I got an e-mail yesterday from ZA advertising a special year-end deal on the Z100G claiming that it was now "new and improved" with super-G, longer wireless range and a couple other things.

Is there a new hardware version of this box, or are they talking about the 8.x firmware release?

Thanks!

That has to be the firmware because I am already using those features.

Yeah... that's what I'm thinking...
The ad came in on my work computer and I can't recall all of the "new" features, but none of them sounded like they would required hardware revisions... ;-)

JIm

New and improved ZA = Cisco.

Now you're talking! You think $79 for 10 users is expensive from Sofaware, wait until you get your annual maintenance bill from Cisco!

Rocket - What's the annual maintenance going to be??

In other words, what can I expect to pay each year going forward (to Sofaware and/or ZoneAlarm/Checkpoint) to keep this device up-to-date, with the standard 5 user license, or with the additional 10 licenses?

As of now (could change of course) the
annual security services subscription after the first year is $70 and AFAIK the price is the same for 5 users or 15.

The upgrade from 5 users to 15 users is $100.

I wish they had a 5 user upgrade for $50 ;-)

$70 per year regardless of licenses.

Not bad considering you get enterprise class firewall with lots of features.

I know a lot of people talk about faster WI FI speeds but that's like building an 8-lane highway out of your house to get to a two lane road. You just hurry up and wait! :-)

quote:

Originally posted by Texas Rocket:
Now you're talking! You think $79 for 10 users is expensive from Sofaware, wait until you get your annual maintenance bill from Cisco!

I could be wrong but...

CISCO881W-GN-A-K9 (very popular model)
Cisco 881W Integrated Services Router - Wireless router + 4-port switch
EN, Fast EN, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n (draft 2.0) - Cisco IOS Advanced Security

CON-SMBS-881WGAK
Cisco SMB Support Assistant - Extended service agreement - replacement
1 year - 8x5 - NBD
MSRP $ 28.00

CON-SNT-881WGAK
Cisco SMARTnet - Extended service agreement - replacement
1 year - 8x5 - NBD
MSRP $ 51.00

CON-SNTE-881WGAK
Cisco SMARTnet Enhanced - Extended service agreement - replacement
1 year - 8x5 - 4 hr
MSRP $ 74.00

CON-SNTP-881WGAK
Cisco SMARTnet Premium - Extended service agreement - replacement
1 year - 24x7 - 4 hr
MSRP $ 82.00

CON-OSP-881WGAK
Cisco SMARTnet Onsite Premium - Extended service agreement - replacement
1 year - on-site - 24x7 - 4 hr
MSRP $ 102.00

Exactly my point.

• $600 just for the router
  
• Manual configuration ( You think the Z100G is confusing!)
  
• Additional maintenance is hardware replacement and necessary firmware updates only (manual; good luck getting most people to figure that out).
  
• If you replace it, you have to have reconfigure it yourself unless you want to pay extra $$$$ for phone support.
  
• Firewall is stateful inspection; not adaptive; No email and virus scanning included.
  
• VPN access is limited and probably more difficult to use for a neophyte.
  

Then, to get an adaptive firewall like the Checkpoint firewall, you would have to add a Cisco ASA=5505 at a minimum.

• Another $600 or so. (does include 10-users)
  
• additional 10user license ~$300
  
• Maintenance is 90 days unless you buy the SMARTnet add on ~ $80 (hardware only)
  
• Again, you have to configure it; no online service to get you back up if you have to replace or reset the hardware.
  
• Content Filtering - antivirus - all extra charges each year.
  

This would be a great solution but at a significant premium over and above $149.00 one time and $70 per year.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Texas Rocket,