Item: WatchGuard Network Security
Rating: 9
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use WatchGuard Network Security as our primary firewall vendor. We resell WatchGuard appliances to our customers and provide ongoing support. We also use WatchGuard Network Security with our internal networks. Our deployments vary in the degree of complexity, with some acting as nothing more than a router, while others are fully utilizing the entire security suite feature set.

Pros and Cons

Stability
Proxy actions
Documentation

WireGuard VPN
Cloud management
Web interface layout

Return on Investment

30% increase in efficiency managing VPNs
Decreased turn around times for new appliance installs
Reduced time to make configuration changes by 8%

WatchGuard Network Security Partner

We are a WatchGuard partner that does resell, however, we typically include full configuration and support with products sold. We don't commonly sell just an appliance without our value-added services. Our services include initial configuration (Migration of existing network), updates, troubleshooting, and activation of security services, sometimes sold as part of a FaaS (Firewall as a Service) package.

Implementation Rating

WatchGuard Network Security's system manager can be a little confusing at first. Take some time to read the documentation and familiarize yourself with the interface. The Web UI is fairly straightforward, but a little disorganized. WatchGuard Network Security uses some terminology that may differ from other products in the industry, but their documentation does a decent job of explaining everything.

WatchGuard Network Security Packaging and Licensing

Two types of licenses are available: Basic and Total security. These packages offer less flexibility in the sense that you can't pick and chose what features you need and only pay for those features. However, this simplified pricing scheme does work very well for the industry they are targeting. The cost of each license is appropriate for the features included.

Alternatives Considered

Fortinet FortiGate and Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series

WatchGuard Network Security is less commonly used than both FortiGates and PAs in my experience, however, they are a good solution for the SMB market where budget is the largest constraint. FortiGates have a better management experience. PAs are all around more advanced, but much more complex to configure. Each has its own place, and WatchGuard Network Security works well in the SMB space, while FortiGates and PAs are more enterprise-oriented.

Other Software Used

Webroot Antivirus + Internet Security Complete (SecureAnywhere), ConnectWise Control, SyncroMSP

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 a very capable and price-effective option for network security in the SMB space. Proxy actions work well and allow for plenty of configuration. Recent firmware updates have been very stable. WatchGuard Network Security has excellent documentation that is publicly accessible. WatchGuard Network Security products are well suited to the SMB/SME industry. Not as feature-rich or as advanced as say, Palo Alto, however, the price is an order of magnitude less.

Network Security Appliance that Offers Good Value and Ample Features

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security