IBM Security Network IPS vs Zscaler Cloud IPS comparison

IBM and Zscaler are both solutions in the Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS) category. IBM is ranked #23, while Zscaler is ranked #16 with an average rating of 9.5. IBM holds a 0.6% mindshare in ID, compared to Zscaler’s 1.4% mindshare. Additionally, 80% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Zscaler users who would recommend it.

IBM Security Network IPS

Read 4 IBM Security Network IPS reviews

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164 Comparison Views

80% willing to recommend

Zscaler Cloud IPS

Read 5 Zscaler Cloud IPS reviews

420 Views
291 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

IBM Security Network IPS

Zscaler Cloud IPS

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 19, 2024

IBM Security Network IPS and Zscaler Cloud IPS are competing products in the cybersecurity market, focusing on intrusion prevention systems. Zscaler Cloud IPS stands out due to its robust cloud-based features, making it the preferred choice for many users.

Features: IBM Security Network IPS provides strong on-premises protection with advanced threat intelligence, anomaly detection, and comprehensive support. Zscaler Cloud IPS offers scalable cloud-native security features, automatic updates, and zero-trust architecture for seamless integration across distributed networks.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Zscaler Cloud IPS has a straightforward and quick cloud-based deployment model, suitable for global implementation with minimal disruption. Its centralized online resources offer prompt support. IBM Security Network IPS requires more extensive setup due to its on-premises nature but provides dedicated support channels.

Pricing and ROI: IBM Security Network IPS involves a higher initial capital expenditure due to hardware requirements, providing ROI through strong defense capabilities. Zscaler Cloud IPS has a flexible subscription model with lower upfront costs, offering immediate ROI with rapid scaling and reduced hardware dependency. Each product manages financial commitments appealing to different organizational budgeting preferences.

To learn more, read our detailed IBM Security Network IPS vs. Zscaler Cloud IPS Report (Updated: April 2025).

Buyer's Guide

IBM Security Network IPS vs. Zscaler Cloud IPS

April 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

IBM Security Network IPS

Ranking in Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS)

23rd

Average Rating

7.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Zscaler Cloud IPS

Ranking in Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS)

16th

Average Rating

9.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS) category, the mindshare of IBM Security Network IPS is 0.6%, down from 0.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Zscaler Cloud IPS is 1.4%, up from 1.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS)

Featured Reviews

Jacob_Koithra

Project & Program manager at Shell Grp

User-friendly and has a good blocking feature but is quite expensive

Defining the new security rules and policies sometimes becomes a challenge. Integration with other platforms becomes a challenge as well. I'd like to see more integration with other tools and technologies. XGS 7100 has an end of support for the 30th of December 2022. Many are losing support. All the products of the XGS, including XGS 3100, 4100, 5100, and 7100, support is ending in December 2022. We need to know what is the plan post that? Do we need to spend money on them? Will that be extended? There has been no communication on the website either. It's an expensive device.

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Atdhe Zyhranaj

Network Security Consultant at NSCON Network Services & Consulting GmbH

It allows for a separation between cloud applications and URL filtering

We recently had a significant issue with Zscaler. I think they have too many customers and some of their connection edge nodes went down because there were too many requests. I think they aren't scaling enough to keep up with the demand in some areas. That's one thing they should improve.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The most valuable feature is its simplicity."

"The initial setup is simple."

"The best feature is that Zscaler allows for a separation between cloud applications and URL filtering. For example, under the cloud application segment, I can bypass Microsoft Office 365 without the need to add URLs manually. It's one click, so that's handy."

"The product's most valuable feature is complete SSL inspection."

"The initial setup process is easy."

"The initial setup is straightforward and easy in comparison with other solutions."

"Cloud IPS integration is seamless, and it uses a Zero Trust model. It also simplifies overall user access management."

Cons

"In the future, I would like to see a hybrid option so that we can work both on-premises and in the cloud."

"I'd like to see more integration with other tools and technologies."

"We encounter issues sharing IP addresses with other companies using the software."

"They have given limited free access for a year. Instead, they should increase the file size and give limited free access for around two months. It will allow engineers to evaluate the product."

"There is always room for improvement."

"We recently had a significant issue with Zscaler. I think they have too many customers and some of their connection edge nodes went down because there were too many requests. I think they aren't scaling enough to keep up with the demand in some areas. That's one thing they should improve."

"When it comes to scalability, the IPsec could be improved."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The cost of operations is very low."

"The software has become more expensive at present."

"Zscaler has so far been solely responsible for all the sales we have done with it, so it would be more suited than us to address any issues concerning the pricing."

"The product is not affordable for small and medium enterprises."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

No data available

Financial Services Firm

13%

Computer Software Company

12%

Manufacturing Company

12%

Healthcare Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Questions from the Community

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What do you like most about Zscaler Cloud IPS?

The product's most valuable feature is complete SSL inspection.

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Zscaler Cloud IPS?

The product is not affordable for small and medium enterprises.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Zscaler Cloud IPS?

They have given limited free access for a year. Instead, they should increase the file size and give limited free access for around two months. It will allow engineers to evaluate the product.

See all answers

Comparisons

No data available

Claroty Platform vs Zscaler Cloud IPS

Compared 44% of the time

Cisco Sourcefire SNORT vs Zscaler Cloud IPS

Compared 31% of the time

Palo Alto Networks URL Filtering with PAN-DB vs Zscaler Cloud IPS

Compared 25% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS)

April 2025

Download IBM Security Network IPS product report

Buyer's Guide

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS)

April 2025

Download Zscaler Cloud IPS product report

Also Known As

Security Network Intrusion Prevention System, IBM Security Network Protection, XGS, GX

No data available

Overview

IBM Security Network Intrusion Prevention System appliances are designed to stop constantly evolving threats before they impact your business. This means providing both high levels of protection and performance, while lowering the overall cost and complexity associated with deploying and managing a large number of point solutions.

IBM

Zscaler Cloud IPS enables you to have all threat and alert data in one place. Full user, file and app context is available. Streaming to a SIEM allows further integration into the SOC ecosystem.

The Zscaler Threat Library allows administrators and SOC personnel to drill down on IPS alerts to perform in-depth analysis of threat data within their installation. Search by vulnerability, category or keyword

For more details: https://www.zscaler.com/produc...

Zscaler

Sample Customers

Equifax, Christian Hospital Centre

Zenith Live, Azure, Carlsberg Group

Buyer's Guide

IBM Security Network IPS vs. Zscaler Cloud IPS

April 2025

Free Report: IBM Security Network IPS vs. Zscaler Cloud IPS

Find out what your peers are saying about IBM Security Network IPS vs. Zscaler Cloud IPS and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.

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