New SonicWall SSL VPN Firmware

Well SonicWall continues to impress me… Since we have implemented multiple SonicWall appliances my approval rating of SonicWall has sky rocketed.  15 months ago, I don’t think you could have convinced me to trust SonicWall, why exactly I don’t know but I thought of them as an inferior vendor to the rest of their markets… (Firewalls, SSL-VPN, Email Security)

But have to admit my opinion was unwarranted primarily by my lack of knowledge of what SonicWall brought to the table.

Well you ask what has changed my mind… well more things than I can write about in one post so I’ll just share the latest love and joy SonicWall has tossed our way.

A little history:We provide remote access to our network with SonicWall’s SSL-VPN 2000, which is proving to be a solid appliance and provides two interfaces for our users to gain network access… the first, the NetExtender which is a locally installed application that gives VPN access to our network via the SSL VPN 2000 appliance.  (We have elected to only use the NetExtender for laptops that the church owns).  For everyone else we are in the process of deploying the SSL VPN web portal.  This gives access to OWA, two terminal servers and our TimeClock web application.

Ok.. So that is what you expect from a SSL VPN product right… So what is new? 

• Until Oct 27th there wasn’t any Linux or Mac NetExtender support… well now there is a NetExtender client for both operating systems in addition to the pre-existing Windows application.  Not to mention this little beni is free with your support contract.
• A subscription service called SonicWall Virtual Assist: Virtual Assist as I understand it will give you similar remote support tools to the likes of WebEx, Gotomeeting.com or other remote support applications.  The supporting technician(connected behind the SSLVPN appliance or NetExtender) can send email invitations to those needing support or connect to a client requesting support in the queue.  And the cool part is list price is below $1000.00, I already have an email into our trusted SonicWall vendor to find out the discounted Non-Profit pricing.
  SonicWall’s description: SSL VPN 2.5 allows a technician to remotely diagnose and fix issues an off-site computer may be experiencing. The technician can remotely take control of the machine through secure control of mouse and keyboard to repair the problem while the customer is watching. This feature allows IT to support users off-site as if they were physically there. Requirements: Virtual Assist can only take remote control of Windows based operating systems. The technician needs to be behind the SonicWall SSL VPN appliance or running NetExtender in order to utilize the Virtual Assist feature.

So I say, if you haven’t given SonicWall a good lately, you should… If you have a SonicWall SSL VPN download the new firmware and check it out.