WELS: [Welstech] filter

[Ben and Jessie Polzin]

I know an LES in the Madison area is using a Barracuda web filter, but I
moved right after they installed it so I don't have much feedback other than
that it seemed to work well in the first few weeks. Maybe someone from there
who is reading can chime in. I remember thinking the Barracuda products were
pretty expensive up front, but never got to do a TCO comparison over 3 or 5
years after you throw in the cost of subscriptions.
I've also really liked SonicWall's products. It's also a gateway with other
features rather than just a web filtering appliance. Their new TZ210 series
looks to be a really solid product.

Similar to the SonicWalls, Fortinet's Fortigate product is also very good.
Before SonicWall launched their TZ210 appliance, Fortinet would come in
cheaper with better performance. Now I think SonicWall's TZ210 makes them
very competitive. Unfortunately, it's hard to find a partner who handles
both products in order to get a good TCO comparison.

Linksys by Cisco is supposed to have some new gateways that partner with
Trend and/or WebSense for Antivirus/Spyware/Web filtering. Even though I'm a
Cisco engineer, I'd say stay away from these for the time being.

If anyone else has suggestions for software-based products that are FOSS and
how they perform in a typical LES setting I'd love to hear them. This stuff
gets expensive quickly and stays that way due to the necessary
subscriptions.



On Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 06:33, Joshua Schoeneck <Joshua at kmlhs.org> wrote:

>  I've never used Barracuda products, but have heard good things about
> them.  We use Lightspeed Systems Total Traffic Control which does content
> filtering and virus protection and a number of other things.  I've been
> pleased with it so far.  If you are looking for just basic content
> filtering, the free service from OpenDNS is very good.  I use it on top of
> my Lightspeed box and have recommended it to a couple of grade schools
> looking for an inexpensive solution.  I am also looking into the open source
> product Untangle (actually a collection of open source products) for
> possible use at my children's grade school.
>
>  - - -
> Joshua J. Schoeneck
> Director of Technology
> Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School
> 3399 Division Road
> Jackson, WI 53037-9707
> phone: 262-677-4051 x2318
> fax: 262-677-4290
> e-mail: joshua at kmlhs.org
> web: kmlhs.org
>
> Be *strong* and *courageous*. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,
> for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
>
>
> >>>
>   *From: * "Ryan Rosenthal" <rrosenthal2 at new.rr.com> *To:* <
> welstech at messenger.wels.net> *Date: * 3/5/2009 6:28 AM *Subject: * WELS:
> [Welstech] filter
>
> We are looking at a content filter and virus protection. Does any one have
> experience with Barracuda systems? Any other recommendations?
>
>
>
> Ryan Rosenthal
>
> Faith Lutheran School
>
> Fond du Lac WI
>
>
>
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>
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