Alternative to Smoothwall cloud filter?

[TJ7]

I've just got back into working for a school after an absence of many years. It's good to see this site is still going strong.

 

I have a batch of laptops waiting to go out to student's homes and I'm looking for an effective way of filtering web access.

 

Initially I was looking at Smoothwall cloud filter. I don't know if they are especially busy, but things aren't progressing, 12 days after my initial query.

 

I just wondered what other people were using? Ideally I need something that actually filters (rather than just reports) and can be up and running by the end of the week. Any suggestions?

[DGardiner]

I've just got back into working for a school after an absence of many years. It's good to see this site is still going strong.

 

I have a batch of laptops waiting to go out to student's homes and I'm looking for an effective way of filtering web access.

 

Initially I was looking at Smoothwall cloud filter. I don't know if they are especially busy, but things aren't progressing, 12 days after my initial query.

 

I just wondered what other people were using? Ideally I need something that actually filters (rather than just reports) and can be up and running by the end of the week. Any suggestions?

 

How have you contacted them? can send some contact details for my account manager if you like? might help move things forward quicker?

[TJ7]

Thanks DGardiner, I've got a few names, but getting nowhere, alas. Not sure what the issue is. It might be that they sent out that e-mail offering the service free to schools for three months and they've got too much than they can realistically handle. Either that or they just don't like me for some reason Edited January 20, 2021 by TJ7

[TIOAOA]

I'm also waiting to hear back after filling in the contact form over the free three month offer so I'm guessing it a demand issue. Don't worry @TJ7 I'm sure they like you

[SchoolsBroadband]

Hi @TJ7,

 

this is something we can do for you via our Cloud Based Netwsweeper platform. If you give the team a call on 0 11 33 222 333 we'll get a quote over and can get you setup in no time at all.

 

Alternatively send me a PM

 

Thanks

 

Dave

[Joko]

This is one of the main reasons we are looking to move away from SW this year. Their support is so, so slow.

 

If they can't keep up with Cloud filtering demand, i don't think they should be spamming the 3 month trial out as much.

[Securly_Marc]

Hey TJ7!

 

Take a look at Securly - we're a fully cloud based filtering and safeguarding solution - all support and services are free of charge and we filter devices whether they're at school or at home - We also have a free parent solution for all schools using our tools.

 

Get in touch if you want to take a look - we'll come straight back to you!

 

Marc

[Wave9_Lee]

Just a reminder that Sophos Central Endpoint Protection includes web-filtering (along with market leading AV, Application Control etc) and schools that have a Sophos XG UTM can benefit from Synchronised Security. This give you a central dashboard from which to manage each device and your firewall. The Endpoint talks to the firewall, even when off-site and protects your network when devices come back on-site. We have some great offers currently due to the increased need for home-schooling including extended free trials. Get in touch if you'd like more info.

[TJ-Diggers]

For a really quick solution we just added an additional policy in Sophos Central and that blocks most categories