My small business (5 OS X work stations) is in the process of updating our rudimentary file access and backup system with a mirrored dual file server set-up providing automatic nightly offsite data backup.
We would like to have VPN access to the server from outside of the office and are trying to make a decision on a firewall hardware. We have been quoted a $2k high-end Unix-based VPN firewall/router offering stateful packet inspection, voltage regulator/UPS, etc. There is an additional monthly fee for "managed updates" to the system -- the provider will beam security updates to the unit, handle any admin/config needs, tech support, etc. Given the size of our company and the fact that we have almost zero employee turnover, configuration changes will be minimal once we're up and running.
I understand that this is a great high-end piece of equipment, but can't help but feel like this is overkill given what we are using the server for (strictly a file server, no web/mail/etc. component) and the limited amount of simultaneous VPN access needed. We are additionally trying to limit our fixed monthly fees, and the managed update fee for this setup is potentially a dealbuster. Does anyone have experience with this type of setup who can possibly suggest a mid-level hardware solution, say in between an entry Netgear firewall and something as crazy as a Cisco-quality piece of equipment?
Thanks very much,
- B -
We would like to have VPN access to the server from outside of the office and are trying to make a decision on a firewall hardware. We have been quoted a $2k high-end Unix-based VPN firewall/router offering stateful packet inspection, voltage regulator/UPS, etc. There is an additional monthly fee for "managed updates" to the system -- the provider will beam security updates to the unit, handle any admin/config needs, tech support, etc. Given the size of our company and the fact that we have almost zero employee turnover, configuration changes will be minimal once we're up and running.
I understand that this is a great high-end piece of equipment, but can't help but feel like this is overkill given what we are using the server for (strictly a file server, no web/mail/etc. component) and the limited amount of simultaneous VPN access needed. We are additionally trying to limit our fixed monthly fees, and the managed update fee for this setup is potentially a dealbuster. Does anyone have experience with this type of setup who can possibly suggest a mid-level hardware solution, say in between an entry Netgear firewall and something as crazy as a Cisco-quality piece of equipment?
Thanks very much,
- B -