When it comes to choosing between the Palo Alto Networks PA-850 and the PA-220, it really depends on the specific needs of your organization. Both devices are designed to provide next-generation firewall capabilities and advanced threat protection, but they differ in terms of their throughput, features, and cost.

The PA-850 is a high-performance firewall that can handle throughput speeds of up to 5 Gbps. It is designed for midsize organizations and branch offices that require advanced security features and high throughput. The PA-850 includes features such as SSL decryption, network segmentation, centralized management, and application control.

On the other hand, the PA-220 is a smaller, more affordable firewall that is designed for smaller organizations or branch offices that do not require the same level of throughput as the PA-850. The PA-220 can handle throughput speeds of up to 1 Gbps and includes features such as application control, SSL decryption, and centralized management.

Both the PA-850 and the PA-220 offer advanced threat protection capabilities, such as intrusion prevention, antivirus, and URL filtering. However, the PA-850 has more advanced features such as network segmentation, which can be particularly useful in larger organizations with multiple segments that require isolation.

In terms of cost, the PA-220 is more affordable than the PA-850, making it a good choice for organizations with smaller budgets. However, if your organization requires high throughput and advanced security features, the PA-850 may be the better choice despite the higher cost.

In summary, both the PA-850 and the PA-220 are excellent firewalls that offer advanced threat protection capabilities. Your choice between the two will ultimately depend on your organization’s specific needs, budget, and performance requirements.