any one used/uses bloxx?

[Phillip1983]

hi all,

 

i am interested in the Bloxx webfilter, i currently use Untangle and am looking at Bloxx as it appears to be better, does anyone currently use it, if so, can you provide feedback on it etc....

 

there website is Bloxx | Web Filters | Internet Content Filtering Products

 

Many Thanks

[Domino]

I evaluated a load of filtering a couple of years ago, I'd recommend having a look at smoothwall.

 

IMHO their filtering is unparralleled, and it'll probably be cheaper - unless bloxx have changed their pricing structure

[tom_newton]

I'm gonna keep me beak out here, because I'm appallingly biased but you might look at this thread:

http://www.edugeek.net/forums/network-classroom-management/25083-bloxx-v-school-guardian.html

[everton4europe]

I have used both Bloxx and Smoothwall School Guardian. I have more hands on experience of the Smoothwall over the Bloxx. Both have there own advantages, but from what i have seen you are probably better looking at Smoothwall as there licensing costs are more competitive for schools

[Phillip1983]

Many Thanks for help on this, i have contacted both Smoothwall and Bloxx and requted eval from both for testing.

[Tunster]

We have Bloxx. Their support is top dog (even suggesting that the issue we had - blocking google suggestions made it as a software feature in future) and the device is extremely rock-solid behind our 10-meg leased line.

 

The biggest benefit we've found is the NT-authentication. I do believe you can do this in Smoothwall, but you can assign any amount of AD groups to each policy. Also, make adjustments to users individually makes it really flexible. It's at least made our internet more secure on students own laptops and stops any people not on the network to attach themselves onto our connection.

 

It's worth considering! It's taken a while to tweak Bloxx, but in the long-run, it's been better than any other filter I've experienced.

[Mako]

Their support is top dog

 

Is it the "Dog's Bloxx" ? Sorry, end of day. Had to be done.

[Ric_]

If you're looking for a new filter, it's also worth considering whether the solution is a Becta Accredited content filter. AFAIK only Smoothwall and NetSweeper are currently accerddited. Smoothwall was far more cost effetive when I did my comparison.

[tom_newton]

We have Bloxx. Their support is top dog (even suggesting that the issue we had - blocking google suggestions made it as a software feature in future) and the device is extremely rock-solid behind our 10-meg leased line.

 

The biggest benefit we've found is the NT-authentication. I do believe you can do this in Smoothwall, but you can assign any amount of AD groups to each policy. Also, make adjustments to users individually makes it really flexible. It's at least made our internet more secure on students own laptops and stops any people not on the network to attach themselves onto our connection.

 

It's worth considering! It's taken a while to tweak Bloxx, but in the long-run, it's been better than any other filter I've experienced.

 

Indeed you can do AD integration with Smoothie - including NTLM in transparent mode if you wish to be a bit mental about it

 

All filters require a while to tweak - unless of course you are the BOFH and blocking everything is your raison d'etre!

[SC-UK]

Never used it, but know somebody that did. The only thing I'll say is that their appliance sounds like a jet engine at takeoff. So if it's going into an office or similar, forget it!

[plexer]

If you're looking for a new filter, it's also worth considering whether the solution is a Becta Accredited content filter. AFAIK only Smoothwall and NetSweeper are currently accerddited. Smoothwall was far more cost effetive when I did my comparison.

 

From the Becta website:

 

Internet content filtering products

 

Netsweeper Inc*

SmoothWall Ltd

 

(* Re-accreditation in progress)

 

Ben

[tom_newton]

Never used it, but know somebody that did. The only thing I'll say is that their appliance sounds like a jet engine at takeoff. So if it's going into an office or similar, forget it!

 

So do ours :-/

But you can run it on your own, quiet tin as I do in my basement (otherwise t'wife complains she can hear it)

[Hollie1985]

Many Thanks for help on this, i have contacted both Smoothwall and Bloxx and requted eval from both for testing.

 

Phillip you may benefit from this Total Traffic Control Demo for Schools

[Domino]

Total overkill if all you want is filtering though.

 

And its eye-wateringly expensive

[Hollie1985]

Total overkill if all you want is filtering though.

 

And its eye-wateringly expensive

 

First point -fair enough.

Second point - I am not sure if you have seen the prices recently and it does the job. I have not heard 1 customer issue about that product on that link.

[mortstar]

I am, at the moment, moving from a Bloxx box (had for 3 years) to Network Guardian.

 

As has been said, Bloxx support has been fantastic. However, the price to replace our aging (and underpowered) Bloxx is prohibitive. In the last year the Bloxx has certainly strained under the expansion of our network. As it is a black box solution, no upgrade is possible.

 

The added features in Network Guardian look fantastic for a school environment (Flash game detection for the massive win!), price is very competitive and on my time at this forum I've only ever seen positive comments from users.

Edited January 27, 2010 by mortstar

[OutToLunch]

I have not heard 1 customer issue about that product on that link.

 

That product on that link that the company you work for is a major distributor of?

[Hollie1985]

That product on that link that the company you work for is a major distributor of?

 

 

The company i work for sell most the products mentioned on EduGeek as were a IT reseller formally known as Apricot Computers. With that one I've put a link up we have the least complaints so I'm happy to post the link on it, hope it helps you guys

[tom_newton]

The added features in Network Guardian look fantastic for a school environment (Flash game detection for the massive win!), price is very competitive and on my time at this forum I've only ever seen positive comments from users.

 

Glad you like the flash filter. I was actually lurking in the dev office next to the chap that wrote that bit when I read this post - so he's seen your feedback - cheers!

[dirtydog]

yep we have had it for a year or so and as mentioned support is fantastic! cant remember how much we paid for our setup (appliance) but it was competitive or we haggle a lot (maybe both).