What are the customer benefits of an Appliance vs Software security solution?

A server appliance is a specialized network-based hardware device designed to perform a specialized set of security functions.

It comes as a complete solution that works out of the box with an easy to use web interface.

“Ease of Installation”

Appliance Benefits

• Centralized point-and-click GUI administration.

• High reliability works out of the box.

• Up and running in 10 minutes.

• Minimal IT skills required.

• Plug and Play Installation.

• Network ready.

• Can be installed by non-technical staff.

• Operating System and application software is pre-loaded and configured.

Software Disadvantages

• Difficult to install.

• Requires advanced IT skills.

• Can require third party libraries, newer Operating System Version, Newer Service packs in order to work.

• Install the Operating System on the servers.

• Install the web server and database server.

• Install the vendor's software-based solution.

“Easy to Use”

Appliance Benefits

• Operating System Independent interface.

• Easy configuration wizards.

• Web interface access for spam quarantine users.

Software Disadvantages

• Can be difficult to maintain.

• Must interact with other software.

“Capability”

Appliance Benefits

• An appliance solution is designed to work on the hardware it comes with.

• Compatible with most software platforms.

• Operating System independent interface.

Software Disadvantages

• Interoperability problems between software and hardware are common.

• You need a special software version for your specific Operating System.

“Maintenance”

Appliance Benefits

• The appliance solution updates it self automatically with no user maintenance.

Software Disadvantages

• Software updates can cause incapability issues with other software on the system.

• Update the server Operating System with the latest patches.

• Monitor and identify all patches for these Operating System and applications.

“Total Cost of Ownership”

Appliance Benefits

• The appliance has a lower cost of ownership since everything is included in one unit and there is no per user license.

• Low support cost only one vendor to contact.

Software Disadvantages

• With the software you have to pay per user base.

• Costly IT support required. Multiple vendors must be contacted in case of problems.

“Stability”

Appliance Benefits

• Stable Operating System guarantees higher minimizes downtime.

• The appliance hardware is designed for the use.

• High reliability.

• Stable Operating System guarantees higher minimizes downtime.

Software Disadvantages

• Third party software can crash the system because the hardware is not tested with the specific software.

• Multiple applications from many different vendors.

• Poor reliability.

• Frequent service outages.

“License”

Appliance Benefits

• Workstations pay no licensing fees for Anti Spyware, Antivirus and Anti Spam services.

• No Licenses.

• High Adding more computers to the network can be done at no additional cost.

Software Disadvantages

• Each workstation usually must be licensed for each application loaded.

• Adding more computers to the network usually increases the cost of the server.

“Performance”

Appliance Benefits

• High Performance.

• Server Appliance software is configured to work well with the hardware provided, since it comes from the same vendor.

Software Disadvantages

• Lower Performance.

• Properly designed server appliances out-perform traditional file servers with similar memory and processors, at a much lower initial cost.