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

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

WatchGuard Network Security is being used locally and at remote office locations for the following functions: General firewall protection for email and Internet traffic, Branch Office VPN, Remote client VPN, DMZ for eCommerce and mobile sales force websites and applications. There are content filters in place to prevent certain higher risk files from being downloaded.

Pros and Cons

The solutions provide effective protection to the business.
Fairly simple administration with an in depth knowledge base for solutions.
Top notch customer support regardless of whether it's hardware of software related.
High reliability and up time of all WatchGuard equipment.
Have been able to complete any and all configuration requirements of the business through knowledge base or support staff.
Ease of upgrading and migrating configurations.

Possibly more detail in knowledge base articles.
Longer life cycle of products - they don't fail, they just ending being dropped from support in too short of time.
I find this company to be an exceptional solution and service provider and can't think of more ways to improve. I wish all companies were this responsive to customers.

Return on Investment

We have saved countless hours in problem prevention.
Deployment of new or replacement solutions requires minimal effort/time expense.
Has provided ability to extend business while minimizing risk.

WatchGuard Network Security Partner

We work with Tallgrass Technologies as the business partner. We're happy with the reselling services and contract renewals but always use WatchGuard staff for implementation and configuration assistance or hardware/software support.

Implementation Rating

Like any project, define all of the known requirements so that the configuration is designed for optimal use of the product and uses the best-practice approach. This also results in a more streamlined solutions with no overlap or conflict of functions and is easier to maintain or troubleshoot. Again, this is where we rely on WatchGuard support staff for guidance.

WatchGuard Network Security Packaging and Licensing

This simplifies roll-out of a complete solutions and the cost is very reasonable. I'm sure the payback in saved time and problem prevention is immeasurable.

Alternatives Considered

Cisco 350X Series Stackable Managed Switches, Cisco 3504 WLAN Controller and Cisco 2000 Series Network Convergence System (NCS 2000)

I consider Cisco a top-tier solution provider but the hardware/software expense, implementation expense and training costs for most small businesses are difficult to justify. From my experience, WatchGuard has provided an excellent solution that does not have the associated high costs yet has the same up time, effectiveness, support and reliability.

Other Software Used

Windows Server, Trend Micro Smart Protection Suite, with XGen

Likelihood to Recommend

For the size of businesses that I am involved with, the WatchGuard products are an excellent fit in terms of pricing, capacity, performance and reliability. The products are scaled for both main office or branch offices or warehouses. I have yet to not be able to come up with the correct solution for businesses. The pre-sales staff has excellent product knowledge and has always made the right recommendations.

WatchGuard offers top tier, right-sized solutions

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security