I primarily use FortiGate IPS to protect my company from advanced threats like zero-day attacks and other cybersecurity threats.
Fortinet FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall
Fortinet Inc.External reviews
External reviews are not included in the AWS star rating for the product.
Deep inspection provides strong threat protection but needs more advanced AI
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is the deep inspection for traffic, which is capable of identifying zero-day attacks. This solution works well on a daily basis, detecting various types of malicious traffic. Integration with FortiFabric enables easy management and scalability across different locations.
What needs improvement?
There could be improvements in the mathematical algorithms used for behavior analytics of traffic. More advanced AI capabilities would be beneficial in future updates.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using FortiGate IPS for about two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability of the solution is excellent. I rate it as nine out of ten. There are no issues with stability, and it integrates seamlessly with the main product, which is a firewall.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
FortiGate IPS is highly scalable. I can easily integrate it with FortiFabric and manage multiple firewalls and other Fortinet solutions from a single dashboard.
How are customer service and support?
Fortinet support is very responsive. I would rate their support as eight out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I also use Cisco for email security. Fortinet was chosen since it is a popular solution for middle-sized companies in my region.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup took about two to three hours and included setup and configuration.
What about the implementation team?
The implementation involved two engineers. It was handled internally.
What was our ROI?
I have not calculated ROI specifically, however, the primary goal was to enhance cybersecurity.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There are no extra expenses involved after purchasing the solution. Pricing could be better, however, overall, it is considered a middle-level price for a middle-level company.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I am currently working mostly with Fortinet as well as with Cisco for email security.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend FortiGate IPS for those looking to add an additional layer of security on top of a firewall to combat cyberattacks. I would rate the overall solution as seven out of ten.
Enhance reporting and operational efficiency with detailed insights
What is our primary use case?
I use FortiAnalyzer for reporting. It provides log management solutions for my enterprise, which is in the manufacturing sector.
What is most valuable?
FortiAnalyzer's capability to provide detailed reporting based on various criteria is highly valuable. It allows for better log management in my enterprise. The IPS functionality and the reporting capabilities of FortiAnalyzer also help in maintaining efficient operations.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have around three years of experience with Fortinet solutions.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution has been very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I must select the right size firewall to match my traffic flow rate. It is important to pick a large enough firewall to meet the site's specific needs. Like any hardware, it has finite scalability restrictions.
How are customer service and support?
I have been satisfied with FortiGate support. Even though I work through a managed provider, I believe FortiGate provides good support.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
At my last company, I switched from Cisco to FortiGate due to performance and functionality.
How was the initial setup?
My service provider manages the setup, so I do not have direct experience with the initial setup.
What about the implementation team?
My implementation is managed by a third-party provider, and I do not handle equipment directly.
What was our ROI?
It is hard to measure, but the return on investment with Fortinet has been good with improvements in operational impact.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The hardware is competitively priced.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I switched from Cisco due to performance and functionality improvements with Fortinet.
What other advice do I have?
I never rate anything a perfect ten. There is always room for improvement in any product. I rate the overall solution a nine out of ten.
Powerful bandwidth control and seamless connectivity management
What is our primary use case?
I use Fortinet FortiGate IPS for firewall applications, VPNs, dial-up VPNs, and different types of connectivity, specifically on-site to site VPNs and for securing networks.
It's not just regular firewall applications; I use it on a ship to manage bandwidth by controlling website access and blocking high bandwidth-demanding applications like gaming.
What is most valuable?
Fortinet FortiGate IPS allows me to block certain applications, which is valuable in managing bandwidth on a ship. The IPS enables controlling and securing networks. I appreciate FortiGate for its reliable, powerful, and flexible setups. Even smaller boxes perform with great power, which is crucial for my operations. FortiGate's chips make it very fast and integrate virtual firewalls, simplifying complex setups.
What needs improvement?
Fortinet FortiGate could improve their documentation on forward error correction and failover technologies.
Additionally, better documentation and applications for SD WAN setups, especially for satellite-based internet like Starlink, would be beneficial. This area is vital, and they have not capitalized on it compared to competitors like Peplink.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Fortinet FortiGate IPS for about five to six years. Before that, I was using WatchGuard.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the stability as a nine out of ten. There was only one instance where I had to restart FortiGate due to it running out of memory.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
FortiGate is easily scalable and I would rate it a nine out of ten. It works well with additional endpoints and global networks.
How are customer service and support?
I have minimal direct experience with Fortinet customer support as I usually find solutions online. However, in my encounters, documentation available is rated an eight out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, I used WatchGuard. I switched to Fortinet since WatchGuard was more complicated. Fortinet offered powerful applications and built-in features that made my life easier.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward. Fortinet has thought well of the user experience, making it user-friendly to implement.
What about the implementation team?
I have a few other sites working with me, involving IT technicians to establish connections. It's a collaboration with some remote sites and a handful of people.
What was our ROI?
FortiGate's ease of implementation relative to WatchGuard saves time and ultimately provides a higher return on investment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Fortinet is competitively priced. It is neither particularly cheap nor expensive compared to other products like WatchGuard. The pricing and performance are better, making it a viable choice.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I evaluated Peplink for SD WAN solutions that offer more high-tech features than FortiGate.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate FortiGate a nine out of ten overall. To avoid losing market share, Fortinet must focus on satellite-based internet solutions such as Starlink.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Robust user management and bandwidth control with an easy setup
What is our primary use case?
The company uses FortiGate to offer protection for clients transitioning from MPLS to Internet, ensuring security for this new type of connection. In Brazil, clients typically seek protection, and FortiGate is used to offer such solutions. We start with this new kind of connection, explaining and training clients about the product.
How has it helped my organization?
With the FortiGate solutions, I see a benefit in controlling the bandwidth and managing users' access. It's important for leading the market and helping IT managers use the solution.
What is most valuable?
The common valuable feature for FortiGate is its UTM functionality, which includes various features under a license that is commonly implemented. FortiGate is widely used across fifty percent of the solutions in Brazil, making it a prevalent choice for many clients. It's beneficial because it allows the orchestration of networks with multiple vendors like Huawei, Cisco, and Juniper.
What needs improvement?
Improvements could be made when companies expand and need better equipment and more licenses. Additionally, a way to upgrade equipment when increasing Internet bandwidth is necessary. Companies often have to quickly close negotiations due to exchange rate changes affecting budgets.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have had about five years of experience with FortiGate.
How are customer service and support?
FortiGate offers good support, especially for telcos that have engineers inside the SOC to provide solutions to problems.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, I worked with FortiGate. Now, I am studying to use Huawei. My current company has various solutions, though their firewall is not as developed. FortiGate is known for its firewall solutions, however, with Huawei, it’s a hard work to establish the offering.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup for FortiGate is straightforward and easy. The company frequently conducts meetings to present their solutions in Brazil, helping to streamline the process.
What was our ROI?
Using FortiGate has enabled us to increase security, control user access, manage bandwidth, and enhance the ability to provide a variety of operations solutions to clients.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We work with a price list that changes every three or six months, however, we purchase in dollars. The exchange rate between the local currency and dollars affects the budget of our clients, so we need to quickly close negotiations.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
The clients in Brazil often use Fortinet, given its familiarity and integration with existing networks comprising vendors such as Huawei, Cisco, and sometimes Juniper.
What other advice do I have?
It’s crucial to understand the client’s necessity first and implement only the solutions needed initially, expanding later with more solutions as required.
I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.
Enhancing network protection with advanced firewall and VPN features
What is our primary use case?
We use the FortiGate Next Generation Firewall for our customers. We mainly utilize firewall and VPN features.
How has it helped my organization?
The solution has helped us protect our customers' networks effectively due to its firewall and VPN capabilities.
What is most valuable?
The firewall and VPN features are the most valuable in protecting our customers' networks. The stability of the product is also appreciated.
What needs improvement?
I would like to see improvements in the IPS/IDS feature to enhance protection against attacks from attackers, including ransomware protection.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using FortiGate Next Generation Firewall for about five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We don't need scalability because our customers are small companies.
How are customer service and support?
We do not use FortiGate support directly; we must use distributor support.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing of FortiGate Next Generation Firewall is competitive. The licensing cost is approximately thirteen thousand.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluate Palo Alto against FortiGate, and would be considering it if the price is lower.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate FortiGate Next Generation Firewall an eight out of ten. I would like to see AI capabilities in the future.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Has enables a reduction in our security budget
What is our primary use case?
We use FortiGate as the edge firewall. We integrate it with our APIs over Microsoft Azure. We work in the VOIP industry, and our services are prone to latency. Security is a major concern for us as a U.S. research company, where we frequently test attacks. FortiGate handles these attacks well.
How has it helped my organization?
FortiGate has led to a reduction in our security budget. Our management decided to switch to FortiGate because it offers all the necessary features and even improved features within our budget.
What is most valuable?
I'm looking forward to FortiGate's dashboard features, insights, application oversight, and monitoring, which could help us significantly.
What needs improvement?
As of now, I haven't identified areas for improvement. However, once the firewall is in production and all traffic is shifted, I might be able to provide more feedback. The configuration part was challenging, especially converting configurations from another OEM to FortiGate.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working on FortiGate devices for around four years. In my previous role, we used FortiGate based on the requirements and budget constraints. Currently, my organization is transitioning to FortiGate in the Azure environment as part of the migration phase.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate FortiGate's stability as a nine out of ten, reflecting that there have been no major issues with stability so far.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
FortiGate's scalability is rated eight out of ten. We expect network expansion both over the cloud and on-premises, and we believe FortiGate will perform well in this scenario.
How are customer service and support?
We had a single instance requiring FortiGate's technical support, which was effective in solving the problem. I rate their support as eight out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used other vendors, like Cisco. FortiGate was chosen due to its cost-effectiveness and its ability to offer improved features within our budget.
How was the initial setup?
The installation process does not take much time, but the migration phase from Cisco to FortiGate is expected to take about ten days.
What about the implementation team?
We have a separate team responsible for deployments over the cloud, while our networks and security team manages migrations and operations of the devices.
What was our ROI?
There has been a cost reduction in our security budget after implementing FortiGate, attributed to its offering of essential features at a reduced cost compared to previous vendors.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We pay for additional services like perpetual licenses. Despite this, FortiGate is considered a cost-effective solution. I rate the pricing as a five out of ten, reflecting a balance between cost and benefit.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We also use other vendors like Cisco, Netgate, Ubiquiti, and others in our environment.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend this product. In future updates, it would be beneficial to see automation features, such as real-time alerts via phone, which we currently get from other OEMs.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Reliable with enhanced threat detection with effective content filtering
What is our primary use case?
We are using the FortiGate Next Generation Firewall, and we are also providing this solution to our customers.
How has it helped my organization?
Customer is investing in this solution. We have observed a reduction in order value costs, approximately one lakh rupees per order, which contributes to reducing overall security costs.
What is most valuable?
In our territory, the most usable features include WAP content filtering, which is more utilized than IDS, sandbox license, and multiple internet connectivity. These are the primary features we are offering as a solution.
FortiGate's threat detection capability is excellent. Compared to other solutions, FortiGuard Lab has a very high capacity to detect malware and malicious content.
What needs improvement?
I would like to see improvements in some of the hard drive features on FortiGate so that we can generate reporting within a single box.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been working with FortiGate Next Generation Firewall for the last ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's reliable and works well within our needs.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
FortiGate is scalable. That said, you must change the hardware to scale in capacity.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support has improved over the last two or three years, as Fortinet now operates 24/7 support.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have also worked with SonicWall. Compared to SonicWall, FortiGate allows us to make a DNS server, which SonicWall cannot do. SonicWall offers the advantage of providing a free reporting solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price is very aggressive in India as India is a rapidly growing market, the original equipment manufacturer offers competitive pricing.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We have evaluated other solutions like SonicWall and Sophos.
What other advice do I have?
For very small companies, with five to ten users and where cost is a concern, I would not recommend going with FortiGate.
If only cost is a concern, then it would not be recommended. It is a little bit expensive - the entry-level model is the FZ FortiGate. At the same time, Sophos XZ 86 is an entry-level model, which is more suitable for very small networks.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
User-friendly and effective threat identification solution with helpful support
What is our primary use case?
Overall, we use Fortinet FortiGate IPS for group security, managing several companies across the region via a central location in Trinidad.
How has it helped my organization?
It ensures that we safeguard our environment effectively.
What is most valuable?
The ease of use, concise reports, and threat identification are very user-friendly and valuable.
What needs improvement?
There are no areas that need improvement at this point in time.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used FortiGate IPS for about two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
So far, we have had no issues with stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
FortiGate IPS seems to grow with us as we grow. We are on the latest edition, and it is fairly easy to maintain going forward.
How are customer service and support?
I do not normally interact with customer service, yet I had a very good conversation with them the other day. I would rate the experience a ten out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
What about the implementation team?
The setup was done by the infrastructure team, including four network admins and one infrastructure security person. The initial setup appears to have been straightforward based on indications.
What was our ROI?
We haven't implemented it for ROI benefits but rather for intrusion detection. It's just to make sure that we safeguard our environment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
FortiGate is slightly more expensive. CrowdStrike is offering better rates, which is something you need to look at.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
CrowdStrike and other vendors have more competitive pricing, and CrowdStrike is currently number one in the quadrant while FortiGate is ranked lower.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others because it is a good product. Overall, I would rate it nine out of ten. It ensures security and is easy to use.
I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.
Enhanced threat prevention with very good support and valuable behavior reports
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
It's good that we didn't get hacked or attacked, indicating strong threat prevention.
What is most valuable?
The reporting on employee behavior and the prevention of new viruses are essential features. Additionally, we have found it convenient for monitoring if users download documents from unknown websites.
What needs improvement?
The AI part needs improvement to enhance its functionality.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Fortinet FortiGate IPS for almost three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is very stable. We have not faced any delays or issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is good. We haven't faced any issues, and it supports our organization well.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support is very good.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We use FortiGate for our data center firewall and Sophos for our internet firewall. We find FortiGate to be more stable than Sophos.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward and did not present any issues.
What about the implementation team?
The installation was performed by a product's partner. I supervised the process.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, the stability of FortiGate IPS is impressive, and I would recommend it to others because of its stability.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Effective threat prevention with responsive customer support
What is our primary use case?
We are using Fortinet FortiGate as a firewall.
How has it helped my organization?
Fortinet FortiGate has been invaluable. It has helped save costs due to its various features, reliable performance, very good UI, low latency, and stability.
What is most valuable?
The Threat Intel engine in Fortinet FortiGate is highly rated for its effectiveness in threat prevention. It has a good UI and overall integration, including FortiGate Manager for controlling all firewalls from a single place.
What needs improvement?
The anti-malware engine could use an upgrade. It should automatically classify and sandbox malicious packets with more granular controls, including providing details like TV numbers.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Initially, we faced some issues with updates due to network factors needing to be white-listed in the proxy. These problems have since been resolved, and we are not facing any issues now.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
While I don't have a clear picture of scalability, we scale up in different regions based on the number of users and the amount of load. This is typically handled by architecture teams.
How are customer service and support?
Customer support is very responsive, addressing queries in a timely manner. I would rate the customer support ten out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have also used Palo Alto Firewalls and Fortinet FortiGate. Fortinet FortiGate has a better UI and overall integration, including FortiGate Manager for single-place control over all firewalls.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward and easy, thanks to the support provided. I would rate the ease of setup ten out of ten.
What about the implementation team?
We had the help of the end-of-support team for the setup, which made the process quite straightforward and easy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price is reasonable for our company. The finance team handles the specifics regarding the license costs.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated Palo Alto NG Firewalls before settling on Fortinet FortiGate.