I have reviewed Agnitum Outpost Network Security Suite. Agnitum positions Outpost Network Security Suite as "ensuring...reliable endpoint protection and performance of the corporate network." Does it live up to the claim? Read this detailed Outpost Network Security review to find out.
Highlights of Outpost Network Security
Agnitum positions Outpost Network Security as "ensuring a reliable endpoint protection and performance of the corporate network". I see Outpost Network Security's best feature as its price. Other than built-in or open source solutions, this is the lowest cost per enforcement point I believe I've seen.
Agnitum also offers a host-based firewall called Outpost Firewall Pro, and an all-in-one AV, anti-spyware, anti-spam, and host-based security suite called Outpost Security Suite Pro.
One of the most interesting features for me was a link to an online directory of common firewall rules, called ImproveNet. According to Agnitum, "ImproveNet serves to collect, approve, and redistribute commonly used rules among Outpost users." While it's clear that this would save some time in building a rule set, I can't see many experienced firewall administrators needing or wanting this feature.
| Pricing | Rating  |
For a software security product including anti-virus & malware protection, firewall, and intrusion detection, pricing is where Outpost Network Security really shines. Commercial licenses range from 10 user, with 1 year of updates & support for $224.00 ($22.40 per license), to 50 users with 1 year updates & support for $840.00 ($16.80 per license). This is one of the most inexpensive commercial security product licenses in this product category. In my experience only free, open-source, or built-in/included security solutions can compete in the same price range! Price shouldn't be the most important factor, in my opinion, but could definitely make the difference for a budget-constrained business.
| Features | Rating  |
Features present are those expected and required for an SMB network security offering. Agnitum describes their firewall as "encompassing a unique intrusion detection system", with "packet- and application-level filtering", and "embedded code protection". How the IDS is "unique" isn't clear to me, and an in-depth examination is definitely beyond the scope of this review. All modern firewalls are expected to have protocol, packet, and application layer filtering, and Outpost does provide this.
Using "USB access lockdown to guard company's digital assets" will surely depend on your business information security policy, and practically upon the needs of the business for users to frequently use USB for data transfer and storage.
Automatic "hands-free updates" are noted in the feature list, and it does appear that Outpost can make updating your enforcement points an easier task with this feature.
Their noted "Safe data repository" feature didn't stand out with me as something I wanted or needed with this type of product, but it's definitely a differentiating feature.