices.
More granular controls: The ability to set more detailed and specific policies, such as the ability to block certain types of content for specific groups of users, would give organizations more flexibility and control over their internet usage.
Advanced threat protection: Increasing the software's ability to detect and protect against advanced threats such as zero-day exploits and APTs would provide a more comprehensive security solution.
When compared to Kerio Control we found Central Management of filtering to be much easier, it also allowed us to apply filtering to remote devices like laptops and had better logging. We found DNSFilter to be much easier to deploy then Webroot DNS Protection because Webroot required the Anti Virus to be installed before deployment was even possible, and reporting features were very lacking.
Smoothwall SWG has many tools similar to pfSense but in my opinion I like the graphical environment of smoothwall swg more. It is more didactic and simple to use for new users. Also pfSense lacks the tools for monitoring in real time and the elaboration of reports that helps to perform statistics on sites visited.
We used to deploy Cisco Umbrella before switching to DNSFilter. I feel like you need an advanced degree to set up and manage Cisco Umbrella. Not the case with DNSFilter. You will save time and money by leveraging a very easy to use product.
This software helps a lot and is very economical, since it is free and it can be installed in equipment with low performance. That is of importance to companies with little budget or who are just starting out in the market.