Sophos has announced a significant update for their Network Detection and Response (NDR) product, offering customers the ability to deploy NDR on certified hardware to handle high traffic volume environments.
Previously, when deployed on supported virtual appliances such as VMWare ESXi, MS HyperV, and AWS AMI, Sophos NDR was limited to 1GBS of network traffic. This limitation presented a challenge for customers with higher traffic demands or distributed branch offices.
With the introduction of a new ISO image deployment for certified hardware, Sophos now provides support for small, medium, and large network environments. This updated deployment can handle up to 40Gbps and 120K connections per second, allowing for smoother operation even in high traffic scenarios.
In terms of licensing, there have been no changes. Sophos NDR product licenses continue to be based on the number of users and servers in the environment. Customers have the flexibility to deploy as many Sophos NDR sensors as necessary to effectively monitor their network.
To access the new certified hardware ISO, customers and partners can select the option during the appliance setup in Sophos Central. Detailed instructions are provided to guide users through the deployment process on certified hardware.
However, there are certain requirements for utilizing the ISO image on certified hardware. Customers must acquire hardware from vendors like Dell to ensure compatibility and performance. While the ISO image may function on other hardware, it is not officially supported by Sophos, and issues may arise regarding functionality.
Additionally, it is important to note that the hardware purchase and any associated warranties are the responsibility of the customer. Sophos does not have a reseller agreement with certified hardware providers, and the hardware cannot be purchased directly through Sophos.
For further information on certified hardware specifications, customers can refer to the Detailed Certified Hardware Specifications document available on the Sophos website.
Overall, the introduction of certified hardware support for Sophos NDR represents a significant step forward in providing flexibility and scalability for customers with high traffic volumes. This update opens up new possibilities for businesses to optimize their network detection and response capabilities in a variety of network environments.