We primarily use Cisco Secure Access based on customer requirements, especially in the BFSI sector. They require Cisco Secure Access for their external branches and remote users. We mostly work with BFSI sectors who need Cisco Secure Access for their network. We have been resellers and integrators for this solution for more than eight years.
Cisco Secure Access Resource Connector
Cisco Systems, Inc.External reviews
34 reviews
from
External reviews are not included in the AWS star rating for the product.
Maintaining top security with comprehensive updates and support
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of Cisco Secure Access is the level of security it provides. Cisco's dedication to the security industry is evident with how it remains up-to-date on current situations and recent attacks. Updates are frequent, and firmware upgrades are delivered promptly. It is very easy to stay updated, which is crucial for maintaining security.
What needs improvement?
The main area for improvement is pricing. Prices are high when compared to competitors, which makes it challenging to position the product with customers. If Cisco wants to enhance its product position in regions like South Asia, it needs to consider its pricing strategies seriously.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been working with Cisco Secure Access for more than eight years.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
Implementation is very easy. Even if challenges arise, relevant documentation is readily available.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable enough, and I did not experience any latency or performance issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Cisco Secure Access is scalable. I did not find any issues with scalability, and we did not receive any negative feedback from customers.
How are customer service and support?
Our engineers are very satisfied with the features, technical assistance, and documentation provided by Cisco.
How was the initial setup?
This solution is very easy to install.
What about the implementation team?
Implementation requires two people. For maintenance, the same number of people is involved.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The main issue with pricing is that it is higher compared to other competitors, making it challenging to work with customers unless they specifically request Cisco. Also, the discount rates provided by Cisco for Asian countries are not sufficient.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Apart from Cisco, we also deal with Palo Alto, Fortinet, FortiGate, and Check Point.
What other advice do I have?
My overall rating for Cisco Secure Access is nine out of ten. Although I could rate it ten out of ten, the pricing factor brings it down to nine. In terms of technical support, I would rate it nine out of ten.
Effortless user connectivity and simplified deployment transform network access
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case for Cisco Secure Access is seamless connectivity for users, whether they are inside our corporate network or accessing it externally over the internet. The users do not have to switch on VPNs and reconnect. They can directly connect to Cisco Secure Access using Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and access all resources as if they are inside the corporate network.
What is most valuable?
The main feature I appreciate in Cisco Secure Access is the ZTNA feature, which provides excellent connectivity for remote users. We have been using Cisco Umbrella for several years, and this additional feature of ZTNA has enhanced our connectivity experience significantly. Seamless connectivity, whether inside or outside the corporate network, is a standout feature. It eliminates the hassle of switching on VPNs and provides a direct connection to resources via Cisco Secure Access.
What needs improvement?
At this moment, I am unable to comment on areas for improvement as we are just starting to work with the solution. However, I find that the complex procedure for raising support tickets is a significant drawback. Previously, sending an email would automatically create a ticket, but now it requires accessing specific portals, making the process complicated.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Cisco Secure Access for only a month since it is not yet fully deployed.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
Even a basic IT person can deploy the policies for Cisco Secure Access, making it a very user-friendly and efficient setup. We have deployed it for about one hundred users so far, with a target of one thousand users.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the stability of Cisco Secure Access as ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I would rate the scalability nine out of ten. There is always room for improvement.
How are customer service and support?
Having been associated with Cisco for more than fifteen to twenty years, I find it increasingly difficult to get tech support these days. Although Cisco is reliable, the process to raise a support ticket has become more complex, requiring specific user accounts and access to specialized platforms.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Having tested only FortiGate and Sophos before, I prefer Cisco Secure Access based on my experience. I find Cisco provides a better experience.
How was the initial setup?
The setup for Cisco Secure Access is straightforward and can be accomplished easily by IT staff with basic knowledge. The deployment process is smooth and does not pose any major issues.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Cisco is known for being a premium product, and its pricing reflects this. Although competitive, a more flexible pricing model could attract more companies, especially those with smaller user bases.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Solutions such as FortiGate, Zscaler, Palo Alto, and Sophos provide similar security access features. However, based on my evaluation, Cisco Secure Access offers a more favorable experience.
What other advice do I have?
In terms of overall rating, I give Cisco Secure Access a nine. I would definitely recommend it to other users.
Has a focus on DNS security features while more global coverage is needed
What is our primary use case?
I use this solution for securing security controls like Secure Security Control (SSC) for local Internet breakouts. It offers a unified security policy across Google sites, providing secure web gateways, DNS and web security filtering, and multi-malware protection. These features are essential for comprehensive security.
What is most valuable?
The main feature of interest to me and the customers is DNS security and Integrated Secure Web Control (ISWC).
What needs improvement?
There is a need for improved global coverage since the service relies on the cloud provider's data centers. We are seeking more granular and global coverage to meet our demands.
Modernization is needed, specifically in the enhancement of security features and functionality. Utilizing AI-oriented features is also important, considering what other vendors offer and their marketing strategies.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
According to the vendor's claims, the solution is adaptable and scalable. I would rate scalability at eight to nine out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
I am not able to read their resources, but I understand they have a good support organization. This stems from their original business in networking, integrating router and switch operations, as well as security devices. I assume the same organization now bridges into customer support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Cisco is not well accepted in the market since they are somewhat behind their competitors.
How was the initial setup?
I would rate the initial setup at seven out of ten. The commercial aspects are significant here, primarily the recognition level compared to other dedicated suppliers approaching the market with stronger messages.
What about the implementation team?
I am on the presale side, and the delivery aspect is handled by other people in the organization.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Prices are determined in the Compass. I do not refer to the suggested detail or the suggested list price, however, it is highly case-oriented. In the competitive landscape, they offer some advantages with Cisco deal IDs. However, renewal prices have been surprisingly high.
What other advice do I have?
They have a strong brand and are supported by Cisco's traditional organization.
I would rate them seven out of ten overall.
User-friendly and easy to manage by administrators
What is most valuable?
It's user-friendly and easy to manage by administrators, and the performance is very good. The security is good.
We can manage security, user channels, and all the functions on the Cisco feature, including VLAN and more.
What needs improvement?
Cisco Secure Access have to improve the security points.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using it for the last five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the stability a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution.
There are around 200 people who use it in my company. We use firewall for WANs and Access Points is for the internal network. And there's guest Wi-Fi for guest flow.
I would rate the scalability a ten out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
The customer service and support are very good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We plan to change Cisco with another vendor.
How was the initial setup?
Cisco Secure Access is easy to install.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It is expensive.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate it a ten out of ten.
Its performance is very good, and it's easy to manage. I will recommend it to other people.
An easy to access and user-friendly solution for authentication
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution for authentications and accounting services.
How has it helped my organization?
We use the tool in the Finance and IT sectors. We provide Cisco Secure Access solutions to various clients, including government agencies, to enhance network security.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is the authentication feature.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco Secure Access for two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is stable.
I rate the solution’s stability a ten out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution’s scalability is good. More than 50 admin users use this solution. I rate the solution’s scalability a ten out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
I received support from the team for Cisco Secure Access related to web services. There were occasional delays of up to two working days. With our live chat options or by contacting a specialist directly, we were able to address any issues. Additionally, Cisco provides resources and lessons that can be beneficial in such situations.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The tool is expensive. It costs around 25,000-30,000 per year. There is an additional cost for monitoring, setup, or hardware.
What other advice do I have?
In the Secure Access process, we manage authentication for corporate data, resources, and user policies to ensure that transactions are conducted securely. This involves verifying user identities and ensuring access is granted only to authorized individuals.
Sometimes, authentication takes only two or five minutes. Cisco is easy to access and is user-friendly. There is a brand policy, value, and nearability.
Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.
showing 41 - 45