Plixer Scrutinizer vs. WatchGuard Network Security

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Plixer Scrutinizer
Score 6.0 out of 10
N/A
Plixer is a developer of network management software with a focus on network traffic analysis, network security, threat detection and network optimization, headquartered in Kennebunk, Maine. Plixer Scrutinizer collects, analyzes, visualizes, and reports on data from every network conversation and digital transaction to deliver security and network intelligence.N/A
WatchGuard Network Security
Score 8.9 out of 10
N/A
WatchGuard Network Security is a network security and firewall software. WatchGuard includes secure Wi-Fi, multi-factor authentication, and network intelligence products and services designed for SMB’s.N/A
Pricing
Plixer ScrutinizerWatchGuard Network Security
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Support
Contact sales team
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Basic Security
Contact sales team
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Total Security
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Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Plixer ScrutinizerWatchGuard Network Security
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Plixer ScrutinizerWatchGuard Network Security
Features
Plixer ScrutinizerWatchGuard Network Security
Firewall
Comparison of Firewall features of Product A and Product B
Plixer Scrutinizer
-
Ratings
WatchGuard Network Security
8.5
522 Ratings
1% below category average
Identification Technologies00 Ratings8.8478 Ratings
Visualization Tools00 Ratings7.3472 Ratings
Content Inspection00 Ratings8.5503 Ratings
Policy-based Controls00 Ratings9.2518 Ratings
Active Directory and LDAP00 Ratings8.6439 Ratings
Firewall Management Console00 Ratings8.5510 Ratings
Reporting and Logging00 Ratings7.6506 Ratings
VPN00 Ratings9.2500 Ratings
High Availability00 Ratings8.7453 Ratings
Stateful Inspection00 Ratings8.5466 Ratings
Proxy Server00 Ratings8.5335 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Plixer ScrutinizerWatchGuard Network Security
Small Businesses
Auvik
Auvik
Score 8.5 out of 10
pfSense
pfSense
Score 8.7 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (NTA)
SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (NTA)
Score 9.4 out of 10
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Score 9.2 out of 10
Enterprises
SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (NTA)
SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (NTA)
Score 9.4 out of 10
Palo Alto Networks Virtualized Next-Generation Firewalls - VM Series
Palo Alto Networks Virtualized Next-Generation Firewalls - VM Series
Score 9.1 out of 10
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User Ratings
Plixer ScrutinizerWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
7.0
(1 ratings)
8.6
(523 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
7.9
(39 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
8.1
(120 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
8.9
(6 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
7.9
(6 ratings)
Support Rating
7.0
(1 ratings)
9.5
(30 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(5 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(3 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
8.6
(266 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
8.8
(5 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(5 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
8.5
(6 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.2
(4 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.2
(4 ratings)
User Testimonials
Plixer ScrutinizerWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
Plixer International
If you need a network security forensic tool, this is a great fit. Scrutinizer collects everything you have configured as a target without losing data. If you need an in-depth analysis of your network flows, as in who is doing what with what this is a good fit. Scrutinizer translates a massive about of data into readable tables and reports.
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WatchGuard Technologies
WatchGuard Network Security is a true next generation firewall vendor, and they are constantly improving their products. The account management is engaged, and support is responsive and knowledgeable. We've had consistent quality experiences with deployment and warranty response. The feature set is robust and effective when properly configured. Any questions or concerns with configuration have always been handled efficiently and effectively. They've been a great vendor to partner with.
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Pros
Plixer International
  • Once configured, Scrutinizer gives an accurate overview of network activity.
  • Scrutinizer is able to collect flows from a variety of devices, you are not limited to Cisco.
  • DSCP based reporting, which is helpful when attempting to determine how good your wireless network is from a QoS perspective.
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WatchGuard Technologies
  • Incoming Torrent attempts were blocked, but outgoing (by a user) were permitted. Similarly, other direct attempts were summarily blocked.
  • provides full administrative support for analysis of usage and scope.
  • strong Wi-Fi support and security - area wi-fi maps
  • They think of all the things secure and I don't have to worry about it.
  • I have not identified anything else that needs improvement - I am well satisfied.
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Cons
Plixer International
  • The free version has some limitations that make an accurate evaluation difficult, every day at midnight the data is flushed and you start over.
  • If you are purchasing the appliance, you won't have admin access to it.
  • Reporting could use some polished graphics and advance filtering features.
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WatchGuard Technologies
  • Better integration with VoIP services, such as templates for policies handling traffic for Bria or Asterisk endponts and servers.
  • Get webblocker to work without breaking secure websites.
  • Lower cost on endpoint agents for antivirus and include application control and webblocker with the agents.
  • Make the cost per endpoint with TDR and Netowrk access control lower than the cost of Antivirus licensing that is not integrated.
  • Make it easier to set up network access control and VLAN assignment by device, perhaps with templates.
  • Get webblocker and application control working with QUIC.
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Likelihood to Renew
Plixer International
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
I'm giving this note to WatchGuard Network Security due to its ease of daily support (after acquiring necessary knowledge in the solution), which allows agility in configuration changes, its integration of several reliable security features (such as SSL VPN, VPN Virtual Interfaces between companies, and others) and functional and stability in operation, with no downtime in the equipment due to problems or malfunctions
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Usability
Plixer International
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
Although it might take some time to figure out, we have been able to use WatchGuard's online reference library and tech support to create/implement/modify all of our filtering rules and exceptions needed. There really has not been a shortcoming other than perhaps a learning curve.
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Reliability and Availability
Plixer International
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
Availability has always been a strong point of this product, it is rare that watchguard does not have a solution for customers' network monitoring needs.
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Performance
Plixer International
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
The performance of WatchGuard Network Security is very good, in the years that we have used the solution we have only had a single error and Watchguard itself was able to solve it. Furthermore, when purchasing any product, the partner always evaluates the capacity of the solution to recommend the most appropriate product for our needs.
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Support Rating
Plixer International
Support is support, they are either there or they are not. Scrutinizer support has been there every time I've needed them. They rely a bit too much on email correspondence, sometimes I want a voice to tell me what to do, and fast
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WatchGuard Technologies
We have only had to contact them once during the initial set up to help bring the internet back on line. After that for the most part our systems have been automated, and could easily be checked form their online FAQ and Knowledge base that they provide. Everything else is easily handled from their browser based interface
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In-Person Training
Plixer International
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
We participate to a in person training and the three days of learning was really useful and complete to gain skill to solve the major part of the problem we encounter during our life. And more the in person training give us the opportunity to create a network with other WatchGuard partner.
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Online Training
Plixer International
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
Online training is good for learning how to use the product. It does not teach security strategy because that is not its intent.
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Implementation Rating
Plixer International
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
I had my key information for setting up the firewall, and they assisted me in finding the settings and appropriate places to enter data. They also helped troubleshoot when I didn't understand some of their feature concepts, and we got it running.
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Alternatives Considered
Plixer International
Scrutinizer is a faster and simpler deployment while still delivering the tools and reports needed to gain accurate view traffic and network usage. Its cheaper than most alternatives and daily use is focused on understanding data, not making config changes so you can understand data. Risk reduction and elimination is the primary focus, Scrutinizer helps you do that.
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WatchGuard Technologies
WatchGuard is what I use exclusively now. I have removed all other firewalls. WatchGuard is easier to maintain and easier to set up, PLUS WatchGuard Tech Support is very responsive and helpful. I am very familiar with both the System Management software and the Web-based access to the firewalls, and feel comfortable with the programming and troubleshooting in both areas.
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Scalability
Plixer International
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
This product is very scalable since previously everything related to Watchguard was on premises but that has now changed with the inclusion of watchguard cloud. Now the product has evolved to have full control of firewalls at the cloud level.
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Return on Investment
Plixer International
  • Scrutinizer is a great tool, extremely easy to implement, it lets you see your NetFlow without a large outlay.
  • WAN traffic monitoring gives you the ability to accurately predict the necessary bandwidth volume, you can now stop over buying.
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WatchGuard Technologies
  • WatchGuard is a well-established company in the industry, and we are confident in its security solutions.
  • This solution meets/exceeds our security objectives for CMMC and the DoD standards.
  • I wish their cloud management were much stronger and provided more features similar to those of Meraki. If it did, we would exclusively sell these devices.
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ScreenShots

WatchGuard Network Security Screenshots

Screenshot of WatchGuard Cloud Customizable DashboardScreenshot of Threat Monitoring SummaryScreenshot of Device Security SummaryScreenshot of Automated ReportingScreenshot of User Authentication SummaryScreenshot of Endpoint Protection Summary