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Entereprise Architect at Martplus
Real User
Stable and affordable
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of Sophos XGS for me are XGS IPS, SD-WAN, VPN setup, email protection, and integration with endpoint security."
  • "Areas for improvement in Sophos XGS include better balance when handling high availability configurations, smoother firmware upgrades without the need for turning off devices, and simplified configuration after firmware updates."

What is our primary use case?

We typically use Sophos XGS for things like (UTM, acting as a proxy, managing routing, and for point-to-point connections.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of Sophos XGS for me are XGS IPS, SD-WAN, VPN setup, email protection, and integration with endpoint security.

What needs improvement?

Areas for improvement in Sophos XGS include better balance when handling high availability configurations, smoother firmware upgrades without the need for turning off devices, and simplified configuration after firmware updates.

In the next release of Sophos XGS, I would like to see improvements in log searching within the interface and more functionality available without needing to go to the command line, especially for troubleshooting purposes.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Sophos XGS for five years.

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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Sophos XGS is stable and resilient, even in environments with power fluctuations and instability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability with Sophos XGS is generally good, but there can be frustrations with switches when setting up VPNs. I would rate the scalability as a four out of ten.

I believe the scalability of Sophos XGS can be improved, especially when compared to competitors like Palo Alto and Check Point. While it is a good product, there is room for enhancement to compete better in scalability challenges.

How are customer service and support?

I would rate the technical support as a seven out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

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

Before Sophos XGS, I used Check Point, Palo Alto, and Cisco data solutions. I switched to Sophos because it is more affordable.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Sophos XGS is generally simple, especially for basic internet access with default features, but more complex configurations may have some difficulties. Overall, it is quick and stable.

It took less than an hour and a half to deploy Sophos XGS initially, including setting up internet access and basic firewall rules. However, migrating from older versions to the new setup took longer due to compatibility issues with the old settings.

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

Sophos XGS is quite affordable.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I would rate Sophos XGS as a seven out of ten. I would recommend it to others.

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.
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Manager IT SOLUTIONS DELIVERY at Al Hiba IT Service
Real User
Top 5
Supports integration and has good support
Pros and Cons
  • "I think Sophos technical support's immediate response is good compared to Fortinet's. If the technical engineer is good, they get the solution immediately. If not, it might take two days. For improvement, immediate response is required, whether by email, phone call, or WhatsApp. Sometimes, we can't wait three or four days for a solution. In urgent situations, we might use a spare Sophos device while waiting for support."
  • "Sophos XGS changes every two years, so we must update our knowledge. We can only test it with real requirements or problems to find scalability and reliability. We can't find these in normal testing. We can see reviews based on Gartner reports, but sometimes, we really feel problems. It can create many issues, even compatibility problems with fiber modules. Only system integrators or installers find these problems."

What needs improvement?

Sophos XGS changes every two years, so we must update our knowledge. We can only test it with real requirements or problems to find scalability and reliability. We can't find these in normal testing. We can see reviews based on Gartner reports, but sometimes, we really feel problems. It can create many issues, even compatibility problems with fiber modules. Only system integrators or installers find these problems.

How are customer service and support?

I think Sophos technical support's immediate response is good compared to Fortinet's. If the technical engineer is good, they get the solution immediately. If not, it might take two days. For improvement, immediate response is required, whether by email, phone call, or WhatsApp. Sometimes, we can't wait three or four days for a solution. In urgent situations, we might use a spare Sophos device while waiting for support.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend what my customer needs and what fulfills their requirements. I suggest products based on price, quality, scalability, and reliability. Customers now ask for specific features at a certain price, not product names. I'm a system integrator and face technical support problems before implementation. I need pre-sales tech reports. If the distributor and support are good, I'll support that product even if the price is high. Urgent deliveries can be a problem if distributors don't cooperate.

I don't blame any product; all are good nowadays. Cisco products have high prices and compatibility issues. Fortinet has easy power replacement, while the tool needs specific adapters. I rate Sophos XGS seven to eight out of ten. Some models are very good, others not so much. It depends on the project, market, price, and features needed.

Nowadays, we have to integrate everything. Most products support this at some level.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
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Sophos XGS
October 2024
Learn what your peers think about Sophos XGS. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.
ErcanSonmez - PeerSpot reviewer
Information Technology Manager at OPLOG
Real User
Easy to use with a good interface but has been crashing
Pros and Cons
  • "The product was easy for us to install."
  • "It has recently started to suddenly block and crash."

What is most valuable?

The interface is great.

It's a very easy-to-use product.

The product was easy for us to install. 

The pricing is okay. 

What needs improvement?

We've had many problems lately. We're having issues with its firmware, now, and we are trying to fix it with the supplier, the Sophos supplier in Turkey. 

It has recently started to suddenly block and crash. We don't know what will happen. We're not sure if it is the device or something else. We're trying to fix the problem with Sophos. 

It's not extremely scalable. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for six months. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I'm not sure what the issue is, however, it has been crashing and we're trying to find a fix or a solution. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I don't find the solution to be very scalable. 

We have 300 people using it right now. 

How are customer service and support?

We're working with a Sophos supplier in Turkey. When we run into issues, we reach out to them. We're dealing with them right now. 

How was the initial setup?

The installation process was very simple and straightforward. It wasn't overly complex or difficult. For us, the deployment took about two days. 

You only need two people to maintain the product. It's not labor-intensive. 

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

I'm not sure of the exact amount we paid, however, compared to other firewalls, the pricing isn't too bad. 

What other advice do I have?

I'm a customer and an end-user. 

We bought three devices from Sophos. We're just dealing with some issues with crashing right now.

I'd rate the solution five out of ten. 

Potential new users should clearly investigate other firewall models. They need to be sure of what they pick before they pay for any solution.

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.
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reviewer1449147 - PeerSpot reviewer
RSSI at a energy/utilities company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Stable, simple initial setup, but lacking features
Pros and Cons
  • "The initial setup is straightforward."
  • "Sophos XGS could improve by having a Network Access Control(NAC). This feature is a basic function in other firewalls and should be added, such as Palo Alto."

What is our primary use case?

I use Sophos XGS as an alternative gateway and we are using all the new generation firewall functionalities, such as EPS and antivirus.

How has it helped my organization?

We are using the WAF functionalities of Sophos XGS which has helped the organization.

What needs improvement?

Sophos XGS could improve by having a Network Access Control(NAC). This feature is a basic function in other firewalls and should be added, such as Palo Alto.

The SD-WAN functionality should be reviewed because there are some devices that don't work well. For example, in Palo Alto, the SD-WAN functionality is more efficient.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Sophos XGS for approximately four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Sophos XGS is a stable solution.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support from Sophos XGS is good. We reach out to them if there is a serious problem. We have opened approximately four tickets with them.

I rate the support for Sophos XGS a two out of five.

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

I have used many other solutions, such as Palo Alto, Fortinet, and Cisco. Sophos XGS rates are at the bottom of the list compared to many solutions.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward.

I would rate the initial setup of Sophos XGS three out of five.

What about the implementation team?

We have a team of three or four people who administer Sophos XGS.

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

Once you pay for the Sophos XGS hardware there is no license required. There are additional costs if you want the support. We have purchased support for three years.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Sophos XGS a six 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.
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Rotimi Omotayo-Benson - PeerSpot reviewer
Technical architect at boldbytesng
Reseller
Stable firewall that has prevented ransomware from encrypting one of the systems
Pros and Cons
  • "It is very stable. I have not heard of any issue where clients would have to replace hardware. It's been really stable for a long while."
  • "The support team are helpful when you eventually get hold of them which takes a long time. They can improve how quickly you get technical support."

What is our primary use case?

It is a firewall appliance that is used to provide security for network infrastructures. We have it deployed at the edge of our network and we also sell it to other clients to protect their network infrastructure. 

What is most valuable?

This solution is really easy to use and deploy. It has a dashboard where you can see everything going on within your network. There is also a cloud component so if you need to secure your computers or servers, this can be done using Central Intercept X Advances. Everything is connected to their cloud platform where you can manage either your end point solution or your firewalls.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for five years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is very stable. I have not heard of any issue where clients would have to replace hardware. It's been really stable for a long while.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This is a scalable solution. This does depend on the are different categories of the XGS. The license you buy would be determined by the number of users intended to use it. 

How are customer service and support?

The support team are helpful when you eventually get hold of them which takes a long time. They can improve how quickly you get technical support.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward and takes 15 minutes. The time it takes to setup depends on what you're trying to achieve and how complex you want your configuration to be. 

What about the implementation team?

We completed the implementation in-house for our business and for some of our clients. 

What was our ROI?

We have started seeing ROI using this solution because one of their products helps you to prevent ransomware. It has helped to prevent ransomware from encrypting one of the systems of one of our staff. That is a huge return on investment

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

The cost is $10,000 for an annual subscription. 

What other advice do I have?

This is a good product for small and medium enterprises. I can't say how it performs in a large environment. It is a very stable solution. Just like every other product, you need to have someone that has the necessary skill set to manage it. Somebody needs to learn how to set it up and configure it depending on the environment.

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: Reseller
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Mayur_Patel - PeerSpot reviewer
Chief Commercial Officer at Mp Online
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Enables us to have better security with comprehensive control and policy features
Pros and Cons
  • "I find DLP, API, IP, SDK, and web control to be valuable features."
  • "I recommend Sophos XGS because it is easy to use, more secure, and scalable."
  • "All the security features could be better."
  • "All the security features could be better."

What is our primary use case?

I am a customer and end-user support using Sophos XGS.

How has it helped my organization?

Sophos XGS has provided good efficiency and good sharing.

What is most valuable?

I find DLP, API, IP, SDK, and web control to be valuable features. I also like the dynamic roles, application visibility, and policy test.

What needs improvement?

All the security features could be better.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used Sophos XGS for one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution has high stability, rated ten out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is highly scalable, rated ten out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

I rate the customer service and support as ten out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

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

Before Sophos XGS, I used a CyberPro product, however, it was outdated and did not provide sufficient support.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was easy, and the documentation was very well-written.

What about the implementation team?

The deployment was done in-house by three to four people.

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

The pricing of Sophos XGS is not very high or very low; it's medium.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend Sophos XGS because it is easy to use, more secure, and scalable.

I'd rate the solution ten out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Other
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Head of IT at a consultancy with 11-50 employees
Real User
Affordable security features enhance network efficiency with readily available support
Pros and Cons
  • "Sophos XGS is cost effective and provides all necessary security features and throughput."
  • "I have no issues with the stability of the product and love using it."
  • "The user interface has improved significantly over the past few years, and having a more competitive price model could make it a preferable choice for customers."

What is our primary use case?

I use Sophos XGS for networking purposes, particularly for wireless LAN and security. It is used as a firewall.

What is most valuable?

Sophos XGS is cost effective and provides all necessary security features and throughput. It includes internal control policy and security features comparable to other brands like Cisco but at a more affordable price.

What needs improvement?

The user interface has improved significantly over the past few years, and having a more competitive price model could make it a preferable choice for customers. It would be beneficial if Sophos XGS offered an end-to-end solution with competitive pricing.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Sophos products for more than four years, specifically using the XGS product for about two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I have no issues with the stability of the product and love using it.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability is possible with Sophos XGS, and I would rate it an eight out of ten for scalability.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support from Sophos is always available and not a challenge.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

For technical people like me and my team, setting up Sophos XGS is not difficult. The setup process is manageable for those who know the basics and core of the technology.

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

If the pricing model is more flexible or lower, it would be highly preferable, making it a more competitive option for users.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Palo Alto and Fortinet are some of the competitors. However, Sophos is preferred due to its cost-effectiveness and comprehensive feature set.

What other advice do I have?

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Other
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Vikas-Gupta - PeerSpot reviewer
Director at Eon Networks
Real User
Top 10
Contributes to the reduction of the overall security costs of businesses
Pros and Cons
  • "Sophos XGS has contributed to the reduction of the overall security costs of our company's customers."
  • "I feel Sophos should add more telemetry data to its products...Right now, I think there are only less than a dozen vendors or OEMs supported by Sophos."

What is most valuable?

The major support that my company gets from Sophos is in the areas of web and content filtering. Users are able to filter out the web traffic, so they can consume whatever they need, and they can stop at the gateway level whatever they don't need. If social networking websites are not required for my company's developers, I can stop them right away. The categorization of the websites is pretty good, and people are very happy when they can do the customization. If users need to have some kind of exceptions, they can go for the exceptions very easily without any disturbance to the other end users. The best part of the product is associated with its web and content filtering features.

What needs improvement?

As my company does not cater to the needs of customers with very large networks, I haven't faced any challenges with Sophos XGS and my company is happy with the solution till date.

When it comes to the telemetry data, which comes under what you call the tool's service part, better known as MDR, I feel Sophos should add more telemetry data to its products. The tool should support multiple vendors and multiple OEMs. Right now, I think there are only less than a dozen vendors or OEMs supported by Sophos. I feel Sophos should support tools from more vendors.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Sophos XGS for four years.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

When it comes to the process of scaling up, it is okay upto 5,000 users that I manage. Sophos has the appliances to cater to the requirements of 5,000 user networks and I know it because it is the customer range in which I deal. I don't go to a customer or a client that has more than 5,000 user networks.

How are customer service and support?

The solution's technical support is excellent. I rate the technical support a ten out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

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

My company does deal with other vendors in the market, but we feel that Sophos XGS is much more customizable and a readily available solution. A good thing about my company is that we have very good hands-on expertise, especially in areas like pre-sales and post-sales, where we have tech teams that are well-versed in areas like technologies, training, and modules while also ensuring that they stay up-to-date so that the team has all the sufficient knowledge to support themselves and also our customers' networks.

How was the initial setup?

The product's initial setup phase is very straightforward. The GUI and everything else associated with the product are very straightforward.

The solution can be implemented in a couple of hours.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Only very large enterprise customers will have an edge with a tool similar to Sophos XGS because they have that kind of device and hardware, which can cater to around 10,000 or 20,000 user networks. My company does not deal with any large enterprise-sized customers, and so we are happy with Sophos.

What other advice do I have?

Speaking about how the tool is deployed in our company's customers' network environment, I would say that it is done at the gateway level. With the gateway-level firewall, my company protects the network of our customers by applying the firewall, as well as the endpoint security, both provided by Sophos.

Speaking about the tool's threat intelligence capabilities on security posture, I would say that after content filtering, it obviously comes to threat monitoring. Sophos has SophosLabs, and it always gets updated. Users need not worry about the new threats or new landscapes coming in, as Sophos will take care of the aforementioned areas by default. Users need not depend on any third party for threat intelligence as the tool is sufficient to manage any kind of threat.

Sophos XGS has contributed to the reduction of the overall security costs of our company's customers. The biggest good point about the tool is related to the area of sizing. Sophos offers firewall tools for each and every size of the network. Irrespective of whether I have a small network in a branch office or a large network, I can get the appliances from Sophos to fit any size. I need not worry even if I am a company with just 25 users, as I need not spend lakhs of rupees. If I have a large network, even then, my hardware will be sufficient enough, and the cost offered by Sophos is obviously very competitive compared to the solutions offered by competitors in the markets.

Considering the sales, support, and post-sales services, I rate the tool a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
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Download our free Sophos XGS Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: October 2024
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Buyer's Guide
Download our free Sophos XGS Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.