CSM vs. IME

[Xavier Lloyd]

Hey all,

Quick question.

In terms of configuring the IPS, what's the difference in the experience using the CSM vs. the IME? I have a PC running IME here at office but I'm having issues installing the CSM so I haven't been able to try it out. I am, however, looking at CSM for centralised security management.

Is the interface on the IME much better than the CSM? If so, is it that much better that you'd say that the cost of the extra device (IME) of having both outweighs the benefits?

Thanks!

[Farrukh Haroon]

IME  limitations:

1. Limited to 10 devices (used to be 5 I think)
2. Have to configure each device separately (no bulk configuration)
3. Have to maintain the configuration of each device separately (no shared config items like CSM)
4. Software/Signature management also has to be done separately, cannot be done in bulk as in CSM

To be frank there is no comparison between the two. However to be frank CSM is not that user friendly, but that is a different subject

Regards

Farrukh