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FarisKhan - PeerSpot reviewer
Enterprise System Engineer at Innolytix Pakistan Pvt Ltd
Real User
Scalable security solution deployed across multiple industries and is well priced compared to competitors
Pros and Cons
  • "The level of support provided to local companies is good. They transform their application control and other settings according to that country."
  • "Sangfor need greater exposer in the market because the market is mainly saturated by Fortinet. The user experience of Fortinet is quite different compared to NGAF. If we want to switch our users from Fortinet to NGAF, we have to convince them that the user experience will be much easier once once they start to use it."

What is our primary use case?

We have this solution deployed across multiple industries including education, pharmaceutical and different textile industries. This is a good product for network security and is popular right now. Sangfor is cheaper than well-known products like Fortinet and Palo Alto Firewall NGFS.

What is most valuable?

The level of support provided to local companies is good. They transform their application control and other settings according to that country. 

What needs improvement?

Sangfor need greater exposer in the market because the market is mainly saturated by Fortinet. The user experience of Fortinet is quite different compared to NGAF. If we want to switch our users from Fortinet to NGAF, we have to convince them that the user experience will be much easier once once they start to use it. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We have deployed many firewalls and have faced two or three faulty devices that we have to replace over a year because their power supply was faulty. Some customers use the device for over five years and they have worked fine but got slower with the time.

Buyer's Guide
Sangfor NGAF
October 2024
Learn what your peers think about Sangfor NGAF. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2024.
814,649 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This is a scalable solution. 

How are customer service and support?

I can vouch for the local support team. They are more than competitive in the market. They are always available for small and big customers. They are onsite whenever we need it and assist with any problem or deployment scenario and are willing to discuss it at any time. I would rate them a three out of five. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have previously used Fortinet. Fortinet is quite a mature product and offers so many features. Sangfor lack a bit in that area. Sangfor include a local database for URLs and other applications. When using Fortinet, you cannot block a local website by default. 

How was the initial setup?

The simple deployment of a network on NGF is quite simple and their guides are quite simple as well. The do lack visual guides that are easier for some customers to follow. It's easy to configure a normal deployment scenario for networking and ET. When it comes to high level security and highly advanced features, you need to have some experience in that area to actually apply that on this firewall.

If you're experienced, it would take two or three hour maximum, depending on how many customers are using the policy and how much detailed configuration is needed. I would rate our experience with the setup an eight out of ten. 

We have faced some of the issues after deployment with URL filtering which we have logged a ticket for. Our customers are unable to access certain websites. We have diagnosed the problem but we are unable to identify the URL signature or what is blocking the IAM and preventing access to that site. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

For over 2000 users, the cost is around 5000 to 6000 USD. If you want a web application firewall, you have to purchase an additional license for it. By default, they provide you with 10 SSL and a VPN. If you want more than 10, you have to pay more. From a pricing perspective, I would rate them a four out of five.

What other advice do I have?

They have a huge product line for large companies and we have deployed a firewall for over 5000 to 10000 users. It is suitable for all type of environments. I would advise others to spend one to two months after deployment on Sangfor to configure the many settings for security services. You have to work on it, keep looking at the logs and make changes as you go. You need this time to analyze, make future risk assessments and reconfigure the work from time to time. Only once this is done, can you consider deployment complete. 

It offers good value for money and is much cheaper compared to other firewalls. I would suggest Sangfor to those who are cost conscious. 

I would rate this solution a seven out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Daniel Gerard Diaz - PeerSpot reviewer
Computer Programmer III at Leyte Normal University
Real User
Top 20
Real-time reports are great but the filtering could be improved
Pros and Cons
  • "We can utilize our own network rather than paying for a private one."
  • "Lacks consistency in terms of filtering certain websites and applications."

What is our primary use case?

Sangfor NGAF is our gateway to the ISP. We also use it to filter the website that our employees deploy to the firewall and to access to our systems through the web. 

How has it helped my organization?

Sangfor reports on any intrusions in real-time so you can immediately whitelist or blacklist these reported intrusions. It makes our work easier because we previously only used MikroTIK which required significant manual effort. 

What is most valuable?

I really like the SSL VPN. Instead of paying for a virtual private network, we can utilize our own Internet service provider, and use our Internet connection to run access.

What needs improvement?

For some reason, Sangfor doesn't filter certain websites and applications. It should recognize them and utilize the bandwidth between applications. Also, if we try to block YouTube or Facebook videos, some users will use applications like Siphon for viewing so our bandwidth is still being utilized for non-work purposes. It might detect that somebody is using Siphon, but it cannot be blocked. It's inconsistent, sometimes one user can be blocked while another will have access. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using this solution for four years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable and it really protects our systems and the data within our company.  

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

What we are using now doesn't have the SFP+, only the gigabit ethernet ports. We need to purchase a different model to accommodate the one with SFP+ because what we have now doesn't accommodate additional expansion slots for SFP+. We probably have 100 users who communicate with our head office from outside our region.

How are customer service and support?

We don't encounter a lot of problems but if we do, there is access to 24/7 support, whether it's chat or email support. If there's an issue we make contact. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We did not used any network security solutions before

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was very straightforward and deployment took less than a day. We had one in-house person responsible for deployment and we started using the solution immediately. 

What about the implementation team?

I rate the implementation a nine out of ten.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The setup is a breeze and the pricing is definitely low when compared to the competition.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I looked into Sophos XG.

What other advice do I have?

I rate this solution an eight out of ten. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Sangfor NGAF
October 2024
Learn what your peers think about Sangfor NGAF. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2024.
814,649 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Owner at InternetWorld Solutions Sdn Bhd
Reseller
Integrates well, high performance, and responsive support
Pros and Cons
  • "Sangfor NGAF works accordingly with our customers. The solution has good performance, easy to use, and integrates well with the endpoints."

    What is our primary use case?

    Sangfor NGAF can be used as a firewall for protecting servers, data, users, and access to the internet.

    What is most valuable?

    Sangfor NGAF works accordingly with our customers. The solution has good performance, easy to use, and integrates well with the endpoints.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using Sangfor NGAF for approximately one year.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    We have sold a few units to our customers and we have not had an issue with the stability.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    We have customers in small to medium-sized companies.

    We have less than 110 customers that are using this solution.

    How are customer service and support?

    Their technical support is good, they are responsive. They have been able to resolve all of the issues that we faced.

    How was the initial setup?

    The installation is easy, and the time it takes depends on the customer's environment. Doing the policies could take additional time.

    What about the implementation team?

    We have approximately four people that support the solution. We have experience in deploying and maintaining the solution. Though the company could offer better training to us.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    Sangfor NGAF price is reasonable and there is an annual license. However, the maintenance cost can be a bit high.

    Fortinet solutions sell at a very cheap price upfront, but after that maintenance fees, which they keep increasing it can become expensive. I hope Sangfor does not follow that model.

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    I have evaluated other solutions, such as Fortinet.

    What other advice do I have?

    I would recommend this solution to others.

    I have clients that are switching from Fortinet to Sangfor NGAF because the price of Fortinet's service is increasing. Sangfor NGAF has good integration with their endpoints which makes it a very attractive offering.

    Sangfor is arranging much-needed training for resellers. There needs to be better marketing awareness not for the reseller, but for the consumer here in Malaysia. Sangfor needs to do some advertisements to attract more market awareness. Relying on resellers can be difficult when the market is very large. However, resellers do focus on their product, they also try to engage, and hire more.

    I rate Sangfor NGAF an eight out of ten.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:
    PeerSpot user
    Network Administrator at Lyceum of the philppines University
    Real User
    Top 20
    It's an affordable, feature-rich solution for blocking threats
    Pros and Cons
    • "You might try Sangfor if you are on a tight budget. The price is affordable, and Sangfor offers a lot of features. We don't have any complaints about Sangfor."
    • "The reporting and log management could be improved."

    What is our primary use case?

    We use Sangfor NGAF for security and bandwidth management. It blocks websites and applications. 

    How has it helped my organization?

    Sangfor NGAF blocks incoming security threats.

    What needs improvement?

    The reporting and log management could be improved. 

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have used Sangfor NGAF for four or five years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    I rate Sangfor 10 out of 10 for stability. We haven't had any problems so far. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    I rate Sangfor NGAF nine out of 10 for scalability. 

    How was the initial setup?

    A partner helped us set Sangfor up initially. It's complicated at first but it gets easier. 

    What was our ROI?

    I rate Sangfor NGAF nine out of 10 for ROI. 

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    I rate Sangfor NGAF eight out of 10 for affordability. We have an advanced security license that we renew every three years. 

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    We considered other solutions but ultimately went with Sangfor NGAF because of the price and value. 

    What other advice do I have?

    I rate Sangfor NGAF nine out of 10. You might try Sangfor if you are on a tight budget. The price is affordable, and Sangfor offers a lot of features. We don't have any complaints about Sangfor. 

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Senior Presales Consultant at Megaplus
    Consultant
    Great bandwidth management and vulnerability assessment
    Pros and Cons
    • "In four steps one can configure the entire firewall."
    • "I believe that IAM and NGFW need to merge into a single box, instead of there being two separate box solutions."

    What is our primary use case?

    I believe I am using the recently updated firmware of version 4.0.

    What is most valuable?

    User-wise, the bandwidth management is one of the most valuable features. Also, certain features are available in the NGFW. 

    The solution self-diagnoses everything, which we refer to as vulnerability assessment. It automatically runs on one's network and lists the pros and cons. I consider it to be very catchy. 

    What needs improvement?

    I believe that IAM and NGFW need to merge into a single box, instead of there being two separate box solutions.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been working with Sangfor NGAF for around three years.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    So far, the solution has shown itself to be very stable. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The solution is scalable and I can upgrade it to 40, which I consider to be a good thing. 

    How are customer service and technical support?

    Technical support is very good. In a single call, the support person can come on site or address ones needs remotely within minutes. 

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    Prior to Sangfor NGAF we worked with Fortinet.

    We switched because the previous solution did not readily make available support personnel. Also, while we considered the product to be stable, we felt the support to be very slow.

    How was the initial setup?

    The setup was easy from the get go. In four steps one can configure the entire firewall. 

    Give or take, it took no more than two or three hours. 

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    The price is very cheap. It cannot be matched. 

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    While Palo Alto claims to be pioneers in vulnerability assessment and risk management, I could not find references on the website to support this. Only Sangfor firewall has the requisite vulnerability assessment.

    Moreover, Palo Alto and Sangfor are pretty much equal in terms of technology and interfaces. I was doing research to verify the vulnerability and risk assessments claims promoted on the website, as I was unable to find these. 

    What other advice do I have?

    I am a customer and use Sangfor NGAF 5600 in my premises.

    There are more than 2,000 users making use of the solution in my company.

    The solution is quite safe and good. Furthermore, it is very good for different environments.

    I rate Sangfor NGAF as a nine-point-five out of ten. 

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Head Of Solutions at Mutex Systems
    Real User
    Great pricing, reliable stability, and easy to deploy
    Pros and Cons
    • "We've found the technical support to be helpful."
    • "They need to increase the number of ports in the firewall."

    What is our primary use case?

    We primarily provide this solution to our clients. We are providing services at financial institutions. We provide features based on customer requirements.

    What is most valuable?

    The solution offers some decent features. The assessment feature, for example, is a highly rated feature in Sangfor. It has options that aren't available on other products. 

    It's a very reliable solution.

    The deployment process is very straightforward. 

    The stability is excellent.

    We've found the technical support to be helpful.

    The pricing is very good.

    All the next-generation firewalls are providing the features Sangfor is already providing. It offers a good vulnerability assessment. This feature is not available on other devices. This feature allows for access to the endpoints and gives visibility to the vulnerabilities in Sangfor.

    What needs improvement?

    It would be ideal if the solution offered SD-WAN capabilities. It's not as good as what is offered by Fortinet, for example.

    They need to increase the number of ports in the firewall. Both Fortinet and Sophos, for example, provide many more than what Sangfor provides. 

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been working with the solution since about 2018. It's been a few years at this point.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The solution is very stable. We haven't had any issues with any of our customers. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's extremely reliable. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    We have about 50 different customers who have used the solution.

    How are customer service and technical support?

    The technical support is very good. Many products don't offer technical support in Pakistan. However, Sangfor does, which gives them an advantage. Their technical experts are right here and not in some other time zone or speaking some other language. If any customer faces any issues, they can go directly to the customer site. If a partner cannot rectify the situation, the customer has the option of going right to Sangfor. I would say that our clients have been satisfied so far.

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    I've previously worked with other solutions, such as Sophos and Fortinet. They are better for enterprise-sized organizations. Sangfor is better for smaller businesses. It's much more cost-effective.

    How was the initial setup?

    We did not have an issue with the initial setup. The solution has a Wizard that basically walks you through the process. It's easy. It's not overly complex or difficult to execute.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    The pricing is good. It's an affordable option for smaller companies. 

    What other advice do I have?

    We are Sangfor Gold partners.

    I'd recommend this solution for the SMB market, as it is cost-effective and reliable. If a company is enterprise-sized, something like Sophos may be more suitable. 

    I'd rate the solution at a nine out of ten.

    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
    PeerSpot user
    Director Technology & Service Delivery at Innolytix Pakistan Pvt Ltd
    Real User
    Top 5
    Simple with easy to master user interface, great support and good value
    Pros and Cons
    • "It's a very simple to use product."
    • "Occasional issues with breaches which are dealt with expediently."

    What is our primary use case?

    We are based in Pakistan and when it comes to firewalls we have partnerships with several companies - Sangfor, Sophos and Fortinet. I'm the director of technology and service.

    What is most valuable?

    Almost all vendors in this category have the same features, but the big advantage in Sangfor is that it's very easy to use. The graphical user interface is so easy that a child could configure it. The other nice thing about Sangfor is the price tag. Almost every customer is pleasantly surprised by the low cost. When you compare it with the networking and firewall leaders like Cisco, it's very good value. 

    What needs improvement?

    These days there are lots of breaches and vulnerabilities which you can see if you do some research. Sangfor has similar issues with one or two products where customers have had problems. The company deaks with these things immediately and quickly brings out new firmware to solve the issue so I'm not aware of any deficiency in the solution. If a customer finds a feature lacking, we open a ticket to support and Sangfor comes up with the appropriate new firmware within 10 days. If you were to do the same with other vendors, it would normally take four to five months to get the new feature. 

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been using the solution for two years. 

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    This is a very stable solution. 

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The scalability is good. You normally plan for a certain number of users in your environment so that you can size the firewall accordingly. Sangfor provides a buffer for growth of between 15%-30%.

    How are customer service and technical support?

    Sangfor has fabulous technical support, they are always there. If there's a problem in someone's environment, the data engineers usually visit there within no time to support them.

    How was the initial setup?

    The way it works in Pakistan is that we have Sangfor technical staff with us and they deal with the technical session, sizing and firewall recommendation, and ultimately implementation. The initial setup doesn't take long. 

    What other advice do I have?

    It's important to note that the performance of the solution depends on the initial pre-working and sizing. The sizing is handled by the company and they know their product, so they normally size it very well. They also put in provision for future growth so there's never an issue of performance.

    There's no such thing as 100% so I would rate this solution a nine out of 10. 

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
    PeerSpot user
    Deputy Manager IT at a computer software company with 201-500 employees
    Real User
    Priced well with good end-user security features, but the web interface should be more user-friendly
    Pros and Cons
    • "Sangfor has the best capabilities for securing connections, securing web browsers, securing servers, and general threat protection."
    • "The web interface needs to be improved, making it more user-friendly."

    What is our primary use case?

    We primarily use this product as an intrusion prevention system.

    How has it helped my organization?

    Sangfor has the best capabilities for securing connections, securing web browsers, securing servers, and general threat protection.

    What is most valuable?

    The most valuable part of this product is the set of end-user security features.

    What needs improvement?

    The web interface needs to be improved, making it more user-friendly.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been working Sangfor for the last 20 years. I have only recently installed the NGAF, so I am still learning about it.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial set was easy.

    What about the implementation team?

    I installed it myself.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    Sangfor is cheaper than competing vendors.

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    I evaluated several other options and found that Palo Alto and Sangfor were the best two. Ultimately, I chose Sangfor.

    Price-wise, Sangfor was cheaper than the others and Palo Alto was more expensive than Fortinet.

    What other advice do I have?

    My advice is that if you have a large enough budget then implement Palo Alto. Alternatively, with a lesser budget, I recommend using Sangfor.

    I would rate this solution a seven out of ten.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Public Cloud
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Buyer's Guide
    Download our free Sangfor NGAF Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
    Updated: October 2024
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    Buyer's Guide
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