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

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use WatchGuard Network Security to keep our interface to the internet safe. We had problems with hacking/intrusion, constant port scans, email viruses, and ransomware. The downtime for repair was 1 to 3 days per incident, and the IT and productivity losses were costly and added strain to the work environment. Since implementing the T40 and the security package, we have had LESS than ONE incident per year. We protect about 20 servers, computers, and laptops. Geo-filtering really cuts down the issues from places we do not do business with. I am very pleased with the results we get for the money.

Pros and Cons

Geo filtering
packet inspection
real-time packet monitoring
firmware updates

initial setup complexity

Return on Investment

ROI is great, the equipment works so well, we don't need to spend time tweaking it
The IT time spent with the unit has allowed us to use on-call help rather than full-time.

WatchGuard Network Security Partner

We worked with GNS (Guardian Network Solutions) to get ours. The initial setup was done by WatchGuard, so we have not used the GNS support at this point. GNS is good about reaching out to us before expiration and assisted with an upgrade when our old unit reached the end of its life. We are pleased with the partner service.

Implementation Rating

I had my key information for setting up the firewall, and they assisted me in finding the settings and appropriate places to enter data. They also helped troubleshoot when I didn't understand some of their feature concepts, and we got it running.

WatchGuard Network Security Packaging and Licensing

Getting the hardware and subscription has simplified the process for us and is well worth the price. It is as close to setting it and forgetting it as I have seen. We have 7 clean years of operation.

Alternatives Considered

CentOS Linux and Ubuntu Linux

We looked at setting up our own firewall for "free", and other big-name package providers. We found the expense and learning curves were often steep, and WatchGuard provides a middle ground that is very well suited for small businesses that don't have full-time IT staff.

Other Software Used

VIPRE

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

The T40 is a great firewall for small business, as it has plenty of processing power and is transparent to the users. Make sure you get enough processor to handle the load for your users, using their suggestions for the number of users. They offered to help set up the unit for the first time, and it was easy with their assistance.

WatchGuard WORKS for small business

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security