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it_user846270 - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior IT Infrastructure Solutions Engineer at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Cloud portal allows me to manage firewall from any location; interface is user-friendly
Pros and Cons
  • "Valuable features include: the ease of setting up the VPN connection; the fact they have the cloud management option, so I can manage the firewall on a cloud platform from anywhere I am; the user interface is very user-friendly, so it's very easy for the administrator to make any policy changes."
  • "I would like the update process to be easier, to update the firmware of the boxes. I think it's much better automatically than having to do it manually: Download the file, do network discovery. I they can make the update process much more automatic that would help."

What is our primary use case?

We use it for VPN connectivity with remote sites, as well as general IPS and IDS.

It's a satisfactory solution so far, no problems. It's very easy to use, and we have technical support for any issues, so it's quite good.

How has it helped my organization?

It's cost-effective. We are not that big a company. It gives us the features that we need.

What is most valuable?

  • The ease of setting up the VPN connection. 
  • The fact they have the cloud management option, I can manage it on a cloud platform. So anywhere I am, I can always manage the firewall.
  • The user interface is very user-friendly, so it's very easy for the administrator to make any policy changes.

What needs improvement?

I would like the update process to be easier, to update the firmware of the boxes. I think it's much better automatically than having to do it manually: Download the file, do network discovery. If they can make the update process much more automatic that would help.

Buyer's Guide
Sophos XG
December 2024
Learn what your peers think about Sophos XG. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2024.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability, so far, is actually quite good. I think the only issue we have had is some flapping on the connection, but it was a bug. The support is quite good, so the issue was resolved in no time at all. We have not had many issues at all. It's been working fine.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I don't think this applies in our own case because we just bought the medium-range box, so it's adequate for our needs.

How are customer service and support?

It's very good, very responsive, and they resolve our issues in no time at all.

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

We were previously using a different solution, a Cisco ASA firewall, but it was not a next-generation of firewall, next-generation meaning it can do unified threat management. We wanted a new solution that would also give us next-generation features, like anti-malware and end-point management and the like. That informed our choice of Sophos.

When selecting a vendor, the stability of the solution and then the technical support are very important. Also, the cost-to-reward ratio, the value we get from the product compared to what we pay for it. In addition, ease of management; how easy is it to manage? If it's too complex to manage it's a problem because you don't want to spend too much time managing it.

How was the initial setup?

It was completely straightforward, but our internal network is not that complex.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We evaluated Sophos vs Fortinet and Sophos vs Cisco

The cost of Sophos was more competitive compared to the rest. We also considered the management and it was easier to manage than the rest. That's how we came to our conclusion.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate it an eight out of 10. I don't rate it "perfect" because it can always improve. But the features that come along with Sophos are very, very extensive. It gives me so many options, the ability to remotely manage my firewall from anywhere, given the cloud portal. The solution hasn't given us too many problems at all, and even when we did have an issue, it was resolved.

My advice is to take advantage of the trials, they have a trial on their website where you can see how the cloud management works; you can have a free account for one month and play around with it and see how easy it is to manage. That way you can know if it can handle the services you are going to require. Take advantage of training on their website as well. Check the industry ratings, they are pretty highly rated.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
MelvynLee - PeerSpot reviewer
MelvynLeeNetwork Cooperations at STEVENSON ASTROSAT LIMITED
Real User

Good advice. Thanks. I am currently coparing the Sophos XG125 against the Fortigate 60E. Both close on performance and facilities but I suspect Sophos is going to be cheaper.

reviewer1142115 - PeerSpot reviewer
CIO at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Real User
Useful VPN, helpful vendor implementation, and quick support
Pros and Cons
  • "One of the most valuable features is the VPN."
  • "Sophos XG should improve on the GDPR features involving data protection and encryption. Security regarding data protection is important."

What is our primary use case?

We use Sophos XG to protect our perimeter network and internet access.

What is most valuable?

One of the most valuable features is the VPN.

What needs improvement?

Sophos XG should improve on the GDPR features involving data protection and encryption. Security regarding data protection is important.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Sophos XG since they bought Astaro, and it has been for approximately 15 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Sophos XG is stable. We've been using it for a long time. We had a lot of proposals from other vendors, but we decided to stick with Sophos.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have found Sophos XG to be scalable.

We have approximately 150 people using the solution which includes people that do not know they are using it, collaborators, and administrators that work on it.

How are customer service and support?

We had to use support a few times and the answers we received were straightforward and in a timely manner.

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

We were using other solutions previously. However, Sophos bought the companies that created them. We kept using the same solution but the name has changed.

How was the initial setup?

The implementation of Sophos XG is not as straightforward as we would expect in the latest versions.

What about the implementation team?

We used a company to do the implementation of Sophos XG. The process did not take very long, it took them approximately two weeks. It did not seem that difficult. Our experience with the vendor's support was very good.

We have a team of four that work on the Sophos XG for maintenance. They are not working on it full-time but they are all skilled to intervene if needed, and the first line of support for the solution.

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

Sophos XG is a very good solution, and it's cheaper than most of the other vendors. It is really affordable.

We are on a three-year license to use the solution.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I have evaluated other solutions, such as Check Point.

What other advice do I have?

My advice to those wanting to implement this solution would be training is required for the implementation.

I rate Sophos XG an eight out of ten.

I'm aware that there are other solutions that are probably better than Sophos XG, such as Check Point. However, I still find that it's a very good solution for small to mid-size companies.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Sophos XG
December 2024
Learn what your peers think about Sophos XG. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2024.
831,265 professionals have used our research since 2012.
IT Technician at Zimbabwe School of MInes
Real User
Useful dashboards, good graphical interface, and scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features are the reporting, dashboards, and graphical user interface. It gives a good overall picture of what is happening over the network."
  • "There have been some issues when upgrading. For some reason, parts of the configuration become unconfigured, I then have to reconfigure it. I should not need to keep reconfiguring it after upgrades."

What is our primary use case?

I am using Sophos XG for network security.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features are the reporting, dashboards, and graphical user interface. It gives a good overall picture of what is happening over the network.

What needs improvement?

There have been some issues when upgrading. For some reason, parts of the configuration become unconfigured, I then have to reconfigure it. I should not need to keep reconfiguring it after upgrades.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for approximately four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable.

How are customer service and technical support?

There needs to be more tutorials and documentation. I have not done a lot of configuration because I need more training.

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

We were previously using Cyberoam.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was not difficult to complete. I have not been trained as a Sophos administrator and it would have been easier if I had training. 

What other advice do I have?

I recommend this solution to others.

I rate Sophos XG a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1452045 - PeerSpot reviewer
Founder & Chief Operating Officer at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Real User
Secure, reliable access, with good support that responds promptly
Pros and Cons
  • "It is easy to implement."
  • "It is already secure but it could be better in terms of other breaches that may occur."

What is our primary use case?

We use Sophos XG to provide access to our internal environment, to our infrastructure for our clients.

What is most valuable?

It is easy to implement.

It is very secure, which is why we have chosen it.

What needs improvement?

It is already secure but it could be better in terms of other breaches that may occur.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the latest version of Sophos XG for a few months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It's a stable solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Sophos XG is scalable.

This solution is being used by approximately 800 to 1,000 people.

How are customer service and technical support?

Technical support is very good. They are very prompt.

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

I have not used any other solutions before using Sophos XG.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward. It is easy to install and it only took a few hours to do.

You only need one person to maintain this solution.

What about the implementation team?

We have an in-house team to install and deploy the solution. We did not use an integrator.

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

We pay our licensing fees yearly.

I don't think that it is expensive when you compare it with other solutions available on the market.

What other advice do I have?

We have not had any issues with this solution. I would recommend it and my advice is that people should definitely try it out.

I would rate Sophos XG a nine or a ten 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
IT Manager , SAP HANA Administrator at Tara Paints & Chemicals
Real User
Overall work well, reliable, but reporting needs more information
Pros and Cons
  • "Overall the solution works well."
  • "The reporting could be improved in this solution by adding more details."

What is most valuable?

Overall the solution works well.

What needs improvement?

The reporting could be improved in this solution by adding more details.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for approximately five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

There used to be problems with the stability of the solution a few years ago but now the solution is stable and reliable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have approximately 400 users using this solution in my company and we plan to increase usage in the future.

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support has been good.

How was the initial setup?

The initial installation is straightforward.

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

The solution is priced well.

What other advice do I have?

I am satisfied with the solution.

I rate Sophos XG 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
reviewer1418730 - PeerSpot reviewer
Director at a consultancy with 1-10 employees
Reseller
Feature rich, useful QoS function, and straightforward installation
Pros and Cons
  • "The valuable features of this solution are the VPN, load balancer, and the QoS for splitting the ISP band."
  • "The reports could improve, they do not seem complete and more information could be added."

What is our primary use case?

I use this solution for a firewall and proxy server.

What is most valuable?

The valuable features of this solution are the VPN, load balancer, and the QoS for splitting the ISP band.

What needs improvement?

The reports could improve, they do not seem complete and more information could be added.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for approximately two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I am very happy with the stability of the solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

There are currently five people using this solution in my organization.

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support is good and they provided me assistance through email.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is easy. It takes approximately three hours to install.

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

There is a license required for this solution that is priced well and all the features are included.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution, it is very good.

I rate Sophos XG a ten out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
PeerSpot user
Senior Executive IT at Mattsen Kumar LLC
Real User
After four years, we've never had a complaint from a customer
Pros and Cons
  • "We created and configured a VPN for connecting our remote sites and also to make it more secure and reliable. We also like its two-factor authentication features."
  • "The support service level agreement in regard to the amount of time needed to upgrade things is too low. It should be higher."

What is our primary use case?

We mainly use this solution for team meetings. We also implemented the LAN control for Sophos XG.

How has it helped my organization?

We have been dealing with this solution for the past four years and we haven't had any challenges or complaints from any of our clients.

What is most valuable?

We created and configured a VPN for connecting our remote sites to make them more secure and reliable. We also like its two-factor authentication features.

What needs improvement?

The support service level agreement in regard to the amount of time needed to upgrade things is too low. It should be higher.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Sophos XG for roughly four years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This solution is both stable and secure.

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support is good enough. 

What other advice do I have?

I would absolutely recommend this solution to others. It's far better than other solutions available on the market right now. This solution could benefit any organization. 

Overall, on a scale from one to ten, I would give this solution a rating of nine. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
IT Support Executive at a healthcare company with 51-200 employees
Real User
A stable and economical solution but there's room for a more customizable graphical interface
Pros and Cons
  • "I recommend the solution due to its ease of use and pricing."
  • "An area of improvement would be the reporting as diagnostic graphs take a long time to load and refresh. If there could be an option to show only select graphs, it may speed up the graphics."

What is our primary use case?

Our main use case of this solution is to support internal clients with virus scanning on laptops and on critical processors.


What needs improvement?

An area of improvement would be the reporting as diagnostic graphs take a long time to load and refresh. If there could be an option to show only select graphs, it may speed up the graphics.

Most of the time we don't use the disk usage, memory or CPU graphs. The main graph we watch is the bandwidth usage.

Additionally, their previous update contained many bugs. They need to ensure that, before releasing a new version, there are not so many bugs.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable.

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

We previously used Caveo Systems, but that was about 10 years ago.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is very easy. The licensing and setting up of firewall rules takes some time, but the full deployment took about an hour.


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

The pricing is economical.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend the solution due to its ease of use and pricing.

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
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Updated: December 2024
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