Review: Spyware Loses Its Bite

The Web Filter appliance does not have separate management software but relies on a Web interface to the administration console. Once the appliance is configured during initial setup with an IP address, gateway and DNS information (using a monitor, keyboard and mouse plugged directly into the unit), administrators access the console via a Web browser from any computer on the network. The console, laid out in multitabbed Web pages, is packed with features, and almost every option can be customized. Administrators can immediately test changes made to filtering categories, whitelists and blacklists from within the console.

The most recent firmware update, version 3.1, expands the unit's reporting capabilities. Under this version, administrators can view log history and see reports on user behavior, historical traffic patterns, bandwidth usage, domain requests and Web site categorization. Designed to store approximately six months of traffic history, Web Filter also can drill down from summary reports for further analysis. Administrators can enable syslog messages through the Web console to log what happens to each traffic request performed by users to a text file.

For existing customers running Web Filter with pre-3.1 firmware, the upgrade is very straightforward. The Test Center received a pre-3.1 appliance and upgraded to 3.1 using the admin console within minutes.

Capacity varies by the model in the Barracuda Web Filter family. The Web Filter 310 can support 200 concurrent users, making it ideal for SMBs or branch offices. The high-end 910 model can support 4,500 concurrent users and has hot-swappable RAID and power supplies.

Barracuda Central, the company's technology center, automatically pushes down hourly updates of antispyware rules on to the unit. Energize Updates, as they are called, include databases for spyware removal, signature, Web sites and protocols, as well as antivirus definitions and content filters. As a troubleshooting feature, the unit also can open up a tunnel session with Barracuda Central.

Measuring 16.7 inches wide x 1.7 inches high x 14 inches deep, the steel-black unit is emblazoned with a blue panel in the front corner. It is 1U high, comparable to competitive products. Weighing 17 pounds, the appliance is sleek and attractive.

The 310 model comes with ports for connecting a standard VGA monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, a serial port, several USB ports and three Ethernet ports. One Ethernet port is located at the back of the unit and is used specifically for management. The LAN and WAN ports are located at the front of the unit. The front panel also contains the power button, the reset button and five indicator lights marking power, disk activity, cleaning activity and data transmission.

The company is channel-friendly, claiming more than 90 percent of its sales are driven through partners. Its channel program has five levels. There are no requirements to join at the lowest level, but there are high revenue goals to sustain the top-level discounts.

Barracuda estimates a 10 percent margin at the low end for solution providers. Other revenue opportunities include ongoing subscriptions. Partners interested in reselling premium services are required to undergo training.

All resellers can offer basic support, but only certified resellers can offer in-depth support. Otherwise, Barracuda handles the rest of technical support, including on-site premium programs. It also has an instant replacement service, where the new unit is shipped next business day.