We use the solution to filter out the traffic from our internal networks, not a public-facing network.
Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Helps eliminate the need for multiple network security tools, removes security gaps, and is stable
Pros and Cons
- "The solution does a great job of identifying malicious items and vulnerabilities with URL filtering."
- "The user interface can be significantly simplified."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
The predictive analytics and machine learning for blocking DNS-related attacks keep track of IP addresses and DNS names from other countries requesting access to our resources. The solution helps us identify any malicious activity and maintain our network safety. We first check the DNS issue and put it into the blacklist. If we get a similar DNS issue from another country in the future, we block the IP range altogether.
Apart from traditional technologies, we have been relying on signature-based identities. For example, we have been following up on what is in the data system and the firewall. These systems can only detect what has already been returned by the data system. If any security vendor does not update its databases or firewalls, or if its upgrades or firmware are not up to date, then malicious attacks can occur. The advantage of Palo Alto is its real-time analysis, as opposed to traditional methods that use signatures. Palo Alto Network NG Firewall has come up with some great behavioral analytics and the Wildfire feature, which helps organizations stay safe from false positive notifications or alerts.
The unified platform helps eliminate security gaps. We had certain servers that we hosted with open ports and we needed to ensure that these ports were closed. When we first set up the solution in the production environment for testing purposes, we detected traffic coming from ports on the server that had not been identified by our previous firewall. Palo Alto Network NG Firewalls uses all of its resources to detect security threats. The solution helps our organization close security vulnerabilities, Palo Alto Network NG Firewalls provide us with the instruments we need to complete our job.
The unified platform helped eliminate multiple network security tools and the effort needed to get them to work together. We need to be able to detect the type of traffic being generated from which applications are on which systems and by which users. This will help us identify which IPs are making the requests. Previously we had to rely on multiple tools to collect this information. Palo Alto Network NG Firewalls also provide one graphical interface to display all the information. The solution simplified the process by dropping two to three tools and giving us a clear view of some first-hand data, especially data that has been preliminarily investigated in the case of cybercrime, which is essential.
Security is our primary concern which we build our networking concept around and networking is secondary. We have a single sign-on agent and a dedicated service to run the firewalls. Our architecture is set up in a way that, if a DDoS attack occurs, all the traffic would go down and we have to be prepared. When we consider both the network and security features, we are more inclined toward the security side. Our clients are usually understanding if the downtime is only two to ten minutes and we can recover quickly.
There are no actual delays happening on the side of setting the solution up because we have all the resources documented on YouTube and on the website itself. We haven't experienced any delays in identifying and collecting the documents or installing the server. However, once we began the onboarding process, some technical issues arose. We forgot to include a customer's request for support from Palo Alto and as a result, the customer executed support themselves either through our website or a call, but a customer service agent acknowledged and resolved the request quickly. Because of that issue, we have been able to allocate adequate resources for implementation. We feel as if we are receiving premium service.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of Palo Alto Network NG Firewalls are policy editing and rule assigning for firewalls, as well as Wildfire. The solution does a great job of identifying malicious items and vulnerabilities with URL filtering. When combined with Fortinet, we have instant results.
Palo Alto Network NG Firewalls is doing impressive work with its AI technology, which is important to our organization. I have forwarded the papers to the director board in a recommendation to make the solution public-facing. We are considering using Palo Alto as an internet-facing firewall for our next project because the solution is an excellent firewall appliance with impressive features and a great UI.
What needs improvement?
The user interface can be significantly simplified. The dashboard and other features can be more thoughtfully designed. We get all the data in a single dashboard, which gives us additional insights. However, it takes time to sort it all out so it's easily accessible. If the data can be presented in a more graphical and structured way, it would be more helpful.
Buyer's Guide
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
March 2026
Learn what your peers think about Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2026.
885,286 professionals have used our research since 2012.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for eight months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We have had a very minimal number of false positives with the solution and it has been very stable. There have been no issues with the firewall itself. In the previous case, we had a lot of tension between the firmware update and the customer service department. This was due to the system working itself up. We had absolutely zero capability issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable with the Azure environment. I believe it is scalable because we have many data connectors. We were able to speed up the process within the hybrid environment.
How are customer service and support?
We had some technical support from Palo Alto at the time of installation.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have been using the FortiGate firewall for almost 20 years in our environment, but we recognized the Wildfire feature and some of the AIM firewall systems. FortiGate is not a next-gen firewall. Other applications such as Gartner insight offer better connections and recommend a firewall, similar to Palo Alto Networking NG Firewalls, for better application performance. We procured the solution and we have been testing it. We don't like to put all our eggs in one basket. We need multiple firewall solutions to connect with our environment. If one fails for any reason, we can have the second one take over the job. We have servers hosted in the cloud environment and each server has a different firewall installed. If we lose our connection due to a firewall issue, a firmware issue, or if Fortinet couldn't detect malware or a zero-day attack, we would be out of luck without Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls. We are considering utilizing both solutions to best suit our needs.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. Depending on the resources and skill set of the network engineers the deployment should take between 15 and 20 minutes.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution provides good protection and is worth the price.
The only additional cost to our organization comes from having to train our engineers on the proper use of the solution.
What other advice do I have?
I give the solution an eight out of ten.
We have two network administrators, which have been working on the design end, three analysts working on the system itself who are continuously monitoring the firewall status, three cybersecurity engineers, and two network engineers to deal with the networking concepts and any delays with the networking protocols. We also have three cybersecurity engineers to follow up with the monitoring, checking the security incidents, and responding. In total there are five users administrating this firewall on eight servers. The firewall acts as a router, filtering the packages between five servers on the other side. This provides an eight versus five network filtering job. The firewall is not public-facing. We are utilizing it to filter up the data, and packets of files, which are moving between the load balances.
We have an environment for production and for development. The development environment is for scaling our application. The production environment goes to the public, and we have a staging environment for testing our application. We have a joint venture with our clients, which we call UIT. This joint venture helps to reduce costs and create an environment that is beneficial for both our clients and us. We only use our staging environment occasionally, whenever we need to push something new to our service for testing purposes. It will be used around two to three days a week, or twelve to fifteen days a month. We are underutilizing the solution currently because we have only completed five percent of the development. We have analyzed the cost and are trying to procure the solution in our live environment.
The cost of security can be expensive when we analyze new technology and the need for new technologies to cover emerging vulnerabilities and malicious acts. I recommend Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls because most of the colleagues in our environment, such as Cognizant, Deloitte, and many other IT companies use Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls. 10 to 12 years ago, Fortinet was the leading security solution that most people were using followed by Cisco Firewall. Presently Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls provide the most value from a security solution, such as the detection of vulnerabilities and malware, in a cost-effective way.
Apart from the standard features of any firewall system, Palo Alto Networks offers some additional benefits that make it worth the price. These features include URL filtering and deep packet inspection, with the best feature being Wildfire. I recommend the solution.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior Solutions Architect at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Provides embedded AI and machine learning to stop threats
Pros and Cons
- "AI and machine learning are valuable aspects."
- "Palo Alto claims their NG Firewalls are highly customizable, but this isn't always true."
What is our primary use case?
We use Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls daily to create firewall rules that permit network traffic for specific applications and end users.
We use various models, including the 800, 400, and 3200 series. The specific model required depends on the size of the remote site where it will be deployed.
How has it helped my organization?
Embedded machine learning is crucial because hackers increasingly leverage AI to develop innovative methods of infiltrating networks. AI enables them to create more sophisticated malware and threats, intensifying the arms race between defenders and attackers. To counter this evolving threat landscape, next-generation firewalls must incorporate AI and machine learning capabilities to analyze and mitigate threats effectively.
What is most valuable?
AI and machine learning are valuable aspects.
What needs improvement?
UTM solutions like those offered by CheckPoint and Fortinet all offer a single pane of glass for managing security. Palo Alto is the same, but as a newcomer to Palo Alto, I've found its management, particularly with Panorama overseeing our hundred firewalls, challenging. Pushing changes, especially to individual firewalls, often results in failures, requiring full system updates. This inconsistency creates significant hurdles. While I suspect similar complexities exist in Cisco Firepower and potentially Fortinet, Palo Alto's implementation seems unnecessarily convoluted.
Palo Alto claims their NG Firewalls are highly customizable, but this isn't always true. We've encountered an issue where changes to a firewall cannot be reverted. Unlike Cisco Firepower or ASA, where changes are only committed after saving, Palo Alto commits changes immediately and places them in a queue. This prevents reverting changes, even accidentally made ones. For instance, today I was testing firewall rules without intending to push them, but the changes were already committed to the locally managed Panorama server. This lack of control is a significant drawback compared to vendors like Cisco or Checkpoint, where uncommitted changes are not saved.
Executives often praise Palo Alto firewalls, but these same executives rarely have hands-on experience managing them. Unlike them, I deal with the daily complexities of firewall operations. While every firewall has its shortcomings, Palo Alto is no exception. Cisco's ASA, for instance, was frustrating to manage through its ASDM interface, but the CLI configuration was reliable. Unfortunately, other vendors like Checkpoint and Fortinet heavily rely on management servers, limiting CLI options. Pushing changes can be a nightmare with any firewall, often involving unnecessary whole pushes due to errors or version mismatches. Palo Alto is no different; it's prone to bugs and challenges like any other product. Contrary to popular belief, executives who lack firsthand experience with firewall management often exaggerate Palo Alto's strengths.
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls have been problematic. Due to failed configuration pushes, I've encountered issues requiring Palo Alto Technical Assistance Center involvement. Based on DNS hostnames, objects are supposed to be automatically resolved by Palo Alto, but this functionality proved unreliable, necessitating a firewall upgrade and patch to correct a bug. Contrary to claims, Palo Alto has not exceeded expectations; managing as other firewall brands has been as frustrating. Each firewall platform has complexities, but I don't believe Palo Alto surpasses Check Point, Fortinet, or Cisco Firepower. While it might have advantages over Cisco Firepower, when compared to Check Point or Fortinet, Palo Alto does not offer greater performance.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls for nine months.
How was the initial setup?
When installing a Palo Alto Networks NG Firewall, we connect it to the network via a management interface and configure basic settings. Next, we register the firewall with Panorama, its management server, and then plan the network transition.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are overpriced. While Fortinet offers a more affordable option, Palo Alto commands premium prices due to its strong brand reputation among CISOs and security executives. Despite this, I believe Palo Alto firewalls are overhyped and underperform expectations. Many of these executives, who lack hands-on firewall management experience, base their decisions on marketing claims rather than practical knowledge. In contrast, Check Point pioneered next-generation firewalls, offering advanced features before competitors. However, its reliance on a centralized management system limited flexibility. Cisco, while improving, has also moved towards centralized management, restricting CLI access. Ultimately, I prefer the balance of features and flexibility Check Point offers.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls
March 2026
Learn what your peers think about Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2026.
885,286 professionals have used our research since 2012.
IT engineer at a financial services firm with 201-500 employees
The solution provides a unified platform, enhances security, and is stable
Pros and Cons
- "The application awareness feature that recognizes application IDs and vulnerability protection are Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls' most valuable features."
- "The price is high and has room for improvement."
What is our primary use case?
We use Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls as a gateway for our data center and server files because they are a reliable and robust device, and the best in the security field. We also use their threat intelligence and threat protection services, which are like brass fittings.
How has it helped my organization?
Palo Alto enables telemetry and enriches their systems to protect our network against threats, which is why machine learning helps us secure our network.
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls have enhanced our security by around 20 percent.
The solution provides a unified platform that natively integrates all of our security capabilities.
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls help eliminate security holes by stopping all the known and unknown vulnerabilities that we are seeing in our network.
The single-path architecture has improved performance and latency.
What is most valuable?
The application awareness feature that recognizes application IDs and vulnerability protection are Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls' most valuable features.
What needs improvement?
The price is high and has room for improvement.
We have Elite Plus partner support, which means we always have to speak to a partner to open a case. However, not all of the partners are knowledgeable or helpful.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
When it comes to virtual machine editions or the cloud, I think they are more scalable than hardware.
We have three administrators, 1,000 end users, and up to 400 servers that use Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used Fortinet FortiGate firewalls but switched to Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls for their superior performance. We also chose Palo Alto Networks because Gartner's reviews of their firewalls have consistently been better than those of Fortinet.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. However, enabling the security features and starting traffic inspection can be complex. The physical installation is easy.
The deployment for one device takes one day.
What was our ROI?
We have seen a return on investment in the two years that we have been using the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls' price is expensive.
What other advice do I have?
I give Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls a nine out of ten.
I recommend Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Security Operations Manager at a retailer with 10,001+ employees
Protect our perimeter and servers and provide a unified platform
Pros and Cons
- "Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls provide a unified platform that natively integrates all security capabilities."
- "The cloud could be improved. I would like to have more visibility of the vulnerabilities of the network as well."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution to protect the perimeter and use it as a proxy for the servers.
We have the firewalls installed in our data center at present and are planning to put them in the corporate and branch offices as well.
How has it helped my organization?
A couple of years ago, we removed the explicit proxy for the servers and made the proxy transparent for the servers. We were able to make it softer for the servers' web filtering.
What is most valuable?
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls provide a unified platform that natively integrates all security capabilities. They have a couple of solutions in the cloud that we are trying to add to our ecosystem.
Because Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are installed in our data center, it is very important that Palo Alto embeds machine learning in the core of the firewall to provide inline, real-time attack prevention. We need to protect our servers.
What needs improvement?
The cloud could be improved. I would like to have more visibility of the network vulnerabilities as well.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls for more than five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls have good scalability.
How are customer service and support?
Palo Alto's technical support is good, and I would rate them an eight out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls a nine on a scale from one to ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Manager, Cyber Security Risk & Compliance at a financial services firm with 5,001-10,000 employees
Provides better visibility and is stable and scalable
Pros and Cons
- "Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls enabled us to have better visibility overall."
- "Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls do not provide a unified platform that natively integrates all security capabilities."
What is our primary use case?
We use Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls for security purposes and to mitigate risk.
How has it helped my organization?
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls enabled us to have better visibility overall.
What is most valuable?
The inline, real-time attack prevention provided by embedded machine learning is not bad.
Also, the firewalls are moderate in terms of securing data centers consistently across all workplaces, i.e., from the smallest office to the largest data centers.
We have been able to reduce downtime because we have better visibility. We're faster and can act preemptively.
What needs improvement?
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls do not provide a unified platform that natively integrates all security capabilities.
Customer support could be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using this solution for about one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The firewalls' scalability is good.
How are customer service and support?
I would rate Palo Alto's network support a six out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
What was our ROI?
We have seen a slight ROI, enough to justify the cost of the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The cost is steep, but most firewalls cost a lot.
What other advice do I have?
If you're looking for the cheapest and fastest firewall, I would not recommend Palo Alto NG Firewalls.
Overall, I would rate Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls an eight out of ten.
I place a high value on attending the RSA Conference. I get a lot out of it because I'm able to learn about up-and-coming companies. I can see what options are available, whether someone's doing it better, and if I can get a cheaper option.
Attending RSAC does have an impact on my organization’s cybersecurity purchases made throughout the year.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Cybersecurity architect at a consultancy with 10,001+ employees
Provides a unified platform that natively integrates all security capabilities
Pros and Cons
- "There are many valuable features, such as wireless cloud features."
- "The bugs can be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We use Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls for our network security. We deployed the solution on both the cloud and on-prem.
How has it helped my organization?
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls machine learning secures our network against threats that evolve rapidly.
The DNS security feature is already commonly used for authentication by clients, with many threats being pushed from the inside to the outside. DNS security helps improve our network.
The DNS security feature is integral in protecting against DNS tunneling.
The solution provides a unified platform that natively integrates all security capabilities. Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls' unified platform helps us eliminate security threats. We use all the Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls' features including the UTM, WiFi, and VPN feature to protect our network.
Both the network performance and security of the single-pass architecture are good.
What is most valuable?
There are many valuable features, such as wireless cloud features. The IP and signals are updated regularly, and all UTM features provide good basic gateway-level security.
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls machine learning in the core of the firewall to provide real-time attack prevention is a basic requirement for our private security network.
What needs improvement?
The bugs can be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for eight years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable. We encounter small bugs sometimes but they are not a problem.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support is good.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
For experienced people, the initial setup is straightforward. Cloud deployment can be challenging for someone new. The deployment takes around one hour.
What about the implementation team?
We implement the solution for our clients.
What other advice do I have?
I give the solution a nine out of ten.
Our clients are enterprise-level.
The PA400 series has good performance and security.
I recommend Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls to others.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Implementer
Sr Security Analyst at a mining and metals company with 5,001-10,000 employees
Has an organized, user-friendly interface and is relatively stable
Pros and Cons
- "Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls have a very nice interface for logging and monitoring. I find it easy to navigate and use, and the interface is organized as well. I can find answers within a couple of hours and have seen time savings."
- "The customer-facing side needs to be improved in terms of the engagement and involvement of support staff."
What is our primary use case?
We use Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls for segmentation and basic routing. They are the gatekeepers for the network.
What is most valuable?
I like being able to investigate anonymous VPNs and also like to use traffic-capturing features. We've had some anonymous VPNs coming to our network, and we're trying to make sure that internal users are not able to use those to get past our security.
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls have a very nice interface for logging and monitoring. I find it easy to navigate and use, and the interface is organized as well. I can find answers within a couple of hours and have seen time savings.
We have Azure firewalls that are licensed through Palo Alto. It's super important that Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls provide a unified platform that natively integrates all security capabilities because we are moving almost entirely to Azure. Thus, the more Azure integration we have, the better it's going to be for us long term.
These firewalls have been efficient at securing data centers consistently across all workplaces.
We haven't had many downtime issues with Palo Alto.
What needs improvement?
The customer-facing side needs to be improved in terms of the engagement and involvement of support staff.
For how long have I used the solution?
My first exposure to this solution was about a year and a half ago.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The firewalls are relatively stable. We have a few that go up and down, but that has more to do with licensing issues than with the firewall itself.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support needs to be improved with regard to the time to respond and the response itself. We've been getting the same responses over and over again. It would help us out a lot if the technical support staff were more engaged or involved.
From what I've heard from our firewall engineer, I would rate technical support a four out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
What was our ROI?
We utilize GlobalProtect and have seen a better return on investment with regard to security and peace of mind.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Licensing is a big issue for us because of the complexity and the lack of engagement from Palo Alto. It has been hard to talk with them as we don't get the best answers.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We are always evaluating other vendors and are currently looking at Cisco. Though both Palo Alto and Cisco firewalls are feature-rich and provide very good value, Cisco is better at customer engagement. They are easier to talk to as well.
What other advice do I have?
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are not the cheapest and fastest, but they are one of the top ones in terms of the most effective firewalls.
Overall, I would rate NG Firewalls an eight out of ten. They're definitely a top competitor.
I love the opportunity to see technical demos and take hands-on tours with some of the products at RSA conferences. They are the best part because I get to learn and gain exposure to new technology. It is particularly helpful when we want to look at other avenues.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Engineering Manager at a security firm with 11-50 employees
Seamless ecosystem integration, user-friendly, with helpful and knowledgeable technical support
Pros and Cons
- "Some of Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls' valuable features are their powerful capabilities and user-friendliness."
- "The level of control and granularity in terms of rule customization could be enhanced. However, compared to our previous solution, Palo Alto provides much better drill-down capabilities."
What is our primary use case?
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls are being used for cloud security in our organization. Along with that, we have implemented SD-WAN, secure access, and XDR. These are the primary firewalls that we have in place.
Essentially, we have almost all of their products across their three suites.
How has it helped my organization?
The previous brand we used had a steeper learning curve for our engineers and analysts compared to Palo Alto, which is easier to use.
We also have an excellent partner in Costa Rica who works with Palo Alto's team there, providing valuable support. Overall, our experience with Palo Alto has been very positive.
What is most valuable?
Some of Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls' valuable features are their powerful capabilities and user-friendliness.
Our security team has found it easy to learn and obtain the necessary certifications and training from Palo Alto.
Overall, we have had a very positive experience with this suite of solutions, including the training they have provided us.
We like the Palo Alto ecosystem and how its different suites of products integrate seamlessly.
The sharing of information has enhanced our security posture as a company. Overall, our experience with Palo Alto has been very positive.
I believe that It is important that the firewall integrates machine learning to take advantage of all the information that is available, all the data that is available.
You have to integrate machine learning AI and things like that to be able to be a step ahead of the hackers.
Using Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls, we have experienced zero downtime.
The solution is user-friendly, which is important as it allows us to concentrate on other essential aspects of the company rather than spending time and effort maintaining the solution.
What needs improvement?
The level of control and granularity in terms of rule customization could be enhanced. However, compared to our previous solution, Palo Alto provides much better drill-down capabilities.
It is a solid solution.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls for six years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a very solid, stable solution. We haven't had any issues with it, you know when we have to do updates there are no problems whatsoever. it's a very good solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is an important issue. It is very scalable.
We are currently protecting around 11,000 endpoints.
How are customer service and support?
In my experience, I would rate the technical support a ten out of ten.
They are excellent.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
Initially, I was involved in the setup, but then other team members took over and completed the work. In the end, we reviewed and went over the setup together.
What about the implementation team?
We had a lot of support from their local partner So it was very straightforward at the time.
I didn't come across any significant issues, but as engineers, we are always prepared to face challenges.
Nowadays, nothing works as simple as plug-and-play like it used to be. However, we try to reduce the likelihood of issues as much as possible by working closely with project managers and performing thorough preparations beforehand.
Before doing the implementation. It was okay.
What was our ROI?
I believe we have seen a return on investment.
The time we used to spend on various tasks previously has significantly reduced with the implementation of Palo Alto Networks.
The system is very reliable with no downtime, providing us with a sense of security that is important in cybersecurity.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls is high, but it is worth it if you have the budget for it.
Budget is always an important factor in decision-making, but it was within our budget, and we were impressed by what we heard, tested, and experienced with Palo Alto.
It is difficult to know and assume the thought process of others. If they have budget constraints, there may be other manufacturers with a lower price point that would be a good fit. We try to evaluate from different angles, not just the budget, but also the technology and how it will fit with our needs. We look for strong capabilities where necessary, such as with Sophos and WatchGuard for smaller companies.
It can be difficult to know the thought process behind a company's decision when it comes to choosing a firewall solution. Budget constraints may play a role, and there are other manufacturers that offer lower price points, which can be a good option. However, it's important to consider technology and how it fits with the company's needs, as well as the strength of the solution.
Smaller companies like Sophos and WatchGuard also offer solid platforms, and they may be a good fit for those looking for a lower price point. Ultimately, it's important to assess what's important for the company and find a solution that fits those needs, both in terms of functionality and price.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Our process for evaluating firewall solutions usually involves consulting Gartner for their feedback, having sessions with our analysts, and focusing on the leading firewall manufacturers.
We evaluated several firewall manufacturers, including Check Point and Fortinet, but ultimately, we as a group decided that Palo Alto was the best fit for us.
The decision was not solely mine but rather made by our managers based on the evaluations and presentations given by each vendor.
We were particularly impressed with Palo Alto's presentation and even visited their headquarters located south of San Francisco. And we just felt comfortable, and it was a good decision.
What other advice do I have?
The RSA sessions have been very informative and enjoyable. Today is actually my last day at the expo, and I've been visiting some of the manufacturers that we already work with as well as some that I want to learn more about. Overall, I think it's been a great experience.
From an engineering standpoint, the expo is a great opportunity to connect with knowledgeable people beyond the marketing façade. It's worth investing time to engage with them, learn about their products and solutions, and find out what they're working on and what's upcoming.
Attending RSA has had a significant impact on our company's cybersecurity purchases for the next year. In fact, I am here with two other colleagues who are actively researching and taking notes on various companies and their offerings. They are gathering valuable information to inform our future purchasing decisions.
We've been coming here for many years now, and we'll not come back. It's a good place to get up to date on what's happening.
I would rate Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Updated: March 2026
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Buyer's Guide
Download our free Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
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