Palo Alto vs HPE Aruba Battlecard

Feature	Palo Alto NGFW	HPE Aruba Networking
Threat Intelligence	WildFire: Cloud-based malware analysis for zero-day threats. Advanced Threat Prevention: This is a core security service within Palo Alto NGFWs that provides protection against exploits. AutoFocus: A threat intelligence service that provides in-depth context and analysis of threats. Unit 42: Palo Alto Networks' threat intelligence team.	Uses AI-powered threat defense (e.g., Aruba Central threat insights and integrations with third-party tools).
Intrusion Prevention (IPS)	Signature-based IPS integrated with Threat Prevention and ML-based analysis.	Aruba IDS/IPS capabilities integrated in gateway & APs; optional ClearPass for deeper integration.
Encrypted Traffic Analysis	SSL Decryption with automated policy-based inspection.	Integrated with ClearPass Policy Manager for traffic visibility and anomaly detection.
Zero Trust & Identity-Based Security	Zero Trust enforcement with user and application awareness (App-ID & User-ID).	Aruba ClearPass for role-based access control and ZTNA enforcement.
Cloud Security & SASE	Prisma Access: Full cloud-based SASE architecture with Zero Trust controls.	Aruba EdgeConnect for SASE; cloud-managed firewall capabilities via Aruba Central.
Automation & AI	Cortex AI & ML-based threat detection.	Aruba AIOps for automated issue resolution and optimization.
Policy Management	Panorama centralized management with AI-driven policies. Granular role-based access & segmentation.	Aruba Central provides centralized policy management.
Local Agent	Endpoint protection features like Cortex XDR require a separate agent installed on the endpoint device. The firewall itself operates independently without a local agent.	Aruba VIA client for VPN; mostly agentless with ClearPass + SASE.
Sandboxing	WildFire is a cloud-based malware analysis and prevention service that detects, analyzes, and blocks zero-day threats using machine learning and sandboxing techniques.	Integrates with third-party sandbox solutions (e.g., Palo Alto Wildfire or FireEye).
Main Competitors	Cisco, Fortinet, Sonicwall.	Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet.

	Palo Alto NGFW	HPE Aruba Networking
Is it designed more effectively for enterprises or SMBs?	Palo Alto's Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) are renowned for their robust security features. However, users often note that these firewalls may be cost-prohibitive for small businesses. They suggest that while Palo Alto NGFWs offer excellent protection, the high price point and complexity might not align with the needs and budgets of smaller organizations. Exploring alternative solutions that balance security and affordability could be more suitable for small business environments.	HPE Aruba Networking offers a user-friendly, cloud-managed approach with a focus on ease of use and integration within the Aruba ecosystem. Its budget-friendly entry-level options make it an attractive choice for SMBs, while Aruba Central provides a centralized platform for managing security and networking infrastructure.
Distinctive Features	Palo Alto Networks Application Identity identifies and classifies applications in real time, regardless of port, protocol, or encryption. It enables precise security policies by recognizing app behavior rather than relying on traditional IP-based rules. This helps organizations enforce access control, prevent threats, and optimize network performance by allowing or blocking applications based on security needs. It’s a key feature of Palo Alto’s Next-Generation Firewalls, ensuring visibility and control over network traffic.	Ease of use and management of the Aruba Central platform with ease of deployment and management of Aruba's access points. It makes it easy to create different network segments, and managing network inventory. AI-powered analytics for troubleshooting, network optimization, and security.
Common Criticisms	Palo Alto NGFWs as highly capable, feature-rich, and effective security devices with an intuitive management interface, often considered a technical leader. However, this comes at a very high cost, which is a major barrier for many. Concerns about potential bugs in new software releases and mixed experiences with technical support are also frequently mentioned drawbacks.	Licensing Complexity: Some users find the licensing model for Aruba products, especially when adding new devices or utilizing advanced features, to be complex. With the need to purchase specific licenses for each access point for certain services being a point of frustration. Firmware Issues: Firmware bugs and stability issues with new firmware updates are not uncommon.

Palo Alto NGFW Dashboard & UI

Palo Alto Partners

A Palo Alto Partner provides businesses with expert consultation, seamless deployment, cost optimization, and technical support. Below is a list of some of the top Palo Alto partners in the market.

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HPE Aruba Networking Dashboard & UI

Aruba Partners

A Aruba Partner provides businesses with expert consultation, seamless deployment, cost optimization, and technical support. Below is a list of some of the top Aruba partners in the market.

Netsync Network Solutions
Based in Houston, with sales and engineering assets throughout Texas, Netsync uses a true business consultative approach to determine clients’ requirements and architects innovative and synergistic …
Burwood Group, Inc.
Burwood Group was founded in Chicago, IL with five U.S. offices including 24x7 Operations Centers in San Diego, CA and Normal, IL. Whether you are developing strategy, deploying technology, or …
NWN Corporation
NWN Carousel is a leading Cloud Communications Service Provider (CCSP) focused on transforming the customer and workspace experience for commercial, enterprise and public sector organizations. The …
UDT
UDT is a technology enabler that helps clients in major industries evaluate, architect, provide, secure, and manage technology on the go, in the rack and in the cloud. UDT provides flexible and …