Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Barracuda CloudGen Firewall VS SteelConnect

Compare Barracuda CloudGen Firewall VS SteelConnect and see what are their differences

Barracuda CloudGen Firewall logo Barracuda CloudGen Firewall

Barracuda's cloud-ready firewalls improve site-to-site connectivity and provide enterprises with uninterrupted access to applications hosted in the cloud.

SteelConnect logo SteelConnect

SteelConnect is a revolutionary SD-WAN solution that provides you with a simplified approach to designing, deploying & managing hybrid networks. Learn More.
  • Barracuda CloudGen Firewall Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-20
  • SteelConnect Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-20

Barracuda CloudGen Firewall features and specs

  • Comprehensive Security Features
    Barracuda CloudGen Firewall offers a wide range of security features including intrusion prevention, Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), URL filtering, and malware protection which provide robust security for network protection.
  • Centralized Management
    It provides centralized management which allows administrators to easily monitor and manage multiple firewall instances from a single interface, simplifying the administrative overhead.
  • SD-WAN Capability
    The firewall includes advanced SD-WAN capabilities that optimize and secure connections between multiple sites, ensuring reliable and efficient network performance.
  • Scalability
    CloudGen Firewall is highly scalable, which makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large organizations with complex network requirements.
  • Cloud Integration
    The firewall offers seamless integration with public cloud environments like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, facilitating smooth operations in hybrid cloud architectures.

Possible disadvantages of Barracuda CloudGen Firewall

  • Cost
    The comprehensive features and advanced capabilities come at a higher price point, which might be a concern for smaller businesses or those with budget constraints.
  • Learning Curve
    The extensive feature set and configuration options may require a steep learning curve, especially for administrators who are not familiar with Barracuda products or advanced network security concepts.
  • Complex Setup
    Initial setup and configuration can be complex and time-consuming, requiring detailed planning and potentially higher levels of expertise to ensure optimal performance and security.
  • Support Limitations
    While customer support is generally strong, some users report longer response times or limitations in the first-level support capabilities, potentially delaying issue resolution.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running the full suite of security features can be resource-intensive, potentially requiring more powerful hardware or higher cloud resource allocations, leading to increased operational costs.

SteelConnect features and specs

  • Simplified Network Management
    SteelConnect offers a centralized and intuitive interface that simplifies the configuration and management of the entire WAN network, reducing operational complexity and administrative overhead.
  • Enhanced Performance
    The solution optimizes application performance by dynamically routing traffic over the most efficient paths and utilizing Riverbed’s application acceleration technologies.
  • Cloud Integration
    Seamlessly integrates with cloud services like AWS and Azure, allowing for automated, policy-driven migrations to the cloud and improved connectivity to cloud-hosted resources.
  • Increased Agility
    Allows businesses to quickly deploy and modify network services, facilitating rapid responses to changing business requirements or new branch deployments.
  • Cost Efficiency
    Reduces the reliance on expensive MPLS circuits by allowing the use of cheaper broadband options without compromising on performance or reliability.

Possible disadvantages of SteelConnect

  • Initial Deployment Complexity
    The initial setup of SteelConnect may require significant planning and expertise, which can be challenging for organizations with limited IT resources.
  • Vendor Lock-in
    As a proprietary solution, organizations may face challenges if they decide to switch vendors or integrate with other SD-WAN solutions in the future.
  • Learning Curve
    IT teams may require training to fully understand and leverage all the features and capabilities of the SteelConnect platform.
  • Potential Downtime During Transition
    Transitioning from a traditional WAN to an SD-WAN like SteelConnect can cause potential downtime or disruptions during the migration process.
  • Cost of Implementation
    While it offers long-term cost benefits, the initial setup and licensing costs can be substantial, potentially posing a hurdle for some enterprises.

Analysis of SteelConnect

Overall verdict

  • SteelConnect is considered a solid choice for businesses seeking a reliable and comprehensive SD-WAN solution. Its functionality, combined with Riverbed's reputation for delivering quality network products, makes it a valuable asset for companies aiming to optimize network connectivity and management.

Why this product is good

  • SteelConnect by Riverbed is praised for its ability to simplify and automate networking configurations. It offers an intuitive interface and centralized network management, which enhances operational efficiency. The solution provides robust security features, rapid deployment capabilities, and seamless integration with existing infrastructure, making it suitable for modern enterprise environments. Additionally, it enhances application performance through intelligent traffic routing and optimization.

Recommended for

    SteelConnect is recommended for medium to large enterprises looking to simplify network management through automation and centralized control. It is well-suited for organizations with multiple branches seeking to enhance security and efficiency of their wide area networks. Additionally, businesses undergoing digital transformation or requiring enhanced cloud connectivity would benefit from the features SteelConnect offers.

Barracuda CloudGen Firewall videos

Demo: Secure SD-WAN with Barracuda CloudGen Firewalls

More videos:

  • Review - Barracuda CloudGen Firewall SD-WAN: Set up Azure Virtual WAN with multilink and path selection

SteelConnect videos

SteelConnect EX Architecture Overview

More videos:

  • Review - SteelConnect EX Internal Architecture
  • Review - SteelConnect 1.0 İnceleme (Review)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Barracuda CloudGen Firewall and SteelConnect)
Monitoring Tools
74 74%
26% 26
Security & Privacy
78 78%
22% 22
Managed Security Services
Office & Productivity
74 74%
26% 26

User comments

Share your experience with using Barracuda CloudGen Firewall and SteelConnect. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Barracuda CloudGen Firewall and SteelConnect, you can also consider the following products

Check Point Quantum Security Gateway - Quantum is the next-generation VPN security gateway that delivers the core security benefits of a firewall, next-generation IPS, antivirus, and Web-filtering without sacrificing performance.

Cisco SD-WAN - SD-WAN is a software-defined approach to managing the wide-area network, or WAN.

Forcepoint Web Security - Seguridad Web De Última Generación Para La Fuerza Laboral Global Del Futuro

FortiGate SD-WAN - SD-WAN

SonicWall - SonicWall security solutions protects your network, systems, users and data from cyber threats.

Cisco Meraki SD-WAN - What is SD-WAN?