Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs. WatchGuard Network Security

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Score 8.6 out of 10
N/A
The Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) offers a network-based approach for adaptable, trusted access everywhere, based on context. It gives the user intelligent, integrated protection through intent-based policy and compliance solutions.N/A
WatchGuard Network Security
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
WatchGuard Network Security is a network security and firewall software. WatchGuard includes secure Wi-Fi, multi-factor authentication, and network intelligence products and services designed for SMB’s.N/A
Pricing
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)WatchGuard Network Security
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Support
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Basic Security
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Total Security
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Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)WatchGuard Network Security
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)WatchGuard Network Security
Considered Both Products
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
ISE has multiple cisco servers to provide redundancies to manage whenever a user logs into a cisco system. System administrators can conduct audits in the network to see who logged in and made what changes to the network. Users are granted different network privileges. which …
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
We use Cisco Identity Services Engine to complement the products in our security architecture.
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Cisco Secure Network Analytics and Cisco Catalyst Center
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
In terms of ease of use, It's such a legacy application that it's pretty well known and well established and so in that sense it's easier to configure it.
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
This question is not applicable as Cisco Identity Services Engine is the only product used or tested.
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
More-robust device profiling, better TACACS support
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
I think all give some visibility of device monitoring and management, but Cisco Identity Services Engine gives a good way to manage more details about the device in a centralized way that gives a wider range of monitoring and control than the other softwares individually. I …
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Cisco Catalyst Center
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Portnox
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Cisco Meraki Dashboard
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Cisco Catalyst Center
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Cisco Catalyst Center, Cisco Catalyst Switches, Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller and Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Cisco Catalyst Switches, Cisco Secure Network Analytics, Cisco Meraki Dashboard, Cisco Umbrella and Visual ASA
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Cisco Nexus Series Switches, Cisco Catalyst Switches and Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Extreme Networks Wired Access - Switches
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
We really don't have similar product, but we used SolarWinds for some monitoring purpose but since Cisco Identity Services Engine got pretty good reporting/monitoring component. I personally use Cisco Identity Services Engine more often.
Chose Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
Works and integrates really well with the secure firewall for RAVPN user authentication
WatchGuard Network Security
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
For some customers, WatchGuard Network Security was the preferable choice. Its price point, compactness, portability, accessibility, ease of design, installation, implementation, configuration, management, monitoring, alerting, user education, technician training, power usage, …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
I'm not sure what else is out there, but our team is pretty good at researching and looking at the big picture. I've never had complaints about the experience with various Watchguard products, and am impressed by the new features they announce and integrate with relative …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Watchguard Network Security is easier to use and more effective that its competitors, with certifications you can trust and a good reputation, we can rest assured that our network security is in good hands. Competitors have also demonstrated poor aftersales support, which has …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
It has been the recommendation of our computer maintenance company due to their experience.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security allows for more in-depth customization and has better logging
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We chose WatchGuard Network Security specifically because of the firewall implementation. It was easy for us to pick a product that had everything packaged together versus having to buy another firewall and network security software separately from the VPN software.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
AD users are synchronized with the cloud
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Each of these systems have already been in place at former employers when I transitioned. While each one has its benefits and drawbacks, as a whole, they all do a great job providing protection against malicious intent. I would say that WatchGuard Network Security is much …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We are a small Technology business and WatchGuard Network Security is a solid affordable and easily implemented solution.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
As I mentionned before, the WSM tool and Dimension is the main reasons we stock with WatchGuard beside being satisfied with deployement results at our clients infrastructures.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Our tech had previous experience with WatchGuard Network Security and the Fortinet devices we were using weren't functioning to the standards we needed them to. As costs have increased with WatchGuard Network Security and across the board, we are looking for a different vendor …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
SonicWall TZ, pfSense, MikroTik Routers and Switches and Ubiquiti Networks UniFi
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
I honestly feel they're best in class, I've used other platforms but when it comes to comprehensive security I don't think they offer as many features, or the level of security that we needed. Again the support has been excellent for us too, and keeping our firewalls up to …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security blows them out of the water in my opinion just with the ease of use alone and the ability within the logs. The details of logs are better and help maintain better support. Some features like policies is just so far advanced for maintaining better …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
In comparison with other network security companies and its services', WatchGuard Network Security seems to be a more economic choice for our customers needs
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security is in league with SonicWall regarding value and features but is not as robust as Sophos or Fortinet. It is also not as simple to configure as Sophos or Fortinet. We selected WatchGuard based solely on the recommendation of an outside party, and that …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Our corporate parent company wants us to switch to Cisco products, but the value the Watchguard Security System brings is more than enough that our organization requires. It has great reporting and analytics and simplified updates and maintenance.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
with WatchGuard we have a long history of partnership precisely due to the close relationship with the commercial and technical people who work at WatchGuard. It is an excellent relationship of collaboration and growth that has allowed us to choose WatchGuard as our first …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security integrates multiple security functionalities (firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention, antivirus, application control, etc.) into a unified platform. This integration simplifies management, enhances visibility, and ensures consistent policy enforcement …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
I find WatchGuard's Network Security interface clunky and outdated. I’ve had to dig in multiple locations to find the answer to a question numerous times. Reviewing and reconfiguring a WatchGuard that has been deployed by someone else is time consuming compared to competitive …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security is easier to configure, support is better and the price is better.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We are moving away from WatchGuard Network Security due to issues with Web interface and more cloud possibilities with the competitors.
Features
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)WatchGuard Network Security
Firewall
Comparison of Firewall features of Product A and Product B
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
-
Ratings
WatchGuard Network Security
9.0
Ratings
4% above category average
Identification Technologies00 Ratings8.70 Ratings
Visualization Tools00 Ratings8.40 Ratings
Content Inspection00 Ratings9.00 Ratings
Policy-based Controls00 Ratings9.10 Ratings
Active Directory and LDAP00 Ratings8.70 Ratings
Firewall Management Console00 Ratings8.50 Ratings
Reporting and Logging00 Ratings9.00 Ratings
VPN00 Ratings9.40 Ratings
High Availability00 Ratings9.50 Ratings
Stateful Inspection00 Ratings9.30 Ratings
Proxy Server00 Ratings9.30 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)WatchGuard Network Security
Small Businesses
NinjaOne
NinjaOne
Score 9.0 out of 10
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.9 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Cisco Meraki MX
Cisco Meraki MX
Score 9.1 out of 10
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Quantum Firewalls and Security Gateways
Score 9.6 out of 10
Enterprises
Cisco Meraki MX
Cisco Meraki MX
Score 9.1 out of 10
Palo Alto Networks Virtualized Next-Generation Firewalls - VM Series
Palo Alto Networks Virtualized Next-Generation Firewalls - VM Series
Score 10.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)WatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
8.5
(0 ratings)
8.4
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.0
(0 ratings)
7.7
(0 ratings)
Usability
7.0
(0 ratings)
7.9
(0 ratings)
Availability
8.9
(0 ratings)
9.2
(0 ratings)
Performance
9.0
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
7.0
(0 ratings)
9.5
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
8.9
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Configurability
8.0
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
7.0
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
8.0
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.2
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
9.0
(0 ratings)
9.2
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)WatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco ISE integrates will with a Cisco solution such as firewalls, network switches and routers. It does an incredible job of granting access based on the role that an individual or groups have, and the ability to remove access to that individual or group is also east. In our environment ISE is used to authenticate external users that have access by vpn, and also to manage access to the large network infrastructure
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Watchguard is well suited for small businesses without significantly complex networks and infrastructure. WatchGuard firewalls perform well on IPv4 networks and offer basic security features that match other vendors that target the small business market. WatchGuard firewalls are less appropriate for mid-sized business and larger. There is limited IPv6 support, and the firmware often lacks some or all of more advanced features that businesses that size often need.
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Pros
  • The most beneficial thing that I love about it, there are tons of things that I love about ISE and that it does well, but the most fascinating that I feel about is its integration with DNA center or Catalyst Center using PX Grid as the protocol wherein ISE acts as a policy server for the entire campus hand in hand with Catalyst Center to make sure that the policy policy follows the user and also in the background hand in hand with DNA Center or Catalyst Center makes sure microsegmentation is implemented so that east west traffic is blocked and takes care of the campus.
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  • Incoming Torrent attempts were blocked, but outgoing (by a user) were permitted. Similarly, other direct attempts were summarily blocked.
  • provides full administrative support for analysis of usage and scope.
  • strong Wi-Fi support and security - area wi-fi maps
  • They think of all the things secure and I don't have to worry about it.
  • I have not identified anything else that needs improvement - I am well satisfied.
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Cons
  • I guess the user experience itself, it's sometimes a little bit slow, but this is also dependent on the platform and the scale of the deployment of course. But actually functionality-wise it's really, really good. But yeah, it could sometimes be a little quicker to react on the good front.
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  • Better integration with VoIP services, such as templates for policies handling traffic for Bria or Asterisk endponts and servers.
  • Get webblocker to work without breaking secure websites.
  • Lower cost on endpoint agents for antivirus and include application control and webblocker with the agents.
  • Make the cost per endpoint with TDR and Netowrk access control lower than the cost of Antivirus licensing that is not integrated.
  • Make it easier to set up network access control and VLAN assignment by device, perhaps with templates.
  • Get webblocker and application control working with QUIC.
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Likelihood to Renew
We are so very reliant on Cisco Identity Services Engine at this point that finding another solution would be a big hassle for us.
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I'm giving this note to WatchGuard Network Security due to its ease of daily support (after acquiring necessary knowledge in the solution), which allows agility in configuration changes, its integration of several reliable security features (such as SSL VPN, VPN Virtual Interfaces between companies, and others) and functional and stability in operation, with no downtime in the equipment due to problems or malfunctions
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Usability
For us the solution is very easily useable on its own. Perhaps that has to do because we started using ISE in the 1.2 days and have seen it grow during the years. Policy creation, etc. is all very visible and thus easy to use. Deployment of multiple nodes is also incredibly easy and flexible. You can easily add or remove nodes as you wish.
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Although it might take some time to figure out, we have been able to use WatchGuard's online reference library and tech support to create/implement/modify all of our filtering rules and exceptions needed. There really has not been a shortcoming other than perhaps a learning curve.
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Reliability and Availability
We do have to occasionally reboot the servers when they get low on memory, but we're also a few versions behind. Availability has generally been pretty good though with no major outages in the time that we've had it implemented.
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Availability has always been a strong point of this product, it is rare that watchguard does not have a solution for customers' network monitoring needs.
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Performance
yes it does. depending on where you coming from. Logs are pretty busy same as report. it also depending on devices count and design.
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The performance of WatchGuard Network Security is very good, in the years that we have used the solution we have only had a single error and Watchguard itself was able to solve it. Furthermore, when purchasing any product, the partner always evaluates the capacity of the solution to recommend the most appropriate product for our needs.
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Support Rating
Cisco support is second to none, both in terms of how you access support but also the knowledge of the individual support teams. If you focus on one technology and provide "manufacturer support" then you can rest assured that you are accessing Cisco's top individuals. I feel like this is a USP for Cisco support.
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For something that is considered business critical they should be far more responsive. Security isn't something to take lightly in today's work environment and so long as its working you are happy. But when it doesn't and you need that professional assistance, they weren't always there and I ultimately resolved my issues with the help of Google.
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In-Person Training
No answers on this topic
We participate to a in person training and the three days of learning was really useful and complete to gain skill to solve the major part of the problem we encounter during our life. And more the in person training give us the opportunity to create a network with other WatchGuard partner.
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Online Training
Training can only cover certain areas, there are a lot of areas training just can't cover. You have to learn by doing it.
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Online training is good for learning how to use the product. It does not teach security strategy because that is not its intent.
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Implementation Rating
I did participate in the implementation of Cisco ISE and while there were times when it was confusing and we had a lot of trial and error, overall the experience was fine.
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I had my key information for setting up the firewall, and they assisted me in finding the settings and appropriate places to enter data. They also helped troubleshoot when I didn't understand some of their feature concepts, and we got it running.
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Alternatives Considered
I think all give some visibility of device monitoring and management, but Cisco Identity Services Engine gives a good way to manage more details about the device in a centralized way that gives a wider range of monitoring and control than the other softwares individually. I don't think Cisco Identity Services Engine eliminates the need for these other software as of now, but there is potential for Cisco Identity Services Engine to be able to take over more of these roles.
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I think the solutions are comparable, but the cloud management piece is critical for MSPs these days. We need to be able to schedule and push out updates as soon as they are stable and ready. Insurance companies and government regulations mandate this.
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Scalability
It's fully customised and comprehensive. only thing is you need to know what you want. Proper research and planning would save lots of time and effort .
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This product is very scalable since previously everything related to Watchguard was on premises but that has now changed with the inclusion of watchguard cloud. Now the product has evolved to have full control of firewalls at the cloud level.
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Return on Investment
  • I don't know about negatives because we haven't seen it right now, but positive impact is one is the roadmap we have. And now since we are going ahead with doing the deployment of Cisco ISE, we see that we are getting closure to, so at the end of the day, we have to make sure that operationally we stay excellent. So that's where operational excellence comes in. Cisco ISE is basically addressing that for us. Right now we are in a situation if there is a WIFI issue or if there is an authentication issue, it gets really difficult to isolate the problem. But with Cisco ISE , this functionality is going to come in. So we believe that it would be a good ROI.
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  • at least 3-5X a year (that I know of), this device has single-handedly prevented members of our staff from inadvertently connecting to services they did not intend and could have resulted in security disruption
  • although you can never rule out human-behaviour-engineered threat, it's helpful to know that our network has a higher level, enterprise-class control and monitoring behind it
  • any time our network might be showing signs of abnormal performance, the WatchGuard control panel is the first place I turn to help identify the level of concern. It can quickly set my mind at ease and help to identify the specific device that might be out of compliance
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ScreenShots

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Screenshots

Screenshot of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

WatchGuard Network Security Screenshots

Screenshot of WatchGuard Cloud Customizable DashboardScreenshot of Threat Monitoring SummaryScreenshot of Device Security SummaryScreenshot of Automated ReportingScreenshot of User Authentication SummaryScreenshot of Endpoint Protection Summary