Blue Coat vs Cisco IronPort: What are the differences?

# Introduction
This Markdown code provides key differences between Blue Coat and Cisco IronPort.

1. Deployment Environment: Blue Coat typically provides hardware-based appliances, while Cisco IronPort focuses on cloud-based solutions. Blue Coat appliances are commonly deployed at the network perimeter, whereas Cisco IronPort solutions are often used for cloud email security and web security services. This difference in deployment environments can impact the ease of integration within different infrastructures.

2. Feature Set: Blue Coat offers a wide range of security features including web filtering, secure web gateway, and data loss prevention (DLP). On the other hand, Cisco IronPort primarily focuses on email security, spam protection, and anti-malware services. The feature set of each solution caters to specific security needs and requirements, influencing the decision-making process for organizations.

3. Scalability: In terms of scalability, Blue Coat appliances are known for their ability to handle large volumes of traffic and users efficiently. Conversely, Cisco IronPort cloud-based solutions offer scalability advantages in terms of easy addition of users and resources with minimal administrative overhead. The scalability differences between the two solutions can impact the growth and expansion capabilities of organizations.

4. Cost Structure: Blue Coat appliances typically involve upfront hardware costs and licensing fees, as well as ongoing maintenance expenses. Cisco IronPort cloud-based solutions often follow a subscription-based pricing model, allowing for more flexible payment options. The cost structure of each solution can influence the financial considerations and budget constraints of organizations.

5. Support and Maintenance: Blue Coat provides comprehensive support services for their hardware appliances, including software updates and technical assistance. Cisco IronPort's cloud-based solutions offer centralized management and automatic updates for improved maintenance efficiency. The differences in support and maintenance approaches can impact the overall security posture and operational efficiency of organizations.

6. Integration Capabilities: Blue Coat solutions are known for their seamless integration with other security products and network infrastructure components. Cisco IronPort integrates well with Cisco's broader security ecosystem, providing a more cohesive security architecture for organizations using Cisco products. The integration capabilities of each solution play a crucial role in creating a unified and effective security environment.

In Summary, this Markdown code outlines key differences between Blue Coat and Cisco IronPort, including deployment environment, feature set, scalability, cost structure, support and maintenance, and integration capabilities.