I'm using Fortinet FortiGate for consultancy, implementation, and troubleshooting after device implementation. We serve as both reseller and consultant, providing search support and consultancy support. I usually recommend Fortinet FortiGate for small and small-sized businesses.
Fortinet FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall
Fortinet Inc.External reviews
External reviews are not included in the AWS star rating for the product.
Comprehensive traffic management and explore improve initial setup processes
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
I have experience with Fortinet FortiGate SD-WAN, as it is a method for routing traffic. We can assign profiles with specific conditions to create best practices or optimal experiences for customers. These profiles can manage traffic balance or link balancing. We can detect users or specific links for particular services, including load balancing.
What is most valuable?
Fortinet FortiGate provides superior protection compared to other firewalls, with high processing capabilities. In comparison to Sophos devices, Fortinet FortiGate offers enhanced protection through network protection, IPS, and application protection.
What needs improvement?
They could simplify their deployment process, especially when customers have existing devices. The configuration approach depends on whether customers need to start from scratch or can utilize existing backups and rules.
I would seek to improve Fortinet FortiGate by exploring additional features, such as SASE solutions that we are currently studying and implementing. The configuration could be made easier, particularly during initial setup. We need to ensure comprehensive utilization of all device features and learn best practices from other cases.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Fortinet FortiGate for approximately one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is overall stable. When compared with Sophos, particularly regarding remote access and SSL VPN, Fortinet FortiGate proves much easier to use. While Sophos presented port-related challenges in Egypt, Fortinet FortiGate operates more smoothly.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is scalable, with capacity depending on firewall sizing. We determine sizing based on multiple factors: number of users, available links, traffic types, server count, services in use, and whether services will be published. We consider parameters such as VPN requirements, remote access needs, side-to-side VPN configuration, and overall traffic volume to determine device capacity.
How are customer service and support?
We tend to handle support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have experience with Fortinet products and limited experience with Cisco.
I provide other firewalls, such as Sophos, and I have worked with endpoint protection solutions. I have experience with backup solutions such as Veeam, and endpoint security solutions including Kaspersky and ESET.
How was the initial setup?
I have created many profiles for SD-WAN capabilities while integrating with Fortinet FortiGate. We assess customer needs and make recommendations accordingly. If customers aren't using SD-WAN, I suggest implementing it due to its effective load balancing capabilities and additional firewall features.
What was our ROI?
Regarding the evaluation of changes in return on investment after implementing the Fortinet solution for SD-WAN hybrid workforce, we work on a case-by-case basis. ROI is monitored by management, and we do not directly track ROI in the systems.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Fortinet FortiGate is among the best options in the market, though alternatives exist, including Sophos. Fortinet FortiGate demonstrates stronger performance and protection compared to Sophos, though its device and license costs are higher.
What other advice do I have?
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
A robust, secure, and reasonably priced firewall
What is our primary use case?
We use Fortinet FortiGate 100F, which is one of two firewalls that we have, one at the entrance of the DMZ and one just outside. One is facing the internet, and the other is at the entrance of the DMZ. We use the one outside to essentially work as a VPN.
How has it helped my organization?
As compared to our previous firewall, WatchGuard, which is a good firewall, the successful hacking attempts were far fewer and further with the Fortinet FortiGate, but at the same time, I don't know if the credit goes to only FortiGate, as we have two firewalls versus one in the second implementation. Overall, it is more secure. The VPN is also more stable than the offering from WatchGuard at that time.
What is most valuable?
Fortinet FortiGate is one of the most solid and secure firewalls as long as you keep it up to date. The price is right; it's not very expensive.
It's quite feature-rich. While we've mostly used the VPN, we've also utilized it to create high availability.
What needs improvement?
We are pretty happy with it. If anything, I believe the web interface could be simpler, especially for someone who has limited networking experience. I mostly do administration, and I found Cisco to be the hardest major firewall manufacturer to deal with, with Fortinet FortiGate being the second hardest for me. In comparison, there's a bit of an easier and more user-friendly interface with WatchGuard.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have about three years of experience with the Fortinet FortiGate firewall. We also use FortiClient VPN.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The VPN was more stable than the offering from WatchGuard at that time.
How are customer service and support?
I would evaluate the service and technical support of Fortinet FortiGate as pretty good. Whenever we needed them, they would be there for us. I would rate them a nine out of ten. We had no complaints, although they were sometimes extremely busy.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before using Fortinet FortiGate, we were using WatchGuard, which is another good firewall.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup process was efficient, as it took us less than an hour to set up both firewalls.
What about the implementation team?
I was involved in the deployment of the Fortinet FortiGate, handling the physical deployment myself while our vendor managed the initial setup.
We got the Fortinet FortiGate from Telus, which is a Canadian phone company. Our experience was excellent. They're a major phone company, so the services are never less than stellar.
The maintenance for Fortinet FortiGate involves just the occasional patch update. We have software that informs us whenever there's a new patch, and if it's critical, we run the patch update immediately; if not, we usually run it at the end of the month after it's released.
What was our ROI?
We had uninterrupted service. If one firewall failed, we still had a secure infrastructure. I believe we essentially had a great VPN compared to the alternative offerings, so that's a good return on investment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's good. I would rate the price of the Fortinet FortiGate as an eight out of ten. It's not the cheapest, but it's value for money. Given everything we've got out of it: the DMZ port, the VPN, and the high availability, it's a pretty reasonable price.
What other advice do I have?
I would advise others considering or evaluating the Fortinet FortiGate to buy it. It's one of the best products for the price.
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate a nine out of ten.
Deep inspection capabilities require improvement while good GUI and features enhance network performance
How has it helped my organization?
What is most valuable?
What needs improvement?
What other advice do I have?
Provides comprehensive security and time savings
What is our primary use case?
The typical use cases for Fortinet FortiGate revolve around its security capabilities, as it has a number of features that clients see as necessary for a security solution. This helps them protect various platforms on their networks and infrastructures.
I am involved in implementation as a partner.
What is most valuable?
It's a good solution. I've not interacted much with it. I know a few features, and it's a nice one.
It's comprehensive and time-saving. It covers several areas regarding security.
What needs improvement?
Improvements for Fortinet FortiGate could be made by making it easier to implement on networks and simpler to add users and accounts that utilize this solution. That's basically the only challenge that I see.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have one to two years of experience working with Fortinet FortiGate.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is a stable solution. While there are issues during implementation, once everything is properly configured, it remains stable. The implementation process can affect users, but those issues get sorted out.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I find the scalability of this solution to be very good because it allows for easy expansion. You can add more users as needed, which makes it flexible.
How are customer service and support?
I would rate the technical support from Fortinet FortiGate an eight out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I normally apply the licensing as a partner, but I am not involved in procurement.
What other advice do I have?
It's a good product that significantly enhances security and protects organizational data. Therefore, I would recommend considering using it.
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate an eight out of ten.
Enables seamless traffic handling and effective network protection
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
What needs improvement?
For how long have I used the solution?
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
How are customer service and support?
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
What about the implementation team?
What was our ROI?
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
What other advice do I have?
Our clients like its comprehensive protection and easy installation and management
What is our primary use case?
The typical use case for the Fortinet FortiGate firewall for my clients is its ease of use. My clients are using Fortinet FortiGate as SD-WAN.
How has it helped my organization?
The effectiveness of Fortinet's unified SASE in providing consistent security policies is notable because there is one security profile from either the head office or the branch office, allowing your profile to move seamlessly with you wherever you go. You have end-to-end visibility, and you can look at the analytics. To me, that moves towards SASE.
What is most valuable?
My clients appreciate it for its features. It is easy to install and manage, and it offers all-around protection, including web filtering, content filtering, IPS, and IDS.
My clients find the next-generation firewall feature of Fortinet FortiGate to be particularly valuable. It provides internet security, network security, cloud security, ZTNA, and SD-WAN security. There is a unified agent for FortiClient. There is centralized management.
What needs improvement?
Areas of improvement for Fortinet FortiGate include the need for more training and certification, especially when dealing with distributors globally, which presents challenges in product availability and delivery timelines.
There should also be more training and certification.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have about 10 years of experience with Fortinet FortiGate.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I find Fortinet FortiGate to be a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiGate is a scalable solution, as you can start small, maybe with FortiGate 40F, and then move to FortiGate 60F or FortiGate 80F, depending on your needs.
How are customer service and support?
It depends on who your distributor is.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
It is not straightforward, but the implementation is pretty good overall. Every site is different for me. There is no standard site. We have a few different issues here and there, but overall, it's pretty good and straightforward to install. Its integration is not difficult.
It is a matter of learning and understanding the reasons why people need Fortinet FortiGate.
What was our ROI?
Fortinet FortiGate positively provides my clients' organizations with a high return on investment. There is visibility into network operations, allowing us to identify network issues. It has advanced security features. You can achieve about 200% ROI over three years, while enhancing IT teams' productivity by about 50%. It simplifies security across branches and enhances hybrid and cloud security. There is even a feature where you can predict the application performance.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's very competitive.
What other advice do I have?
Many users nowadays prefer agentless installations over installing agents on their devices, which presents challenges for endpoint security, especially concerning ZTNA, VPN, and endpoint protection.
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate an eight out of ten.
Does its job effectively and protects our environment
How has it helped my organization?
We don't have any issues regarding security, and our web server is running fine with protection from all threats.
What is most valuable?
The best features of Fortinet FortiGate are that it does the job effectively and protects our environment. It has a VPN and can create a virtual IP for a web server and functions as a standard firewall.
What needs improvement?
We faced difficulties with the configuration because there are many features we could optimize using Fortinet FortiGate, but our reseller didn't have a good understanding of it. So, we just use it on a basic level, not with the best practice for using FortiGate.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Fortinet FortiGate for around five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Overall, I find Fortinet FortiGate to be very stable. Fortinet FortiGate demonstrates consistent stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
In my case, the 101F is not scalable. I faced problems with scalability related to memory. When we hit 100% memory usage, it stops the internet connection, so we need to control the traffic. We cannot increase the memory.
We have about 350 users and only one admin.
How are customer service and support?
My experience with Fortinet's technical support is good and helpful. The response time and overall competence meet our expectations. I would rate their support a seven out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used Juniper before Fortinet FortiGate. We switched because it was an old one and reached the end of support. We had to change.
How was the initial setup?
We were supported by a third party and the reseller. During deployment, it was not a good experience because of the reseller. We had challenges with the optimized configuration.
The deployment took around three months.
What about the implementation team?
The reseller helped us with the implementation. It has been a long time since the implementation, so I don't remember the name of the company that helped us.
Our IT has six people for deployment, and we used two staff members.
What was our ROI?
We have seen a return on investment with Fortinet FortiGate. The ROI calculation is based on potential loss prevention rather than traditional ROI metrics.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Its pricing is good. The advantages of Fortinet FortiGate over its competitors include good pricing and meeting our requirements at a lower cost. Palo Alto's features are superior, but too expensive.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I compared other brands, such as Palo Alto and Sophos, and chose Fortinet FortiGate. Palo Alto is the best, but it is significantly more expensive. Palo Alto has better capabilities than Fortinet FortiGate. Their protection is much more secure, and they excel in detecting intrusion and reading information.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate an eight out of ten.
Implementation improves efficiency and provides greater visibility over issues
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
What needs improvement?
For how long have I used the solution?
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
How are customer service and support?
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
How was the initial setup?
What about the implementation team?
What was our ROI?
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
What other advice do I have?
Custom security policies enhance adaptability while transparency in rules calls for improvement
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
What needs improvement?
For how long have I used the solution?
How are customer service and support?
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
What about the implementation team?
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
What other advice do I have?
Ease of configuration and strong performance have improved efficiency
What is our primary use case?
The main use cases for Fortinet FortiGate are for small, medium to large enterprises, and they also have products for SOHO (small office/home office). That is where they stand out.
How has it helped my organization?
The main benefits that Fortinet FortiGate brings to the table include the ease of configuration, stability of the product, and excellent support. When a customer is using Fortinet FortiGate, they will not look at any other products for expansion or upgrades. In terms of price and performance, it gives a very good, balanced product.
What is most valuable?
One of Fortinet FortiGate's best features is in terms of the configuration; it is one of the easiest to configure. It is very easy and based on ASICs. In terms of performance under scalability and stability, I would rate it amongst the best. I have not come across a product that I have had to replace or generate an R&D for to date.
There has not been any impact in terms of performance for customers because Fortinet FortiGate is dependent on the architecture, which is totally different. They have security processors, network processors, and they work on a different architecture compared to other products. To be very frank, we have not had any performance issues when deploying SD-WAN and a next-generation firewall together.
What needs improvement?
Regarding improvements for Fortinet FortiGate, there is always room for improvement in any product. In information technology, things fade away quickly, and new technologies come in. It is how quickly each of these companies adapts to that and brings in more value to the customer.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Fortinet FortiGate for over fifteen years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
For scaling Fortinet FortiGate, I am not sure about scaling down as we have not had any instances, but scaling up has presented no challenges.
How are customer service and support?
I would rate the Fortinet FortiGate technical support as extremely good so far. I have not had any issues, and I would rate it the same as Cisco.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
One pro for the Fortinet FortiGate compared to Palo Alto, Cisco products, and WatchGuard is that the architecture is different because they use specific processors to handle different types of traffic, both security traffic and routing traffic. They keep enhancing the processors as they improve the capabilities of the product. As for cons, I do not see anything at this point in time.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup for Fortinet FortiGate is extremely simple. It takes about five minutes to get it up and running. It is that easy. Nothing beyond that.
What about the implementation team?
The deployment process for Fortinet FortiGate is generally very simple. We give the prerequisites to the customer in terms of a number of man links they want to connect and what the LAN subnet and number of subnets are. These initial details are gathered from the customer. Once the appliances are in place, we begin with the contribution to the content management interface. Most of the time, we start with the LAN configuration and the LAN network configuration. Then we move to firewall policies based on the organization's requirements, licensing the product on the cloud, and subscription licenses. In some cases, we configure VPNs and site-to-site VPNs. That is about it, and there are certain features that need to be enabled, which we will enable.
What was our ROI?
One thing I would definitely state about Fortinet FortiGate is that, in terms of performance, if compared with a product of the same price point, Fortinet FortiGate will outperform it. This way, the customer has a better ROI because they do not have to look at changing it or looking at an upgrade frequently.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I find the pricing setup cost and licensing for Fortinet FortiGate reasonable.
What other advice do I have?
I work with Fortinet FortiGate SD-WAN extensively. My experience in integrating SD-WAN capabilities with Fortinet FortiGate in the network is that it is very easy.
I would rate Fortinet FortiGate as a highly mature product. I have been working with them for quite a long time and have multiple implementations across India. I have not come across any instance where I had to replace the product.
My advice for others looking into implementing Fortinet FortiGate is to plan the capacity properly and right-size the product for the specific customer, which is most important. When choosing the wrong model, some run into issues where it is not supporting that procedure, the system going under load, and similar issues. It is primarily important to spend more time on the design and finalize what is required in terms of the appliances.
On a scale of one to ten, I rate this solution 10 out of 10.