MANAGED EDGE: Superior Management, Elevated Security: A Partner’s Early Experience with SonicWall Network Security Manager 3.0

Leaf IT shares its experience with SonicWall Network Security Manager 3.0

When SonicWall set out to build Network Security Manager (NSM) 3.0, the goal was clear: make life easier for managed service providers. That meant simplified workflows, faster provisioning and easier policy control across customer environments, all with less overhead.

But building smarter software requires more than just internal vision. It requires dialogue. That’s why partners like Leaf IT played a key role throughout the NSM 3.0 beta program, offering critical feedback, testing new features in real-world environments and helping shape the product into what it is today.

Real-World Testing with Leaf IT

Leaf IT, a multi-award-winning MSP with over 20 years of experience serving clients across the UK and Ireland, joined the NSM 3.0 beta program to evaluate how the platform could streamline their operations and better serve their customers. They were especially interested in assessing NSM 3.0 as a potential replacement for their GMS installed base and in understanding how its new capabilities could support growth.

“From my early engagement with the NSM team, I saw a commitment to listen to partner feedback from around the world,” said Justin Archer, Senior Network Engineer at Leaf IT. “Regular calls with the product team provided a forum to review challenges and propose enhancements. It was encouraging to see a structured, global feedback loop in place.”

Building Trust Through Responsiveness

As with any beta program, there were challenges, but what stood out to Leaf IT was the SonicWall team’s agility in responding to them.

“There’s always some caution with pre-release software,” Justin noted. “But when issues are identified and resolved by the next meeting, that kind of responsiveness builds trust.”

Seeing issues addressed so quickly reassured Leaf IT about the platform’s potential and the team’s commitment to making it stronger. “What makes the difference for us is how well we know the technology — how it’s built, how it’s engineered,” Justin said. “Being part of programs like this with SonicWall only deepens that trust.”

Scaling Simplicity with Templates

One standout feature for Leaf IT was NSM 3.0’s improved template engine, especially its ability to reduce repetitive configuration work during firewall deployments.

“Thanks to the level of granularity, I now have around 10 to 12 templates, including one specifically for Teams, that automatically deploy all the necessary services,” Justin explained. “The ability to define interface variables and reuse templates across devices really speeds up provisioning and reduces room for error.”

That means more than just time saved — it means consistency, scalability, and a smoother experience for customers. “It’s about simplicity and scalability. If we can create a build once and share it across the team, it shortens delivery time and creates a clearer experience for everyone involved, customers included.”

Partner-Led Development, Real-World Impact

Throughout the program, the collaboration between Leaf IT and SonicWall reflected a shared goal: creating tools that solve real partner challenges.

“There was a clear effort to gather input, take it seriously, and explore how it could contribute to the product’s development,” Justin said. “The team was open to feedback throughout the process.”

Available Now: NSM 3.0

As of May 5, 2025, NSM 3.0 is officially available in both cloud and on-premises versions. Built with input from partners like Leaf IT, this release delivers a smarter, more scalable approach to management and reflects SonicWall’s ongoing commitment to making security more manageable for MSPs.

“At the end of the day, it’s about improving how we work and ensuring our customers benefit from that,” Justin said. “With NSM 3.0, we’ve found a solution that supports both.”

Explore NSM 3.0
Visit Leaf IT