Blog :: Netflow :: Network Operations :: Security Operations

Gartner Magic Quadrant: SonicWALL – IPFIX

SonicWALL OEMs Plixer’s Scrutinizer for NetFlow and IPFIX Reporting and lands a top spot in the Gartner Magic Quadrant under the Unified Threat Management (UTM) category. Gartner, for those sheltered individuals (myself included), is a self-proclaimed global leader in IT Research & Advice based in Stamford, CT since 1979. According to the article, UTM Devices are “multi-function network security products used by small or midsize businesses.”  The following criteria are used to judge placement on the Quadrant:

  • Standard network stateful firewall functions
  • Remote access and site-to-site Virtual Private Network (VPN) support
  • Web security gateway functionality (anti-malware, URL and content filtering)
  • Network intrusion prevention focused on blocking attacks against unpatched Windows PCs and servers
SonicWALL dubbed ‘Leader’ in UTM

Although these are not the only criteria, Gartner believes these are the most unique Firewall features.  Each vendor puts their own spin on industry innovations, while still retaining the age-old Data Loss Prevention, Application Control, and Email Security features, expected of a modern UTM Solution. Here is an interesting quote I found in the article listed as one of SonicWALL’s main strengths: “The graphical elements of SonicWALL’s management interface are consistently highly rated.” Could Gartner mean the Scrutinizer parts of the SonicWALL management interface?  Even if not, Plixer’s Scrutinizer is currently the only NetFlow Analyzer reporting on custom SonicWALL IPFIX exports, which will undoubtedly enhance the network traffic monitoring abilities at the companies who implement it. Now that SonicWALL is being acquired by Dell, this could lead to more success for SonicWALL Scrutinizer, as Dell switches support sFlow.  Though the article makes no mention of Dell NetFlow Support, it’s possible we could be seeing Dell IPFIX Exports in the near future.  Exciting!