Watchguard introduces self-configuring UTM

WatchGuard Technologies has announced today that it is the first UTM security appliance vendor to offer a firewall that configures itself. The company is adding a new cloud-based configuration utility – RapidDeploy – that eliminates the need for IT security professionals to pre-configure devices or travel to the deployment site for installation. This is anticipated to significantly reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) on WatchGuard devices.

The company says with RapidDeploy, no IT or network security expertise is needed on site to securely install and deploy a WatchGuard appliance. Rather than requiring manual provisioning of the device in advance, IT staff or security service providers create and store  configuration data in the cloud – public or private – and have the appliance directly shipped to its destination. Once it arrives and is plugged into a power source, it effectively deploys itself by automatically “phoning home” to the cloud for secure download of its configuration settings.

“With RapidDeploy, we’re taking the delay out of the deployment process,” said Roger Klorese, Director of Product Management at WatchGuard Technologies.  “It’s secure, it’s fast, it automates basic configuration tasks, and makes remote or branch office deployment virtually hands free. This is the first step in delivering a secure and comprehensive cloud-based management solution, and one that provides an immediate benefit to our partners and their customers. Our customers in distributed enterprise environments and MSSP partners now have more dynamic configuration tools and even greater manageability of their WatchGuard devices deployed across multiple locations and geographies.”

RapidDeploy will be available in future WatchGuard Fireware XTM releases as well as an upgrade at no additional charge for customers with current WatchGuard LiveSecurity support and maintenance service. RapidDeploy will be widely available in the second half of Q4 2012.