Internet Filtering and Firewall Options

[ChrisMiles]

It has come to that time when I need to consider renewing our web filtering solution, however, this time it is complicated. We are currently with BLOXX, but they have been bought out and seem to be stopping their hardware devices. We originally went with BLOXX because of the reporting capabilities (which turned out not to be the best) and the on-the-fly categorisation of websites, which, at the time seemed to be unique to BLOXX.

 

It's been quite a long time since I looked at alternatives and I'm not sure of the available options, so was wondering if people could recommend systems they have used.

 

We need:

- Transparent proxy capability - having to manually set proxies is a real nono

- AD single sign on that detects when you log off properly too

- Easy to read reporting capabilities that produce stuff that leadership types can understand

- Support for multiple vlans with different filtering policies

 

We would very much also like:

- On-the-fly categorisation

- Something that can act as a gateway/firewall with UTM to replace and existing sonicwall device

 

We are a MAT with ~2000 students. If you have any suggestions, advice or tips I would very much appreciate it.

 

Thanks.

[synaesthesia]

We're just about to go with Sophos via Wave9 which ticks all of those boxes. Not really liking what's going on at Smoothwall these days so it certainly seemed like one of the best options available and the prices aren't bad to boot.

[ChrisMiles]

We're just about to go with Sophos via Wave9 which ticks all of those boxes. Not really liking what's going on at Smoothwall these days so it certainly seemed like one of the best options available and the prices aren't bad to boot.

 

@Wave9_Lee Maybe I could talk with you about what options you offer?

[Wave9_Lee]

Hi Chris, yes no problem - PM sent