Checkpoint Firewall vs Cisco IOS/PIX, etc

[oldbag]

In todays IT market which do you think commands a higher salary and/or more job opportunities, Checkpoint Firewall management, or Cisco PIX/IOS Firewall Management and why? One obvious point is that Cisco contains more command line over gui.....

Currently I manage Checkpoint Firewalls and do some Cisco ADSL router configuration. I have also had some PIX experience.

 

[sidethink]

Checkpoint skills are rarer in my experience and can commnad higher rates but have fewer opportunities.

Cisco is more ubiquitous but is also much more varied - personally I'd go Cisco if I had to do it over again. And don't concentrate too hard on just PIX and security, there is a lot of demand for skilled Cisco voice engineers out there.

Just aren't enough Checkpoints out there in my view.

 

[Shaz]sigh[]

If you learn the basic foundation (as specced in your basic CCNP/CCIP and to a degree, in CCVP) then you'll be able to branch out and learn JunOS etc as well as pick up the randomisms of Checkpoint/Nokia.

The key factor is that Cisco is "easier" to get info/education on.

 

[branddaly]

If you are going to learn about firewall I'd suggest the cisco ASA courses. CCNP and CCIP don't really go into much depth, so look at the CCSP path instead if you are going down the security route. PIX's themselves are about to be phased out by Cisco. And whilst the PIX/ASA can be programmed with command line, they've had a comprehensive GUI for the last couple of years.