Check Point Software Technologies on Tuesday unveiled its ZoneAlarm Secure Wireless Router Z100G, its first dedicated home network security device.
The security software company, which largely focuses on corporate customers, has designed its Z100G wireless router to offer home users seven layers of security--from firewalls to intrusion detection and prevention to antivirus technologies. Check Point, however, faces stiff competition, given that McAfee and others have already entered the consumer market with their wireless-security offerings.
Check Point's Z100G
"Typical home wireless routers only include the most rudimentary security features, giving consumers a false sense of invincibility," Laura Yecies, general manager of Check Point subsidiary Zone Labs, said in a statement.
The Z100G has a potential range of 984 feet indoors and 3,280 feet outdoors with extended range (XR)-enabled wireless computers.
It includes parental controls, VPN remote access, wireless encryption and secure remote desktop access. With four Ethernet ports, it supports Super G standards at speeds up to 108 megabits per second. It is also compatible with older wireless technologies such as 802.11b and 802.11g, as well as USB-enabled printers.
The wireless router, set to ship to stores later this month, is expected sell for $199.95 sans promotions.
$199??? No way are consumers going to lay down that kind of money for security. Chop the leading '1' off of this and it will at least show up on some purchasing radar screens.
They want another $70 a year for the lousy tech support as well as software and anti-virus updates. For $200 for this thing you would think that updates would be for life. If the tech support is as bad as stated in other posts then charging for that is just a slap in the face to their customers. I was seriously thinking of buy one but my first clue that it wasnt as advertised was that they NO blurbs on the information site for this product. If it worked at all they would have found some positive blurb to quote on the page. Im cured of my desire for this thing.
So I purchased one of these devices only to find that CheckPoint has the very worst technical/customer service support I have ever experienced. You absolutely cannot speak with anyone regardless on what continent they might be on. I cannot get the Z100G to make an Internet connection even though I can switch to my old router and everything this is fine, so I cannot complete setup. So wait until this arrogance gets dulled by lack of interest from knowledgeable consumers. Until then, I am done.
Woe to anyone to buys this device expecting it to work as advertised and/or get any technical support or customer service. Check Point has subbed out these essentials to Sofaware who, from my experience, did not reply to emails, phone calls or messages left on their tech support website. Shame on Check Point. Finally I called Check Point to get a RMA. I'm done with this lack of service.
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For $200 for this thing you would think that updates would be for life. If the tech support is as bad as stated in other posts then charging for that is just a slap in the face to their customers. I was seriously thinking of buy one but my first clue that it wasnt as advertised was that they NO blurbs on the information site for this product. If it worked at all they would have found some positive blurb to quote on the page. Im cured of my desire for this thing.