Interactive scorecard and NetResults: Firewall hardware
Every network is unique. This calculator lets you change the weights given to scores from our review to see which product might be best suited for your needs. Here's how it works: In each category, our reviewers rated the apps on a 1-10 basis. These ratings are then multiplied by the percentage weighting, and then added up to give an overall product score. Any score above 9 is considered "world class." For each category below, assign the percentage weight you think is most appropriate. The percent-o-meter box on the right will keep track of your weightings to let you know when you've reached 100%. When you fill in the last box, hit your enter key, and you'll see how the apps rate (along with our final scores for comparison).
NetResults
SonicWall SOHO 4.20
Rating: 8.05
Company:
SonicWall, (408) 745-9600
Cost: $495 with 10-user license
Pros: Simple setup and
well-documented
commands; built-in hub.
Cons: Menu structure could use some improvements;
initial setup can only be done with Netscape browser.
WatchGuard SOHO 1.5.8
Rating: 7.85
Company: WatchGuard Technologies,
(206) 521-8340
Cost: $449 with 10-user license
Pros: Easiest setup and simple menu structure; security bulletin update and notification of firmware upgrades.
Cons: Limited features; bare-bones log files.
GNAT Box GB-100 3.0.3
Rating: 5.95
Company: Global Technology Associates,
(407) 380-0220
Cost: $2,400 for unlimited users
Pros: Lots of features.
Cons: Setup is complex; documentation geared toward Unix-savvy administrators.
Interceptor 4.2
Rating: 5.85
Company: eSoft,
(303) 444-1600
Cost: $3,745 (first 60 days free;
annual maintenance contract is $749)
Pros: Feature-rich; menu structure easy to navigate; firmware upgrades obvious.
Cons: Pricey unit; setup is complex and diagnostics limited.
NetFortress R-50 4.1
Rating: 4.5
Company: Fortress Technologies, (813) 288-7388
Cost: $699
Pros: Price reasonable compared with larger Unix-based boxes;
support for IPX networks.
Cons: Lean and poorly written documentation;
firmware upgrades difficult.
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