This software-only product can be deployed as an inline IDS, inline
IPS, or deployed off of a tap. Additionally, it can provide detailed
threat and asset correlation using its comprehensive surrounding asset
knowledge module (SAK). This feature locates potential trouble areas
before they become a problem. Finally, it has a learning mode that can
be deployed in the network before implementing policy, which helps take
the guesswork out of policy configuration.
To say this product is challenging to deploy would be an
understatement. Once the software is purchased, it needs a computer to
go on. CounterSnipe has designed this software to be compatible only
with the exact specifications that are described in the documentation.
We found that if the platform has different hardware, the application
will not work. We wish that CounterSnipe had stuck with their popular
appliance rather than go to a software-only implementation.
The rest of the set-up was fairly straightforward, but managing
policy on the device is a tangled maze of configuration levels. It
becomes confusing very quickly. Additionally, the Java-based management
interface is slow and awkward to navigate.
We found this device to have good performance. It was able to stop
most of the bad traffic from our scanners and we found ourselves unable
to penetrate the protected network. The event log also provided near
real-time event descriptions that were clear and understandable.
The documentation for this product is light. The software came with
a small two-sheet quick start guide that gives the hardware
requirements and steps to install the software.
CounterSnipe offers 24/7/365 support, but we had to search for any
description of support programs. We found a brief discussion in a PDF
file entitled "professional services" buried on the website.
Substantive support appears to be an extra cost item and is available
in standard and platinum packages.
With a price just under $5,000, this product looks on the surface to
be a bargain for almost any company, but after a deeper look this deal
may not be so sweet. An appliance has to be purchased separately and
that plus the added difficulty of managing this product adds to cost of
ownership. All in all, this product is a somewhat less than average
value for money.