The Optenet WebSecure CCOTTA appliance integrates web URL filtering, application protocol block and Kaspersky Anti Virus all into one appliance. Administrators can implement URL filtering based upon many categories and also create policies for controlling use of the main application protocols, including email, file transfer, remote access, instant messaging and P2P file sharing. This, coupled with AV control at the gateway, provides for solid web content management across the environment.
Installation of this device is about as plug and play as it comes. All we had to do was plug it in and turn it on and we were just about set up. The IP settings can be set directly on the appliance using the front control buttons. From there we accessed the web-based GUI, went through a quick setup wizard and the appliance was up and running. All further configuration and management is done via the web interface. This interface has a clean and organised look, with intuitive navigation.
Policies can be set up easily and the appliance can integrate directly with the existing LDAP or Active Directory structure to provide easy policy group assignment. It flexibly allows you to create internet use policies by choosing between the allow, block, continue, restrict and block by file type functions to manage web access and filter sites depending on the time of day.
Documentation is in the form of a short quick-start guide on paper and then several PDF guides. The quick-start guide illustrates deployment scenarios and how to access the appliance for the first time.
The other manuals go into greater detail on advanced deployment and configuration options. The main manual provides in-depth detail on how to use the product and configure its features. All these guides include many screenshots, configuration examples and
step-by-step instructions.
Optenet offers 24/7 free phone and email support to its customers, but we found no
web-based support feature on its website.
At a price of £1,403, this product is great value for the money. It is easy to deploy and manage, with ongoing free technical support.