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SonicWall has provided high-end internet and cybersecurity solutions for over 30 years that are powerful enough for large enterprises and affordable enough for SMBs.
From its humble beginnings as a remote access server provider, SonicWall leaders (then Sonic Systems) noticed a gap in the market for effective, low-cost firewalls for small to medium-sized businesses.
In 1997, Sonic Systems came out with the first NAT/firewall for SMBs. They changed their name to SonicWall and focused on producing security appliances. By 2000, they introduced two new network security appliances, one for small offices and another geared towards large enterprise networks.
As network security continued to grow in complexity, SonicWall innovated its product offerings to reflect growing business needs for more integrations, deeper analytics, and advanced firewall capabilities.
SonicWall has held their original vision commissioned by two brothers that started it all in 1991. Their only mission is to make cybersecurity products accessible to businesses of all sizes.
With businesses across the globe implementing digital transformations, migrating to the cloud, and choosing forward-looking security tools, there are now dozens of next-generation firewall products available for SMBs.
See below for a full review one of the top network security appliance brands on the market: SonicWall. First, we’ll explore some of their cybersecurity products and partner programs before diving into use cases, user reviews, and more valuable insights:
SonicWall cybersecurity portfolio
SonicWall offers numerous security and data storage products for networks of all sizes and across industries:
Next-generation firewalls
SonicWall NSsp Series next-generation firewalls (NGFW) offer an effective cybersecurity posture for SMBs and large enterprises alike. Hardware or virtual machine firewalls are designed to meet specific business needs on a case-by-case basis. Real-time deep memory inspection blocks attacks in real-time with advanced SSL and TLS tools.
Firewall security services
They offer numerous security gateway services to augment their firewall systems, including:
- SonicWall Essential Protection Service Suite (EPSS)
- Advanced Protection Service Suite (APSS)
- SonicWall Advanced Gateway Security Suite (AGSS)
- Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
And additional security features such as:
- Gateway Anti-Virus
- Intrusion Prevention
- Content Filtering Services
Network security management
The SonicWall Capture Security Center streamlines network security management across distributed networks with numerous apps, permissions, and users with one centralized dashboard.
This scalable cloud security management system integrates security functionality with every aspect of enterprise networks such as endpoints, mobile devices, cloud resources, email, and more.
Cloud app security
Next-generation security services for SaaS apps, including Office 365 and G Suite, so that companies can embrace cloud applications without compromising security. SonicWall Cloud App Security protects business apps, such as email, messaging, file sharing, and file storage to prevent attacks from multiple vectors.
Some popular features include:
- Advanced threat protection
- Stop phishing, impersonation, and account takeover attacks
- Identify breaches and vulnerabilities fast with real-time analytics
- Attachment sandboxing
- Email scanning
- Compromised credential protection
- Backup and recovery
SonicWall partners
Through their Technology Alliance Partner Program, SonicWall boasts hundreds of technology and integration partners. This enables cybersecurity platforms to deliver end-to-end solutions in rapidly evolving ecosystems.
Some of their partners include:
- SentinelOne
- ConnectWise
- Microsoft
- Perimeter81
- Stellar Cyber
- AWS
- Cisco
- Dropbox
- IBM
SonicWall also offers two distributor programs, each with thousands of members across the globe. The Partner Enabled Services Program teaches teams how to grow their professional services as authorized providers. And the Managed Security Services Partner (MSSP) Program is geared toward distributors ready to expand their managed security services.
SonicWall use cases
South African software development company Mi-WiFi offers a wireless guest authentication solution for hotels and restaurants. Their SaaS allows businesses to manage and control access to their wireless networks securely.
That’s why they needed the most robust network security and firewall solution to support its capabilities. Mi-WiFi integrated SonicWall Clean Wireless solution that included SonicWall NSA and TZ Series firewalls combined with SonicPoint wireless access points. These services complemented their own tools and helped Mi-WiFi become one of the largest SaaS companies in South Africa.
Deploying SonicWall NGFW technology allowed Mi-WiFi to give establishments more control over network security. Becoming a partner with SonicWall took their business to another level. Mi-Wifi could scale its business through consistent branding and a robust offering that meets customers’ financial requirements.
User reviews of SonicWall
SonicWall is revered among users, citing its simple deployment and excellent customer support. Users also like that it has built-in ports and multiple preconfigured security profiles.
According to G2, the most popular industries that businesses take advantage of SonicWall NGFW services include IT services (20%), Internet (6%), Construction (4%), & Marketing and Advertising (4%). Customers on G2 rate it 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Capterra users also give positive feedback about SonicWall’s Network Security Manager. Rated 4.4 stars out of 5, customers say that it’s easy to deploy and great for remote workers.
Gartner Peer Insights offers a more in-depth analysis of SonicWall Firewall features and benefits, with nearly 500 users rating 4.5 out of 5 stars overall; 81% of customers would recommend SonicWall services to others. Those who would not recommend it to their peers report poor customer service experiences.
Industry recognition of SonicWall
For over 30 years, SonicWall has been a top competitor in the network security arena, and last year was no exception. In 2021, SonicWall received countless awards for security excellence, corporate recognition, and technological innovation.
At the Globee 17th Annual 2021 Cybersecurity Global Excellence Awards, SonicWall was honored in 10 categories, including advanced persistent threat protection, best security hardware, security management, and enterprise network firewalls.
Frost & Sullivan also awarded SonicWall its 2021 Global Competitive Strategy Leadership Award for best practices in the global network firewall market.
SonicWall in the cybersecurity market
As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to sprawl and expand networks closer to the edge than ever before, enterprises, small businesses, and individuals learn the importance of network firewall security.
NGFWs are popular because they are simple to deploy, offer a familiar system interface, and incorporate machine learning (ML) plus real-time analytics for a modern approach to network security.
The next-generation firewall market is on its way to reaching $4.3 billion by 2023, and SonicWall currently consumes 10% of the total market share. Here is how SonicWall stacks up against the next-generation firewall market competition:
- Palo Alto NGFWs and Sophos make up 8% of the market share each.
- WatchGuard with 11% market share.
- Cisco comes in second with a 12% market share.
- Fortinet FortiGate is a top competitor with 40% of the firewall market share.
