Netgate vs Palo Alto Networks

pfSense is an open source firewall/router computer software distribution based on FreeBSD. pfSense is commonly deployed as a perimeter firewall, router, wireless access point, DHCP server, DNS server, and as a VPN endpoint. pfSense supports installation of 3rd party packages like Snort or Squid through its Package Manager. The name was derived from the fact that it helps make the stateful packet-filtering tool PF make more sense to non-technical users.

Palo Alto Networks is a multinational cybersecurity company widely recognized for its advanced security solutions aimed at preventing cyberattacks and securing various segments of IT infrastructure. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services designed to secure applications, data, and networks across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. Palo Alto differentiates itself through its strong integration capabilities, enabling seamless interoperability with a wide range of third-party applications and services within its ecosystem. The company's solutions cater to diverse environments, including cloud-native applications, on-premises data centers, and hybrid scenarios, making it a versatile choice for enterprises. Palo Alto Networks offers bundled solutions that combine various products and services, providing cost-effective options for customers. Additionally, the company is known for its strong customer support and professional services, offering various levels of support plans to meet different organizational needs. Core Offerings: Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs): Palo Alto Networks is perhaps best known for its advanced firewalls designed to provide network security, visibility, and granular control of network traffic based on applications, users, and content. Cloud Security: Their Prisma Cloud platform offers extensive cloud security capabilities, ensuring compliance, data protection, and threat prevention across various cloud environments, including AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure. Advanced Threat Protection: They offer solutions for detecting and responding to advanced threats using AI and machine learning, such as WildFire for malware analysis and AutoFocus for threat intelligence. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): Combining networking and security functions into a unified cloud service to support the dynamic secure access needs of organizations' distributed workforces.