Suggestions for SOHO networking gear [closed]

Question

I'm a software developer as me day job but have landed a contract position to spec out and install the computer equipment for a small office.

Ease of use (easy installation, low maintenance and good support) is priority number one, it supersedes price by a wide margin. The installation we had in mind would support up to ten workstations.

I was originally going to go with Netgear hardware for firewall NETGEAR UTM25-100NAS and switch NETGEAR GS724T, but have been told Sonicwall firewalls are easier to configure, maintain and have a better track record.

If ease of use was priority number one, what hardware would you purchase for a firewall and a switch duties?

Update

I'm now looking at the Cisco Catalyst 500 line for switches. Seems straight forward and comes highly recommended. Still not certain which version Sonicwall to get, perhaps I should forego the extra purchase of a switch and get the NSA 2400MX?

Answer 1

I've only used a SonicWall firewall/router and its OK but I too am a programmer with some IT responsibility. Personally, I think the interface has a little too much hand-holding when I don't want it to, but not enough help or documentation in other areas.

I also think it would depend on the extent of the setup. Will they need to host files on the internet, set up a DMZ, or will you just be setting up the internet once and let it run.

For the switch, for a small office, I think it'd be simpler to stick to an unmananged switch like the following http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122058 (just an example).