We use Fortinet FortiGate for network segmentation. We protect from the outside world and make segregation with the outside world. With Fortinet FortiGate, we primarily focus on network segmentation.
Fortinet FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall
Fortinet Inc.External reviews
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Focus on network segmentation with highly supportive team assistance for effective threat protection
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of Fortinet FortiGate is the price-quality ratio. It's a very good fit as it's not very expensive and offers extensive functionality. It functions effectively as a firewall, performing its intended purpose compared to the competition. When activating the Unified Threat Protection, users gain access to FortiGuard. The SASE possibility is also interesting even though we do not currently use it.
It's not only about the product itself. It is also the team around Fortinet. We receive substantial help from Fortinet, which is very valuable as they assist us in choosing the right solutions. If we need configuration assistance, they can send specialists who help design the solution. The value comes from both the FortiGate firewall itself and how the team supports you.
What needs improvement?
One area for improvement involves FortiAnalyzer, specifically regarding the SOC part and log interpretation. Sometimes interpretation is very difficult. They send an extensive amount of logs, and when putting that in a SOC or SIEM, payment is based on gigabytes sent. We send many unnecessary items, resulting in unnecessary costs.
We decided to reduce the logs and now send only half of what we had before after determining what was unnecessary. They should improve what needs to be sent to the SIEM. The logs should be lighter. In the log structure, there are many unnecessary columns, resulting in a large amount of redundant data. They should improve the way logs are sent to the SIEM.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Fortinet for more than ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is stable overall when choosing a release that has been tested. We have observed more vulnerabilities on Fortinet, however, this indicates that as the product becomes more successful, it becomes a larger target for hackers. This issue exists with every major vendor.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of Fortinet FortiGate for our organization is one of the best aspects, as they use the same OS for everything. This means you can find your way back and upgrade without changing everything in terms of configuration. Scaling up infrastructure is not problematic as it doesn't require a major migration.
How are customer service and support?
Based on my experience with their support, I would rate Fortinet FortiGate eight out fo ten. Sometimes it takes more time if the issue is complicated. Overall, the support is good.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We've always used Fortinet; we were working with someone else who was also using Fortinet.
How was the initial setup?
I personally participated in the initial setup and deployment of Fortinet FortiGate a very long time ago. Currently, I am more involved in management than operations, so I no longer follow this aspect.
Fortinet FortiGate is deployed on-premises in my organization.
What was our ROI?
The return on investment with Fortinet FortiGate is measured in terms of security. A firewall can be nice, however, if it is poorly configured, it will result in poor value for money.
Return on investment for a firewall is about performing its intended function. Without one or with poor configuration, you can lose substantial money. The return on investment is reflected in the level of protection provided.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I am aware of the pricing of Fortinet FortiGate through our purchasing service. I have access to the list price and know the discounts. The price-quality ratio is very good, and we have an excellent representative who helps us secure good pricing.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I evaluated other options before choosing Fortinet FortiGate through a tender process. They met all the feature requirements and testing criteria. The dedicated ASIC provides very good performance, which was initially the key factor for our needs. We continue monitoring what Palo Alto and Cisco do, but we maintain a partnership agreement with Fortinet.
What other advice do I have?
I have experience comparing Fortinet's SD-WAN with Cisco's solution. We currently don't work with SD-WAN, having returned to an MPLS network since we own the network and cables.
We don't integrate SD-WAN capabilities with Fortinet FortiGate in our network yet since we own our whole network, including all the cabling and optical fibers in the region. While SD-WAN is a good feature, it's not necessary for our use case.
Regarding Fortinet Unified SASE, implementation may come in the future.
We don't use Fortinet FortiGate's data center solution.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
Ensures consistent security and reliable connectivity across multiple locations
What is our primary use case?
We have a couple of use cases for Fortinet FortiGate. We are using it for SASE, the Secure Access Security Edge, to provide VPN services and firewall functionality. We are also using their access points as well as their firewalls and switches.
How has it helped my organization?
It is providing consistent security policies across multiple locations.
What is most valuable?
Fortinet Unified SASE is fantastic in my opinion. We rely heavily on it. It also provides remote access.
The solution provides consistent security policies across multiple locations.
What needs improvement?
The licensing is a little confusing and a bit too granular for Fortinet FortiGate. I would like to see a more streamlined set of options.
The hardware is not terribly expensive, but the software license and support can be quite expensive. Some improvements could be made regarding cost considerations and complexity around their licensing.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have had experience with Fortinet FortiGate for about three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is completely stable and rock solid. From a stability perspective, Fortinet FortiGate just works; you get it set up and it does not fall over. We have had no security-related incidents related to anything with the FortiGates. The advanced features are really good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We are not that big, however, we have had no scalability issues whatsoever with Fortinet FortiGate. We have a redundant setup for failover, however, it has not had to fail over ever and we have not had a capacity issue. It is highly scalable.
How are customer service and support?
Their support is outstanding for Fortinet FortiGate. You get through to a person. They are very quick to respond and they are extremely knowledgeable and very helpful.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used Palo Alto, and the reason we switched to Fortinet FortiGate for firewalls or SD-WAN edge solutions was reputation. We felt that the product set just fit better and was more flexible.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of Fortinet FortiGate was pretty straightforward. It gets a little complex with routing rules and ACLs and VLANs and things of that nature. However, the interface is pretty straightforward. It has a good CLI interface as well. Whenever it was a bit too complicated, we would pick up the phone and get an expert to help us through it.
What was our ROI?
Return on investment since having this product is hard to quantify as it is a sunk cost and the cost of doing business. Having this functionality in place has shown no negatives, and this solution works effectively.
We do not have significant cost overhead to maintain it. Once you get it set up, it just works. It is a little expensive, however, you get what you pay for. Whenever we need support to bring on something that we do not understand, they help us. From a net cost overhead, it is cost avoidance from additional headache related to instability or things not working properly.
The return on investment is more about cost avoidance and stability, resulting in lack of downtime and incidents.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing could be improved as it is a little confusing and too granular for Fortinet FortiGate. I would like to see a more streamlined set of options.
What other advice do I have?
We operate in the Insurtech industry. We have not integrated it with the SD-WAN features yet.
We do not utilize Fortinet FortiGate's data center solution as we are not big enough for that.
On a scale of one to ten, I rate Fortinet FortiGate a nine.
Enables comprehensive security and routing for SMB and mid-market
What is our primary use case?
Fortinet FortiGate is strong in SMB and mid-market, approaching SD-WAN from a security perspective. Customers have requirements for internet as many are moving away from private connectivity and migrating to Teams, making security a top priority. They've chosen Fortinet FortiGate as it offers both a comprehensive security portfolio, including intrusion detection, deep packet inspection, and VPNs. It provides robust SD-WAN capability, eliminating the need for two vendors. Additionally, they offer a SASE solution for smaller sites where a virtual Fortinet FortiGate can be used instead of a physical one, saving space for retail locations.
How has it helped my organization?
These features resonate with small to medium-sized organizations, attracting more people to the Fortinet FortiGate solution since it's security-first while also providing SD-WAN capability. Unlike competitors such as Meraki that limit connections to two, Fortinet FortiGate allows up to 100 connections as their focus is on security rather than SD-WAN.
What is most valuable?
Fortinet FortiGate SD-WAN capabilities typically require redundancy depending on the carrier. There are two types of redundancy: network redundancy with different carriers, such as Bell and Telus, or Verizon and AT&T, both connecting to the same Fortinet FortiGate box. In traditional setups, when there were two connections, one would be active and the second passive, activating only during failover. This wasn't cost-effective as customers paid for both connections while one remained passive.
In the SD-WAN environment, both connections become active, allowing application-specific routing. For instance, voice traffic can be directed to one connection while data traffic uses the other. Rules can be created specifying alternative routes if the primary connection is unavailable.
The impact on service availability and overall network performance is significant. It provides customers with assurance against single points of failure. However, capacity management remains crucial. If both networks operate at 80% capacity and one fails, the secondary connection would face a 160% load, causing blockages. Ideally, connections should operate at 50-60% capacity to handle full load during failures.
Fortinet FortiGate has been successful and ranks high on the Magic Quadrant since they're innovators with appropriate pricing. They offer a best-in-breed solution for their target market. While they're not focused on large enterprises they excel in the mid-market SMB segment, offering comprehensive solutions from endpoint protection to VPNs and deep packet inspection.
What needs improvement?
Fortinet FortiGate has started implementing AI, however, it hasn't reached full maturity. Their AI solution doesn't compare to solutions such as Microsoft Copilot and SharePoint, primarily since AI relies on data, and Fortinet FortiGate focuses on perimeter defense and security rather than internal network data.
One notable limitation is the absence of honeypot capabilities, which competitors such as Palo Alto offer. These capabilities entice and trap attackers, allowing analysis of attack vectors. Fortinet FortiGate focuses purely on defense mechanisms without actively gathering intelligence about potential threats. This approach aligns with their mid-market focus, where such advanced threat intelligence features might be less critical than in enterprise environments.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have architected Fortinet FortiGate over the last 12 months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate performs at 100% effectiveness when customers have the right skill sets and policies in place, making it a very reliable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scaling-wise, there have been no problems with Fortinet FortiGate. In the mid-market, which typically handles up to 50 to 100 sites and campus environments, there haven't been any scaling issues.
How are customer service and support?
From an implementation and partner support perspective, Fortinet FortiGate's support deserves a rating of seven out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
The setup requires understanding of security and is not plug-and-play, but it isn't complex when implemented by certified Fortinet engineers.
What about the implementation team?
We provide professional services to install Fortinet FortiGate through our Fortinet-certified engineers, who handle installation services for companies.
What was our ROI?
The return on investment is 100% guaranteed. Similar to car insurance, security investment proves valuable when incidents occur. For small businesses, average losses can reach $300,000 per week, while mid-market companies face potential losses of $500,000 to a million. This makes the annual security investment of approximately $100,000 worthwhile. Furthermore, cyber insurance requirements often necessitate solutions such as Fortinet FortiGate rather than simpler alternatives.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Fortinet FortiGate pricing varies based on hardware specifications, size, and quantity purchased. Many companies access these solutions through managed service providers, who add their management fees to the hardware and license costs. Due to security being a specialized skill set and the various types of attacks (phishing, DDoS, hacks), having Fortinet FortiGate represents just one component of the total security investment.
What other advice do I have?
There's always room for improvement with Fortinet FortiGate, as no vendor achieves perfection. In their market segment, considering their offering and price point, they merit an eight out of ten rating.
Seamlessly connects and efficiently supports various regional offices with enterprise-level assistance
What is our primary use case?
We use Fortinet FortiGate for SD-WAN as well as the switches for renewable plants and energy sector power plants.
What is most valuable?
All the features needed to protect the digital landscape are available. The enterprise-level support is excellent, and we receive quick assistance from Fortinet FortiGate.
With the SD-WAN network, the connectivity is seamless. The dependency on bandwidth and MPLS connectivity is expensive compared to SD-WAN. Currently, there is seamless connectivity between all plants and corporate offices. The implementation is straightforward and not complex to execute.
The SD-WAN connects all sites, as we have many regional offices in different locations. The Fortinet FortiGate devices are very useful and easy to configure, and we are benefiting from their features.
In the utilities and electrical generation sector, we use various models. In IT security, we have different models, and for sites, we use 40F, 460F, and various others. While my part is limited to India, Fortinet FortiGate is used worldwide across our group.
What needs improvement?
There should be some open-source training or free training for decision makers, or some webinars should be available. These would help understand the new product line and the existing product line features.
Additionally, it would be helpful to have comparisons between competitors such as Cisco, Juniper, and others with Fortinet FortiGate.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The system is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The system is very easy to scale.
How are customer service and support?
We receive quick support from Fortinet FortiGate. When we raise a ticket, we get support via email reply promptly. The experience has been perfect, and we are satisfied with it.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy. I'd rate it nine out of ten.
What about the implementation team?
This is handled by my team. I am in leadership and do not handle the technical aspects directly.
What was our ROI?
While we haven't calculated specific ROI numbers, most devices are very stable and seamless. We don't typically consider money since this is an infrastructure requirement. Fortinet FortiGate support is available, annual maintenance contracts are in place, and the devices haven't failed in three years. The product quality is good, eliminating the need to reinvest in the same devices or setup.
What other advice do I have?
Fortinet FortiGate has an excellent portfolio including firewalls, switches, and access points. I would recommend it to anyone. We are using FortiSwitches as part of our implementation.
I rate Fortinet FortiGate a nine out of ten.
User-friendly design facilitates seamless firewall implementation and network security management
What is our primary use case?
We usually use Fortinet FortiGate for a perimeter firewall, but also for our outbound traffic as well as for the tunnels, with around 40 to 50 tunnels on our firewall.
We are using it in our data center; we have the 2,000 series HA firewalls.
How has it helped my organization?
Fortinet FortiGate has positively impacted my organization by allowing us to replace all the firewalls in other locations, as around 90% of our company operates on Fortinet.
We enable the SD-WAN zone to handle multiple ISPs, allowing it to automatically switch over the WAN link if any latency hits the threshold value, eliminating the need for manual failover. The impact of SD-WAN on our network performance provides great stability with zero downtime; it immediately switches over without any delay, not even a fraction of a second.
Fortinet addresses many vulnerabilities with respect to SSL VPN on their devices; quarterly patch upgrades are released, and the Fortinet team is retiring remote VPN services in favor of whole encrypted IPsec remote VPN to enhance security against hackers.
What is most valuable?
I have found Fortinet FortiGate's user-friendly design to be the most valuable feature so far. Anyone can easily understand how exactly it works, unlike Palo Alto and Check Point which are complex to understand.
What needs improvement?
I believe one area that could be improved in Fortinet FortiGate is posturing, specifically for remote VPN users, as there are OS-based limitations I encountered with only Windows; adding domain restrictions for VPN access would make it more competitive and useful.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Fortinet FortiGate for almost five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Overall, my impression of the stability of Fortinet FortiGate is very good, as I haven't seen any issues in the five years I've been using it, and there is no degradation of services on the firewall. However, I have observed some issues with FortiAPs, which is a different platform.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Based on my experience, Fortinet FortiGate is very scalable. Earlier it was suitable for mid-infra, but now we can use the firewalls for enterprise-level needs.
How are customer service and support?
Whenever I am stuck or need help, Fortinet support is available 24/7, regardless of the time zone I'm in, and they immediately jump in to assist, provided it is licensed.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before implementing Fortinet FortiGate, we were using SonicWall and ASA firewalls, which have now been replaced. The reason the previous firewalls were not suitable for our company anymore is that they were not competitive; they lacked UTM features, had limited VPN capabilities, and were outdated, which led us to select Fortinet over Cisco FTD for future needs.
How was the initial setup?
It's not so complex. It's user friendly. I have implemented more than hundred devices from scratch.
What about the implementation team?
As partners with Fortinet, we are end-users of this tool for our customers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I am not exactly aware of the pricing of Fortinet FortiGate, but I would say it is considerably cheaper compared to other firewalls.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I evaluated other options, particularly Palo Alto. Fortinet FortiGate is user-friendly and as competitive as Palo Alto, Check Point, and FTD. It has the same features as other vendors but at a lower cost.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate a ten out of ten.
Integrating communications ensures operational continuity and cost-effective agility
What is our primary use case?
We have a Fortinet FortiGate 900 series that is a big UTM. We also have 10 Gig switches, all fiber, for distribution of the service provider's connections.
What is most valuable?
The key features include SD-WAN, firewall use, intrusion prevention, intrusion detection, and application control.
I have tested 90% of the features that Fortinet FortiGate offers. This type of solution helps us integrate all communications of our company. They guarantee operational continuity of our company and reduce risks by eliminating and detecting threats. This solution gives us agility.
What needs improvement?
The area that Fortinet may improve is customer support. When you have an incident, situation, or open a case, the support is not as good as Cisco or other platforms I have tested. There are many opportunities for improvement.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for eight years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Currently, we are experiencing a general outage of one of the main internet service providers of the Dominican Republic, and we have not been impacted in our operations because with SD-WAN, we have another internet service provider and we are working with the second WAN connection without any disruption.
How are customer service and support?
The area that Fortinet may improve is customer support. When you have an incident, situation, or open a case, the support is not as good as Cisco or other platforms I have tested.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before Fortinet FortiGate, we had Cisco.
How was the initial setup?
It was not easy. While it might be easier now than eight years ago, you have to be careful and ensure you use a great partner that helps you implement this solution as easily as possible.
What about the implementation team?
The experience is good when you use a quality partner or integrator. We use an integrator, located in the Dominican Republic. They have great support here and extensive knowledge.
What was our ROI?
The return on investment is great. Previously, we were using a dedicated point-to-point connection from the service provider that cost approximately $3,000 a month. When we implemented Fortinet FortiGate, we changed to two internet high-speed dedicated connections, costing approximately $2,000 in total, resulting in significant cost savings.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The cost efficiency is notable because it is an overall product with a mid-range price point, and you receive more value for the price.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Before Fortinet FortiGate, we had Cisco.
What other advice do I have?
The only product that I have not integrated yet is the Unified SASE. This gives my team agility because as the Chief Information Security Officer, I do not have frequent contact with the platform, but my team has this interaction.
On a scale of one to ten, I rate this solution a nine.
Networking capabilities and community resources facilitate problem-solving
What is our primary use case?
Mostly firewalls.
What is most valuable?
The best features of Fortinet FortiGate include everything about networking, such as routing and VPNs. Fortinet FortiGate is specifically user-friendly with an easy guide. It is easy to follow and learn about and work with. It has resources available all over the internet with an extensive database. It is very popular, so every community discusses Fortinet FortiGate. Every problem has been solved at some point.
What needs improvement?
Without a license, it becomes difficult to implement static DNS. The FortiDDNS.com functionality is particularly challenging to access without a license.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Fortinet FortiGate for approximately a year and a half.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is quite stable. The main problem occurs when customers do not update their Fortinet FortiGate properly and regularly. Most issues stem from firewalls not being updated. I have not encountered any problems with Fortinet FortiGate devices.
How are customer service and support?
I have not opened many cases due to lack of need. When we do open cases, we receive fast and friendly replies. The support has been good, though I have not experienced significant issues to fully evaluate this aspect.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have worked with other firewalls including Palo Alto, specifically their Prisma Access SASE solution. I have also briefly worked with Cisco systems.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I am not in that field, but it is quite expensive, especially for personal or home use.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We recommend it primarily because we have more knowledge in the Fortinet FortiGate field. Customers ultimately choose what they prefer. We work better with Fortinet FortiGate due to our extensive experience with it.
What other advice do I have?
I have not used FortiGuard extensively as it is not in my field. The only SASE solution I have used is Prisma Access from Palo Alto, not the Fortinet FortiGate SASE. The interface is very user-friendly and easy to use, though knowledge of networking aspects, VPNs, and protocols is necessary. Fortinet FortiGate offers great compatibility with other Fortinet FortiGate functions such as IDS, antivirus, and sandbox features.
All problems we have encountered have had straightforward solutions. Throughout my year and a half working with Fortinet FortiGate, I have not found myself needing additional features.
I rate this solution 8 out of 10.
Response time and throughput have improved network efficiency
What is our primary use case?
We are currently using Fortinet FortiGate firewall instead of Cisco.
What is most valuable?
The best features of Fortinet FortiGate include good functionality, though the licensing cost is a bit higher. Their response time and throughput are very good advantages.
What needs improvement?
Some websites or proxies are not embedded in the correct category, and we need to update the Fortinet FortiGate database because numerous websites are appearing every day. Some websites are embedded in the wrong category which we can block, resulting in everything being blocked, so this database needs improvement.
The licensing cost should be more affordable than it is currently. The SD-WAN of Fortinet FortiGate needs improvement; when we create a group address, sometimes the rule doesn't work properly.
Regarding the Fortinet FortiGate database issues, some websites or categories that should be classified as proxy are in different categories. When we open that category due to some other website that needs to be accessed, some proxies are also opened. The FortiGate web filter categories need to improve their database for better control.
For how long have I used the solution?
I joined the current company two and a half years ago, and we have been using Fortinet FortiGate for about three or four years.
How are customer service and support?
I have only required technical support from Fortinet FortiGate once or twice in two and a half years, and I have had a good experience with them. Their technical team is very knowledgeable. Their response time is very good; whenever we open a case, they respond promptly.
One issue I encountered was with FortiToken, which we configured on the admin profile. While managing four firewalls, I discovered that FortiToken was not enabling due to an issue on one firewall. I opened a case, but it has not been resolved yet. Despite this, my overall experience with them has been very good.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
In my previous company, we were using Sophos, which had better licensing costs compared to Fortinet FortiGate.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We are not using enhanced SD-WAN Cisco SD-WAN; we are just using the SD-WAN for load balancing.
What other advice do I have?
We are using Ubiquiti for wireless. One drawback about UniFi is that it lacks BeamFlexing, which is available in Ruckus, and the AP radius or Wi-Fi signals are not as strong as Ruckus. However, UniFi is still a good option, though not as robust as Ruckus.
Fortinet FortiGate is quite expensive, but according to the Gartner report, it ranks second or third. My experience with Fortinet FortiGate firewall has been quite good.
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate 9 out of 10 overall.
Monitors systems effectively and integrates security devices seamlessly
What is our primary use case?
The main use case for Fortinet FortiGate is to monitor different systems of our customers. The solution handles the security of the company, manages VPNs, handles inside security, and integrates with NAC solutions while integrating every security device inside the company to ensure data protection. We are utilizing Fortinet FortiGate's SD-WAN capabilities. The network performance is handled effectively by the Fortinet FortiGate solution, and depending on the capacity of the solution, it can manage all traffic inside the company.
What is most valuable?
The main benefits of Fortinet FortiGate are security and the ability to manage all information throughout the company. This includes managing all data inside the company to prevent intrusions from outside.
What needs improvement?
There is always room for improvement. They could enhance their support in different ways, such as having technical support available during night hours.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used the Fortinet FortiGate solution for about seven to eight years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is very stable. We have experienced no problems with the hardware, updated software, or management of the solution, with stability over 99%, making it a very good solution for us.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
The Fortinet FortiGate service is very good in Chile, making it difficult to improve upon.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We use both Fortinet solutions and Cisco solutions, depending on customer needs. The primary difference between Fortinet FortiGate and Cisco's firewall is pricing, with Cisco being more expensive.
How was the initial setup?
It is a medium-sized deployment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is competitive at this moment, and customers recognize that Fortinet solutions offer good pricing while providing a very good product. The stability is excellent for customers, and the capacity to integrate different solutions of the same brand is also very good.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
They use other products to integrate information with different brands, including the NAC solution, which can be used for every brand in the market since it's based on the SNMP protocol.
What other advice do I have?
We are not currently using the Fortinet FortiGate's data center solution. We are not using any AI or machine learning enhanced services at this moment as it's very new in Chile. Overall, I would rate Fortinet FortiGate a nine out of ten.
Enables seamless SD-WAN deployment and offers robust security features
What is our primary use case?
Majorly, I use Fortinet FortiGate for establishing SD-WAN in different remote locations. I also use it for segmenting wireless from LAN and implementing basic policy routing for departments. The next-gen features on Fortinet FortiGate permit proxy access, where URLs can be specified for specific users or departments to access.
What is most valuable?
Fortinet FortiGate has several valuable features. The configuration and policy setup are easy to implement. There are embedded features in Fortinet FortiGate, including DLP features, WAF presence in the firewall, and proxy capabilities. It has security profiles that can be set for various functions. In terms of security, it is particularly strong.
SD-WAN offers better reach, good reachability, and enhanced performance for network optimization. People implement SD-WAN today because of reachability and network optimization capabilities.
Fortinet FortiGate is effective in protecting against malicious access. It has a robust security architecture, which is something I truly like about FortiGate.
The SD-WAN integration is very simple. I appreciate the simplicity of the FortiGate system. It's one of the things I like most about it. With FortiAI, it's very easy to input your queries, and the system helps you set it up. If you prefer to do it manually, there is excellent documentation and step-by-step guides available to assist you. For me, the experience has been seamless and straightforward.
What needs improvement?
I cannot think of many improvements needed for Fortinet FortiGate. However, the pricing compared to competitors is quite high, though you get value for what you pay with Fortinet FortiGate.
With FortiSIEM, I have experienced some challenges. It has been suspended and is not available for utilization now. They should work on improving FortiSIEM.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have worked with both virtual appliances and physical devices, primarily with hardware devices, for over five years. The models I have used include 60, 100, and 201 series.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is one of the best firewalls available. There are no crashes or performance issues. It is very stable and reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have worked with Sophos and Check Point firewalls. Fortinet FortiGate leads compared to other solutions. Based on customer requests, we provide different options. I recommend people should consider Fortinet or Sophos, depending on their needs. Fortinet FortiGate performs well against other firewalls in the market.
How was the initial setup?
The hardware is easy to set up. I have only had issues with the activation of the evaluation license.
What was our ROI?
There has definitely been a return on investment with Fortinet FortiGate.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing depends on the capacity required. There are 100 series, 200 series, and 500 series options. The prices are moderate and reasonable for each series.
What other advice do I have?
For organizations using Fortinet FortiGate, it is important to utilize the security profiles properly. Make sure anti-spoofing is set up and networks are well-segmented on the Fortinet. Ensure proxy configuration is based on URL access stability.
I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.