Item: WatchGuard Network Security
Rating: 9
Author: Michael Sirota

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use WatchGuard [Network Security] at our office and all of our client's offices to protect the gateway to their networks. We also use firewalls to provide VPN access to remote users to ensure a secure connection to network resources. The WatchGuard [Network Security] firewalls give us the peace of mind that our clients are protected against external attacks on their networks.

Pros and Cons

VPN control
Policy based security
Management platform with single pane of glass

Better remote updating of systems

Return on Investment

Economical solution giving good ROI

WatchGuard Network Security Partner

We worked directly with WatchGuard. Their implementation team was outstanding. They assisted us with our initial deployment of over 100 devices and it went seamlessly. They came onsite to our office to help train our technical team on all aspects of the device. They continue to support us directly with any issues we may have.

Implementation Rating

It is critical to have a plan. You must make sure that your deployment strategy will work with the end client as to not interrupt their business operations. Pre-programming the devices prior to on-site installation is critical to ensure a smooth implementation. Creating policies and creating a template for the devices also assists in the initial setup.

WatchGuard Network Security Packaging and Licensing

The single license model has benefited our smaller clients who have a single location as they do not need to purchase a corporate license. For our largest client, who has over 50 locations, some sort of quantity discount would be nice. Also the ability to line up the licenses so they have the same renewal date would be great.

Alternatives Considered

Barracuda Firewall Insights

The Barracuda [Firewall Insights] firewall was similar in features to WatchGuard [Network Security] but was more expensive. The implementation team at Barracuda could not get the firewalls to work in our environment and the support they provided was not up to standard. We actually started with Barracuda and canceled the project due [to] the lack of implementation support. WatchGuard stepped up and their implementation support was stellar.

Other Software Used

Webroot Business Endpoint Protection, Vade Secure

Key Insights

Do you think WatchGuard Network Security delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with WatchGuard Network Security's feature set?

Yes

Did WatchGuard Network Security live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of WatchGuard Network Security go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy WatchGuard Network Security again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

WatchGuard [Network Security] is well suited for the small and medium-sized business market. The devices are reasonably priced and provide many features of more expensive devices. They are easy to set up right out of the box. They give small and medium-sized businesses the protection they require to protect against outside attacks.

WatchGuard [Network Security] Firewalls

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security