A common question that we have been receiving from clients and students alike is the difference between a cloud-managed Firebox, and a locally-managed Firebox with WatchGuard Cloud enabled. Ultimately, these two Firebox types are completely different; their only similarity is that they can both access report & log data through WatchGuard Cloud.
A locally-managed Firebox with WatchGuard Cloud enabled is referred to as Cloud Visibility. This is the Firebox type where policy, subscription service, and interface changes are made through WatchGuard System Manager or the WebUI. Then, if you want to review logs, you can log-in to watchguard.com and use those logs for reports.
A cloud-managed Firebox automatically utilizes WatchGuard Cloud. This is because a cloud-managed Firebox has its subscription service, policy, and other changes done through WatchGuard Cloud. Only the initial set-up, external interface changes, and other rare instances require changes through the WebUI.
To conclude, WatchGuard Cloud reporting & log data are available for both Firebox types, the difference here is how day-to-day firewall changes are made. For more in depth information on both topics, please review the items below: