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WatchGuard Network Security

WatchGuard Network Security

Overview

What is WatchGuard Network Security?

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.

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Recent Reviews

Great for SMBs

9 out of 10
April 22, 2024
Incentivized
We are an SMB and have been using WatchGuard products across Canada to secure our headquarters, branch offices, and remote workers. …
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WatchGuard appliances

10 out of 10
April 15, 2024
Incentivized
These devices provide the first line of defense for all web traffic into and out of the offices I manage. Traffic is scanned for viruses, …
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Great Product

9 out of 10
April 13, 2024
Use several NGFW clustered in different countries, physical and virtual appliances as well. Same interface, with no learning curves. Used …
Continue reading
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Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

Popular Features

View all 11 features
  • Policy-based Controls (415)
    8.7
    87%
  • Firewall Management Console (409)
    8.7
    87%
  • Content Inspection (402)
    8.6
    86%
  • Reporting and Logging (406)
    8.0
    80%

Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Features

Firewall

A firewall is a filter that stands between a computer or computer network and the Internet. Each firewall can be programmed to keep specific traffic in or out

8.6
Avg 8.5
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Product Details

What is WatchGuard Network Security?

WatchGuard Network Security is a network security and firewall software. WatchGuard's advanced network security platform offers IT security professionals enterprise-grade security and threat visibility tools suitable for all organization. In addition to network security, WatchGuard includes secure Wi-Fi, multi-factor authentication, and network intelligence products and services.

WatchGuard Network Security Features

Firewall Features

  • Supported: Identification Technologies
  • Supported: Visualization Tools
  • Supported: Content Inspection
  • Supported: Policy-based Controls
  • Supported: Active Directory and LDAP
  • Supported: Firewall Management Console
  • Supported: Reporting and Logging
  • Supported: VPN
  • Supported: High Availability
  • Supported: Stateful Inspection
  • Supported: Proxy Server

WatchGuard Network Security Screenshots

Screenshot of Subscription DashboardScreenshot of Subscriber Device SummaryScreenshot of Subscription DashboardScreenshot of Executive Dashboard

WatchGuard Network Security Videos

Watchguard Security
WatchGuard Network Security

WatchGuard Network Security Technical Details

Deployment TypesOn-premise
Operating SystemsWindows, Linux, Mac
Mobile ApplicationNo
Supported CountriesGlobal
Supported LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Chinese

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Fortinet FortiGate, Sophos SG Firewall Appliances, and Cisco Meraki MX are common alternatives for WatchGuard Network Security.

Reviewers rate Stateful Inspection highest, with a score of 9.1.

The most common users of WatchGuard Network Security are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(793)

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(1-25 of 323)
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April 22, 2024

Great for SMBs

Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We are an SMB and have been using WatchGuard products across Canada to secure our headquarters, branch offices, and remote workers. Keeping on top of threats, trends, and vulnerabilites has become an easier task through the cloud dashboard. We also use WatchGuard Network Security WatchGuard's Secure Wi-Fi for our infrastructure. WatchGuard Network Security WatchGuard's Secure Wi-Fi cloud is easyily managed and has simplified our WiFi adoption.
  • VPN, Mobile VPN
  • Proxies
  • WebBlocker
  • Traffic management
  • Reporting
  • TDR EOL
It's very fast and easy to add or migrate to new hardware devices.
Authpoint was a no go, mostly because they only support their mobile app and not Authenticator by Microsoft or Google.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
WatchGuard provides one of the most complete firewall products I've used. We use their products as our primary offering to clients to secure small, medium, and large locations. These are also some of the easiest firewalls to configure and understand. We chose to use on-prem management via system manager which allows us to centrally manage, review, and monitor our firewalls.
  • A complete MFA solution to secure workstations, servers, and firewalls
  • Cloud based management
  • A subscription service that's worth our clients money and our time
  • Cloud management + on-prem sync
  • MFA for requiring domain credentials
  • Ability to turn poe on and off
WatchGuard + their subscription is perfect for businesses of 5-10+ employees that are looking for an all in one firewall solution. the fireboxes on their own are great for quickly securing remote locations due to the ability to quickly deploy and configure. The only instance we don't deploy WatchGuard is with a cost conscious small business.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
Between our company and our clients, we have over 15 WatchGuard Firebox systems setup in various locations across the country. Have always had good service when needed and the equipment has always been reliable. Highly recommend these units for any SMB partner that needs enterprise level security and reliable service and support.
  • Protection from DOS attacts
  • Secure VPN access from remote locations
  • Reliable Branch Office VPN even if one site has Dynamic IP
  • UI (both through WSM and Web Interface) could be more user friendly
Great choice for SMB's that want/need enterprise grade security.
April 15, 2024

Loving my WatchGuard

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
WatchGuard's Total Security Suite features intrusion prevention, spam blocking, and DNS filtering, offering me enhanced network visibility and the ability to act against threats directly from the web management page. it simplifies securing my network with VLANs and allows for easy cross VLAN secure traffic as well as blocking ALL un-authorized outgoing traffic
  • Geo Blocking allows me to use a VPN and only allow Geo Specific access.
  • IPS - gives me peace of mind that the baddies are not on my network.
  • with Traffic monitoring, I can easily troubleshoot connectivity issues.
  • I cannot think if anything that I could improve upon.
Today’s networks need to be secured by both a Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) and a Universal Threat Management (UTM) device, the WatchGuard is a perfect hybrid solution. I did a lot of research and found the WatchGuard was at or below the competitors price points for similar features. WatchGuard helps a business meet PIPEDA or GDPR requirements and protects them from the und user clicking the wrong thing.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
We are an MSP and utilize WatchGuard firewalls at many of our client's locations.
  • Easy to setup and manage
  • IP/Content blocking
  • Remote monitoring
  • Cost
  • VPN setup was a little confusing at first
  • DNS Server limit
  • SSO
I have not come across a situation yet where WatchGuard was not a great solution. Most clients that have not implemented them have gone another direction because of cost... All have been nonprofit entities with limited funding.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We utilize these WatchGuard Network Security devices at each of our locations, with a redundant cluster at our primary location. The sites are connected using the branch office VPN system. Remote users have several VPN options. This has enabled us to provide vendors with limited network access and a VPN connection while providing our employees with full network access. We also implemented several of the security subscriptions including the Geolocation service which improved web-based attacks on our client computers.
  • They are quick to provide solutions to zero-day exploits.
  • They quickly replace warranted hardware.
  • Technical support will continue to provide good service, even when there is not a fast solution.
  • There have been occasions where a basic functionality such as having two DHCP servers was not supported and required a feature request to address the issue.
  • There are somewhat limited routing functions in the devices that we use.
  • The secondary units sold in a cluster cannot be repurposed as a stand-alone unit. This lowers the cost but limits any future uses.
For anyone looking for an entry to a mid-level firewall system, WatchGuard Network Security has some very well-suited devices. The availability and ease of use of the branch office VPN have been a boon to our business needs. Our stores connect as if connected to a Metro-E but with assured end-to-end encryption on a standard business internet connection.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Reseller
We use WatchGuard Network Security Fireboxes to secure the boundary of our networks. These provide good security for cost, and with the advanced firmware, the systems are always being updated with new software and features.
  • Firewall
  • Security
  • SSL VPN
  • the new WatchGuard Cloud environment needs improvement
  • The partner portal is quite complicated
  • Alerts for devices don't have custom options
We recommend WatchGuard products to all our clients to be used in their environments. We also suggest they have the WatchGuard Network Security firewall and the advanced firmware that offers additional services.
April 13, 2024

Great Product

Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Use several NGFW clustered in different countries, physical and virtual appliances as well. Same interface, with no learning curves. Used at the perimeter, connected sites with branch office VPN, and for some, used as a VPN SSL for roaming users. They were bought with the total security suite which provides advanced defense-related features. Globally we use all (or near) the possibilities offered by those devices, and they work as expected.
  • Firewall rules with auto-ordering
  • Bandwidth consistency
  • Branch Office VPN
  • Centralized appliance (Dimension) at no cost is a great solution to consolidate reports from several appliances
  • No possibility to negate terms in rules such as "allow everything from x.x.x.x/yy except x.x.x.z"
  • Mixing rules of pure firewalling with those concerning VPN SSL ends up in something not pleasant and not easily readable, should have a dedicated tab for VPN SSL rules, as the one for IPSEC VPN rules
  • No proxy support for SFTP or FTPS (I know it's quite hard to achieve that)
  • The embedded rule for NTP has never been corrected to remove TCP for port 123
Works great and flawlessly in all different cases I'm confronted with. Even with the tiny appliance NV5, cloud-managed it's a no-time brainer. Never had an issue or had to search for documentation on how to accomplish something unusual, it just... work! The only downside I'm thinking of is the lack of a channel to be notified of updates, having to check from time to time on their website, and while security is concerned, the time gap between an update is available and the time I'm aware it exists is too long. Emailing or something shouldn't be too hard to implement.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use WatchGuard Network Security System Manager for all of our clients. I would say some of the problems would be that it is not the easiest to make quick adjusments for letting a website through part of a network. It takes a bit of work to get to these locations and need to have knowledge of how to do it.
  • Security
  • Renewals
  • Upgrades
  • Hard to use
  • Hard to make changes
  • Easier to navigate GUI
I have enjoyed using WatchGuard Network Security after learning how to use it. It also seems to be very secure as we have not had any issues with security features failing or letting anything negative happen to our clients. It has always been a very positive experience from a firewall managers end of things.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We utilize the network security features to secure our internal network and to secure our user logins with firewalls and AuthPoint. We secure our internal network with the firewalls to keep hackers out and we secure our user logins with AuthPoint for multi-factor authentication. This allows us to keep our entire environment safe and secure.
  • Firewalls
  • Authpoint
  • Firewall integration with various other devices and firewall vendors could be easier.
We have a lot of Government clients that the Network Security has always been perfect for their situation. As far as a less appropriate situation, that I would say is with the smaller clients. These are too robust for their environment causing more configuration adjustments.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
Watchguard M200 Firewall device is providing the first point of defense from internet and external connections. We are depending on this firewall to prevent unauthorized access from an external network, allow secure access from remote locations using VPN for authorized users, limit internal users using unauthorized applications, log all communication going through the gateway for future analysis, virus and malware scan at the gate as well as routing between multiple local subnets. Watchguard firewall device provides a complete one device solution for small to medium size company looking for a device [that] can be easily set up and maintained. Compare to Cisco or Sonicwall devices, the setup process takes a lot less time for a small installation.
  • VPN Tunnel setup
  • Firewall policy setup for port based internal service
  • Remote VPN User Setup
  • The number of DNS servers supported is only 2 or 3 depending on the model, 4 or more could make it easier for network clients who want to set up redundant DNS environment
  • I can use more tools to help analysis of incoming and outgoing traffic
Companies with less than 200 nodes looking for simple yet reliable gateway security can use the WatchGuard firewall device. It will cost less and take less time to deploy. Small companies who want to introduce firewalls to the organization the first time or replace aging ones will find WatchGuard devices very attractive. For bigger installations [that] may require multiple networks to be connected together, I found it a little challenging to maintain multiple connections through multiple networks.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use WatchGuard Network Security for a business firewall with VPNs to connect directly and securely into our servers. We have also found for our business that using WatchGuard Network Security firewalls allow for a deeper look into the rules and policies. This allows us to make our network more secure for employees.The main business problem that this solves is the ability to set up effective and secure VPN connections.
  • Support is extremely quick to respond
  • The System Manager application is very easy to use.
  • When something goes wrong, it gives good error codes to be able to troubleshoot with
  • Integration of the system manager with policy manager.
  • Better/more clear explanation of saving a file (policy change) to the box. Sometimes it is hard to know which files are from what changes.
  • More notice of when updates are required. A few times our VPN has gone down only to find out we were missing a firmware update that we were unaware of.
I would recommend WatchGuard Network Security to colleagues who have small businesses. The system manager is easy to set up on a basic level, but also has much more room to delve deeper into the policies if needed. There is a good range of options to get a basic security setup all the way to an advanced setup with rules, ports, ips, etc.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
WatchGuard Network Security provides a well-rounded suite of network security services. We use their firewall appliance to provide edge protection and their endpoint security on our internal systems to provide an additional layer of security. The WatchGuard Network Security firewall provides intelligent security proxies with features like gateway antivirus, DDOS protection, persistent threat detection, website filtering, and detection of malicious patterns of behavior. The fine level of granular control over application-based access control is also a very welcome addition to help with issues like critical data egress. Effective support of VLANs provides us the flexibility we desire to partition our internal networks. The management interfaces are excellent and help make complicated configurations much easier to track and understand. Clearly, a lot of thought has gone into the engineering of these systems. The endpoint protection is centrally managed via a cloud interface that lets us have multiple profiles that can be assigned on a per-device basis. Someone in engineering can have an endpoint profile that's different from someone in shipping, for example. A nicely integrated system designed to solve sticky problems easily.
  • Outstanding firewall management both detailed and easy to understand
  • Endpoint cloud management that enabled customized settings based on roles
  • Keeps the "bad guys" out of our network
  • VLANs done right keeps departments partitioned where it makes sense
  • Comprehensive VPN support lets me use VPNs my way
  • WatchGuard Network Security WiFi access points are very good but also very expensive
  • Webblocker can sometimes be too aggressive at blocking
WatchGuard Network Security is excellent in implementing a multi-site secure network. It is also great for environments where you may need to fall back on an alternate network connection; the failover is very effective.
February 20, 2024

Firebox

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Upgraded my network security by replacing my old SonicWall firewall with a WatchGuard firebox. So much easier to manage and confidence is much higher. The vpn is worlds better. The Sonicwall would drop vpn connections constantly, have not had any of those issues since moving to the WatchGuard.
  • The interface is easy to navigate.
  • The mobile VPN is easy to config and very stable.
  • Content filtering is very reliable.
  • Add chat support option.
I can't describe any scenarios where it would be less appropriate as I have only used it in one company, and it is very appropriate. Our previous Sonicwall had issues with dropping vpn connections as well as not failing over to backup isp. The WatchGuard has fixed both of those issues.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
It is our Firewall, we also use it for Branch Office VPN's so all sites can connect to one other, and we use VPN with Authpoint for MFA to VPN in
  • Updates
  • No access unless you create a rule to allow it
  • Geo Blocking, IP Blocking
  • VLAN's
  • DHCP
  • DNS Forwarding
  • When trying to access from external side and no rule is set to allow connection, you get a SSL sign in page. I would rather I just got a 404 error or some other message stating the site is not available
  • Cost, for business its not to bad. But for home use it is too much
I can't remember the exact threats but usually when a large threat comes out that is scaring the whole tech world within a week or 2 WatchGaurd has a patch to help prevent the threat the best as possible.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use it to monitor and limit traffic to our self-hosted websites. We also use it for VPN access to our self hosted data and as a redundancy system. We use multiple providers to ensure we have internet access 24/7 (as most businesses) and the features provided by the WatchGuard seem to be perfect for that
  • Traffic Monitor
  • VPN
  • Interfaces
  • Migrating from older systems
  • SSO
  • More documentation
Medium sized companies, where the IT demands can be handled by one person or a small team seems to be perfect for the device we have at our offices. I've taken a look at some other products that you offer but can't speak about their capabilities and or functionalities. Not entirely sure how well a WatchGuard device would do for a 1000+ employee company
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Firewall and VPN access
  • Good interface
  • Set it and forget it, very little maintenance
  • Lots of documentation for various settings
  • traffic monitor could be easier to use/understand
Well suited for our small business. Handles many VPN connections, both hardware and software based. Easy set up to have guest wifi separate from main protected network.
February 09, 2024

WatchGuard Firewalls

Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
As a small business owner, dealing with sensitive data, it is imperative that I protect access to my systems. I have used different firewall products over the last 30 years and find WatchGuard to not only fill the needs I have, but also have a very good price point for the 'Enterprise' SMB market. VPN and traffic security are my main concerns and I find the firewalls combined with AuthPoint to work fantastic. It is a 'all' inhouse solution.
  • Cloud Management
  • VPN Security with AuthPoint
  • Firewall Rules
  • Customer Support / Product Issues
  • Cloud Based online help and instructions
  • Customer Support - Cloud Issues
  • Customer Support - License Issues
Not for the basic user and small company with no or limited IT support.
SMB with IT support (External or Internal) and an understanding of what they are getting into...
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
WatchGuard firewalls are our choice to implement perimetral security with security services. We implement WatchGuard AuthPoint to setup 2FA on VPN-SSL access to trusted networks.
  • Perimetral security
  • IPsec VPNs
  • SSL-VPN
  • Security services
  • WatchGuard Cloud
WatchGuard Policy Manager and Proxy are the best tools to implement the configuration of firewall services
February 05, 2024

WatchGuard just Works

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I had a customer I hadn't heard from in a few years needing a VPN solution between his two locations. Setting up two WatchGuard firewalls, I had him up and running in a matter of hours (because one of the locations was two hours away). Simple install, firmware upgrade, and cloud integration. He contacted me a few days later, saying there was an issue because one of the sites he used regularly was blocked. Got into the firewall and, using Traffic Monitor, could see what was blocked and quickly made a rule to allow the traffic to pass. I love the simplicity of WatchGuard while also knowing it gives security on the same level as other larger companies without the complexity that isn't needed. They just work.
  • Traffic monitoring in a easy to read interface
  • Policy creation in a few clicks
  • Drag and drop VPN
  • Cloud integration
  • Bridging ports, after the firewall is setup, isn't as easy as it could be.
  • Cloud integration for management requires recreating the entire device. It should just convert the current config.
  • Adding a Proxy policy should be on a different page from the other policy creation page.
I can't think of any place where WatchGuard isn't well suited, unless the customer is cheap. I have used WatchGuard devices in a two person office up to enterprise environments. Because they are not overly complicated to use, I prefer them to a name brand I'm not willing to mention, but most will know.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
WatchGuard Network Security T20W Firebox firewall is one of the most versatile internet security devices on the market. It give you all the security features of the other major brands, and then some. I love that it has the ability to be managed via the WatchGuard Network Security System Manager client app plus the web interface. At no additional cost this device also allows you to configure site-site VPN and also mobile IPsec VPN and WatchGuard Network Security has their own VPN client software to make the connection even more secure. I would say this device is probably the best bank for the buck you will get on the market and the support service are also amazing. Keep up the good work WatchGuard Network Security Team.
  • VPN Site to Site
  • VPN Mobile
  • Traffic Throughput
  • Packet Filtering
  • VPN to Azure or AWS
  • Cloud management features of firewall
  • Notifications should be built into basic config
I have used WatchGuard Network Security products in alot of healthcare environments the require a bit more robust performance and security features in the IT infrastructure. Being able to have the flexibility to do VLANs and VPNs even in the lower end models in amazing. The ability to do WAN failover for multi-wan environments is also a bonus.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I currently use Watchguards at all 6 of my locations for network security and also as a means to link these locations together via branch office VPN. My watchguards handle both my network policies to determine what end users can access as well as being able to remote in to the internal network from an outside source.
  • Network security
  • network policies
  • VPN
  • Network monitoring
  • integrated active directory support
  • gui interface
  • better SSL VPN access
  • better way to view network traffic
  • better response times
I've used my watch guards to be able to easily connect users from a new location we just opened back to our main location using a branch office VPN. This allows them to access resources such as shared drives and servers. Im also able to view any alerts in my email if any problems arise.
February 03, 2024

My Watchguard Review

Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use WatchGuard Network Security hardware and security services at the perimeter of the network to protect our users from accessing malicious sites and or content. With the IPS system we are able to have malicious network traffic detected and blocked to protect our valuable information. We also use the mobile VPN client with the WatchGuard firewall to allow end users access to company resources in a secure fashion.
  • Easy to use
  • Centralized management
  • Performance and scalability
  • Integration with 3rd party solutions
  • simplified licensing
  • enhanced reporting and analytics
I find WatchGuard Network Security very suitable for small to mid sized business and companies with remote/branch offices. Setting up connectivity between office is straight forward and performs very well. The security service packages also add a ton of value and protections to users and company data and also help meet specific compliance requirements that are in place.
Anders Gidlund | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
ResellerIncentivized
We have a customer that needed full redundancy of their Internet accessess from two ISP and they would also like to make use of both the ISP's gigabit bandwith capacity. The solution was 2 Firebox M390 in a FireCluster setup hooked up to an Aruba VSF stack. The two WAN interfaces was combined in a SDWAN in addition to configuring them with failover. WatchGuard Network Security nailed it!
  • Active/Passive Cluster
  • Cloud Management
  • Intelligent Security features
  • High Speed Throughput
  • Awesome Red Paintjob, the best looking firewalls on the market.
  • LACP support in WatchGuard Network Security Gloud
  • Better sorting/fliltering of Firewall Policies
  • Certificate based authentication for mobile IPSec VPN
  • Support for Integrated Windows Authentication with IPSec VPN
Its well suited for Enterprise networks but also for SMB's. Its in particular a go-to choice for customers with high capacity bandwidth demands and need for redundancy. A customer with many branch offices and no need for advanced networking functions would strongly benefit from managing all their devices in WatchGuard Network Security Cloud.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We use WatchGuard firewalls and MFA service to protect our networks and to connect all of our company branches together in a secured way via site to site VPN. The ease of configuration and its intuitivity makes it a very flexible and user friendly product. Additionally, their support is great.
  • Protects the internal network
  • Connects branches offices securely
  • Permits remote users connections via VPN
  • The logging system could be improved
  • Easier ways to configure syslog
  • The notification system could be a looot better
WatchGuard Network Security is extremely suitable for all type of companies, specially medium level ones. They have all kind of appliances customized for the amount of connections and employees, so you can get what you want at a very reasonable price. Not sure for a very complex and big organization if they are the best option.
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