ServGate Helps To Secure The SMB

ServGate has been a longtime player in the security appliance field, and continues to up the ante with its EdgeForce line of products. From experience with numerous ServGate products, Test Center engineers have found that the company's success is a result of its willingness to rapidly adopt new techniques and processes to better protect networks from threats.

The EdgeForce products take that practice to a new level by integrating antivirus management, spam filtering and content control into a modular firewall appliance. Test Center engineers put the EdgeForce device through its paces to see how well the unit addresses the needs of a typical small business.

Solution providers will find the $3,995 EdgeForce base unit easy to set up. All steps are well-documented, and an experienced technician should face no problems installing the unit. Rated at 75 MBps, EdgeForce should meet the needs of most small businesses. If a site outgrows that level of performance, the unit's design allows for the easy installation of a performance module that doubles the throughput.

Upgradeability doesn't end there. The EdgeForce platform supports three tiers of enhancements: performance, management and applications.

The performance options include additional processing power to increase throughput or enhance Web performance, while the management options include local logging and URL filtering. Solution providers should pay special attention to the application options of the unit, which solve critical business problems while generating additional revenue.

These enhancements add to the initial price of the unit, and costs vary based on volume and configurations. Two key application modules are Anti-virus and Anti-spam. Both modules are based on proven technology from security software vendor McAfee.

Solution providers can manage the EdgeForce appliance using a secure HTTP session. Automating updates and monitoring status and functionality are easy using the intuitive management console. The EdgeForce unit includes a vast array of security elements, including an ICSA-certified firewall, VPN, QOS, DHCP server, attack detection and automated notifications.

With its wide array of features and capabilities, the ServGate device secures current and future needs while still providing future revenue options, unlike the buy-and-forget models of some competitors.

The focus on solution providers continues with ServGate's channel program, which offers a range of features including dedicated support and specialized training. ServGate divides its partners into three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Partner levels are determined by sales commitments and expertise. Gold and Silver partners benefit from lead generation, dedicated account managers, direct pre- and post-sales support and membership in a partner advisory council. Gold partners also have access to MDFs and demand-creation services.

All partner levels have access to a dedicated Web portal and ServGate's free educational programs for technical and sales support. Margins vary based on options selected and sold, but solution providers should enjoy increased revenue from add-ons and services associated with the unit.

All things considered, the EdgeForce from ServGate offers solution providers and end users a good security platform that is expandable and economical.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>EdgeForce Plus

COMPANY: ServGate Technologies
Milpitas, Calif.
(408) 635-8400
www.servgate.com
DISTRIBUTORS: Tech Data
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Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.