Item: WatchGuard Network Security
Rating: 10
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Our T35-W is being used across our whole organization as a perimeter security firewall. It provides RDP and VPN access to our intranet resources. We also implement many of the subscription services that are available, such as web blocker, gateway AV and IPS. It is also being used to deny internet access for networked computers we do not want on the internet.

Pros and Cons

Simple to use interface.
Multiple management options.
Great technical support as needed.

No way to configure a SNAT rule when setting up a new firewall policy. If the SNAT rule isn't previously configured, you must back out of whatever you're doing and configure it before proceeding.
When configuring HTTP proxies, setting up HTTP response - content types can be difficult to get right.
Web blocker categories can be a little hit and miss.

Return on Investment

increased worker productivity due to blocked or limited internet access.
increased availability of network resources due to the prevention of downtime from viruses, etc.
increased productivity of remote users through VPN and RDP resources.

WatchGuard Network Security Partner

No, it was purchased through Amazon. The only security partner that is locally available is Saratoga Technologies of Johnson City, TN and I'd rather not use them.

Usability

Overall, WatchGuard Network Security's usability is very good. For the most part, the controls are very intuitive. They've also done a great job of simplifying the activation and licensing of the features, this used to be a bit of a pain but has become very easy to do. Having the option of being able to manage it through a browser, or through the management software is also very helpful.

Implementation Rating

I do not have any specific key insights regarding the implementation of Watchguard Network Security. My biggest take away regarding implementation is that over the last 15 years, this is something that has become much easier to do.

WatchGuard Network Security Packaging and Licensing

The simplified packaging made getting everything up and going a snap. This benefited the company by getting everything up and going as fast as possible, and additional services were able to be added later.

Alternatives Considered

SonicWall Analytics and Fortinet FortiGate

I chose the WatchGuard because I am most familiar with it. Additionally, I prefer the licensing flexibility and the user interface to the other options. Overall pricing is about the same, so it basically came down to which I like the best and that is WatchGuard, by a long shot.

Likelihood to Recommend

WatchGuard network security is well suited for smallish to medium sized businesses where security is a concern. It is also well suited for smallish to medium businesses that have remote users that need access to local intranet resources. It would not be well suited (overkill) for residential use or in very small offices.

A watchguard review from a 15 year user

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security