This product was one of the two best we reviewed. It is solid, easy to use, well documented and well supported. The Barracuda Web Filter blocks access to websites based on content, content category, domain or URL. Supplied as an appliance, this is a pure enterprise machine, designed for simple administration and high throughput. The product provides a wide variety of internet access options allowing real granularity in policy development and application. For example, employees may be grouped with each group having different web access rights.
Web Filter is of the class of products referred to as "clientless." There is no client software required on the user’s desktop or laptop. We found the product’s performance to be first rate with filters available for URLs based on category, pattern, domain or URL. It integrates with Safe Surf providing protection when using typical image search tools and it can block selected file types, instant messaging and applications.
The product’s dashboard is comprehensive and easy to read. It provides all the information needed to manage Web Filter. There are numerous reports that cover virtually every aspect of the product’s performance. Detailed logs also are available. In addition to web content filtering, Web Filter offers spyware and malware filtering. We found that these additional features are becoming more and more common in web content filtering products.
Documentation is complete, well organized and easy to use. The quick start guide is clear and covers initial deployment. All documentation includes numerous screen shots and diagrams to assist in configuration, deployment, policy development and administration. Barracuda Web Filter is well supported. Documentation is available on the website and there is a technical forum, FAQ, configuration tips and forms to request a trouble ticket. Email and phone support is available 24/7.
Priced at the low end of the spectrum for this type of product, Web Filter is an excellent value for organizations of just about any size. We liked this product a lot and we recommend it for its performance, feature set, cost and ease of use. The only thing that kept this from tying our Best Buy is the lack of a specific mobile client designed specifically to be used with laptops.
Barracuda Web Filter has been rated Recommended by SC Magazine.
