The implementation of intrusion prevention system (IPS) solutions can be a complex process, with multiple factors affecting the overall cost of deployment, maintenance, and upkeep. These should be considered over the course of the useful life of the solution, and include:

• Acquisition costs for IPS devices and central management system
• Fees paid to the vendor for annual maintenance, support and signature updates
• Labor costs for installation, maintenance and upkeep

No two network security products deliver the same security effectiveness or throughput, making precise comparisons extremely difficult.