The implementation of next generation firewall (NGFW) solutions can be a complex process with multiple factors affecting the overall cost of deployment, maintenance, and upkeep. Enterprises should include total cost of ownership (TCO) as part of their evaluations, focusing on the following at a minimum:

Acquisition costs for NGFW devices and central management system (CMS)
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. In order to capture the relative value of devices on the market and facilitate such comparisons, NSS Labs has developed a unique metric to enable value-based comparisons: TCO per protected megabit per second (Mbps).

Within a given performance range, clear guidance is provided as to whether a product is priced above or below the majority of its competitors. A high price could indicate a premium based upon security effectiveness, brand recognition, level of customer service, or a price penalty for an underperforming product.