Content

GFI WebMonitor WebFilter Edition

The GFI WebMonitor is a nice addition in an environment already running Microsoft ISA Server as its firewall and web proxy server. This product adds some very nice features including time-based web URL filtering and anti-phishing by blocking access to phishing sites. However, this is really the extent of the WebFilter Edition. GFI also offers some more comprehensive packages, but this edition is pretty much just as it states, a web filter.

We found this product simple to install and easy to use. Installation is launched on the ISA Server from an executable. This executable opens up the installation wizard, which takes just a few minutes. After the installation is complete, just click on the program or launch the web GUI and configuration can begin. At first launch, the product automatically downloads the filtering database and anti-virus software. Navigating the management console is quite intuitive and we found configuration to be easy.

Since this product is designed for ISA, it plugs into the environment quite effortlessly and policy is easy to configure by user, group or IP address. One thing we noticed and really liked in this product was the use of many charts, graphs and logs. All these reporting and monitoring tools are easy to access and provide clear information at a glance about internet usage and policy violation.

Documentation for this product is a single PDF manual. This manual combines in one place an installation guide, configuration guide and administration guide for all the WebMonitor packages. The manual is easy to navigate with a live table of contents and it is nicely organized. There are many labelled screen shots, which provides extra illustration of certain screen and menu layouts.

GFI offers email support via support request forms on the website. The website also contains an expansive support area, including a large knowledge base, forums and FAQs. Customers can also sign in to a portal where they can manage licenses.

The WebFilter Edition comes in at a price starting at $425 for 25 seats. While this product is a good add-on if the environment already is running ISA Server, it does not really do much for an environment that is not. The features are quite limited, although there is some good monitoring and reporting capability.
Product title
GFI WebMonitor WebFilter Edition
Product info
Name: WebMonitor Description: Price: $425
Strength
Plugs right into ISA Server and adds some nice filtering capability.
Weakness
Low feature set.
Verdict
A competent add-in for MS ISA Server at a very good price.

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