Fortinet FortiGate vs Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform comparison

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Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary
Updated on Jan 24, 2024

We compared Fortinet FortiGate and Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform based on our users reviews in five parameters. After reading the collected data, you can find our conclusion below:

  • Ease of Deployment: The setup process for Fortinet FortiGate can be complex, possibly requiring assistance from third-party vendors or internal teams. It is considered straightforward but may take a significant amount of time for complex projects. The maintenance required for FortiGate varies. On the other hand, the setup for Versa is relatively easy, with the engineering team handling it. Once the hardware arrives, it takes just minutes to turn it up. Maintenance for the Versa SASE Platform is minimal. The implementation process typically takes about two weeks or less.
  • Features: Fortinet FortiGate is praised for its user-friendly interface and strong security measures, including SSL VPN and Active Directory integration. It also offers easy configuration, multi-tenancy support, and an extensive range of features. On the other hand, Versa provides main steering, firewall, and SD-WAN capabilities. It offers troubleshooting ease, scalability, centralized control, and application awareness.
  • Room for Improvement: Fortinet FortiGate has areas that can be improved like reporting, pricing, antivirus, IPS, logging details, storage and support. On the other hand, Versa requires improvements in stability, interface simplicity, wireless solution, security features and user interface features.
  • Pricing and ROI: Fortinet FortiGate's setup cost is regarded as competitive and reasonably priced, although users desire more affordable and flexible pricing options. In contrast, Versa's pricing is deemed fair and cost-effective, but there are concerns regarding its relatively higher cost in specific regions and when compared to VMware. Fortinet FortiGate offers accurate data for calculating savings, making it a valuable tool for ROI analysis. On the other hand, Versa SASE Platform prioritizes enhancing user experience over providing precise ROI measurement.
  • Service and Support: Customers have generally had positive experiences with the customer service and support provided by Fortinet FortiGate. However, there are some customers who believe that the support could use some improvement. On the other hand, the customer service and support of Versa have received primarily positive reviews. Nevertheless, there have been instances of delays in response time, and a few customers have expressed a desire for faster customer support.

Comparison Results: Based on user feedback, the Fortinet FortiGate and Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform differ in various aspects. The setup process for Fortinet FortiGate is generally simple, whereas Versa SASE Platform necessitates specialized knowledge and training. Fortinet FortiGate impresses users with its user-friendly interface and robust security measures, whereas Versa SASE Platform stands out with advantageous features like main steering and firewall capabilities. Some areas that could be improved for Fortinet FortiGate are pricing and reporting, while Versa SASE Platform requires enhancements in stability and user interface. In general, Fortinet FortiGate is commended for its return on investment and customer service, whereas Versa SASE Platform offers competitive pricing and solid technical support with room to grow.

771,212 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The most valuable features of Fortinet FortiGate are the rules and quality of service.""It is quite easy to handle.""The response is very quick and they can visually resolve our problems in a short period.""The most valuable features are SD-WAN, application control, IPS control, and FortiSandbox.""The most important features with FortiGate are the web filter and application controls. We can control our internet usage and use the web filter for application purposes.""It is easy to use. We chose this product for the possibility to have virtual domains (VDOMs). We are building another company in the group, and we would like to split the firewalling rules and policies between these two companies. Each company would be able to manage its own policies and security rules, which is an advantage of Fortinet FortiGate. We can define VDOMs, and every company can manage its own VDOM as if it has its own physical firewall, but in fact, we would be using the same physical appliance because we are also using the same internet lines. So, it allows us to reuse the existing resources without the disadvantage of having to compromise on policies and security. Each company can choose its own way of working.""Reliability is the best feature. We faced some issues when we were setting it up, but the service, portal, and administration are good.""The technical support is great."

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"Their dashboard is also a good point for us and the customer. The solution is very clean and easy.""It's very powerful, especially for engineering teams.""The product has a dynamic VPN feature for SD-WAN.""The most valuable aspects of the solution are the next-generation firewall features and geo-blocking capabilities.""The necessary enhancement pertains to the controller segment, specifically addressing the issue of frequent flapping when a link is left. In the case of Versa Unified, if a link experiences frequent flapping within an entire branch, it triggers instability. Hence, it is imperative that the overall routing system is not contingent solely upon the active dial branches.""The solution is stable and suitable.""Versa FlexVNF is a scalable product because it does not have any hardware dependencies. This makes it a versatile solution that can be easily integrated with any firewall.""Versa is a good centralized solution, where you're setting up your infrastructure in a data center type thing."

More Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform Pros →

Cons
"In terms of what could be improved, the SD-WAN is quite difficult, because if you install the new box, 15 is okay, but if you change from an old configuration, if there is already configuration and a policy when you change to SD-WAN, you must change the whole policy that you see in the interface.""The platform's interface could improve.""Price, of course, can always be more competitive or better.""There are mainly two areas of improvement in Fortinet FortiGate— the licensing cost and the timing of upgrading licenses for boxes.""Technical support needs to be improved.""The support structure needs to be improved because every time we contact them, there is a delay in the response.""There are problems with the custom reporting of the unique traffic. The data is there, but it is too difficult for us to extract.""Fortinet needs more memory to save the log files. We need it to save the logs on the hardware and not in the cloud. I know this feature is available in FortiCloud, but if we need this log locally, it is not available."

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"Another thing that should be improved in Versa are their firewall features.""With the pandemic and changing work models, it would be ideal if the product more accessibility options or more diversity within the solution itself.""We are thinking about how to make customers consolidate the loads to an SD-WAN network so that the customers can have bigger chunk from the SD-WAN side so that customers can have critical data be transferred with NPS VPN and non-critical data or some labeled traffic can be transferred by the SD-WAN network. I think it's a very important direction for digital transformation.""The web interface can be improved.""The support needs to be improved.""The solution lacks a mobile version where small, manageable platforms can be developed.""The interface could be simpler.""SASE is the next big thing that is coming up, and it needs to be developed in Versa. This is the only thing that needs to be adapted very quickly by Versa. With the pandemic going on, I would like to see more features for working from home. They have launched Versa Secure Access (VSA), but it is currently immature. They need to tighten it up for work from home and SD-WAN concept."

More Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform Cons →

Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "Fortinet has one or two license types, and the VPN numbers are only limited by the hardware chassis make."
  • "These boxes are not that expensive compared to what they can do, their functionality, and the reporting you receive. Fortinet licensing is straightforward and less confusing compared to Cisco."
  • "Go for long term pricing negotiated at the time of purchase."
  • "Work through partners for the best pricing."
  • "The value is the capability of having multiple services with one unique license, not having the limitation per user licensing schema, like other vendors."
  • "Easy to understand licensing requirements."
  • "​We saved a bundle by not needing all the past appliances from an NGFW.​"
  • "The cost is too high... They have to focus on more features with less cost for the customer. If you see the market, where it's going, there are a lot of players offering more features for less cost."
  • More Fortinet FortiGate Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "The price is expensive but it makes sense for the market."
  • "It is not very expensive because of the white box support. Its hardware is much cheaper than other products. With the support for x86 and white box, it is one of the most cost-effective platforms that are currently available."
  • "While I cannot provide too much commentary on the price, I feel it to be fair for the moment."
  • "We provide subscriptions for our customers on a yearly, not monthly, basis."
  • "Price wise, it's more expensive than is the competition. I would give pricing a rating of three out of five."
  • "It is neither cheap nor expensive. I rate the pricing a five out of ten on a scale where one is cheap and ten is expensive."
  • "I find Versa a little more expensive than VMware in terms of remote access and secure web gateway elements."
  • More Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Comparison Review
    Anonymous User
    I have used both Sophos and Fortinet products in production and I have found the Sophos UTM appliances (hardware and virtual) to be a better fit most of the time -- with a few caveats which I will touch on below. In both instances, the transition from TMG will be mostly straightforward. The main hang-ups will be with the VIP/load balancing and SSL. For some reason that completely escapes me, both of these vendors make getting valid certificates onto their boxes unnecessarily difficult -- the Fortinet appliances more so than the Sophos UTM appliances. At one point a Fortinet engineer had to write an entire manual on how to get an SSL certificate uploaded successfully on the 4.x firmware Sophos: The one feature that is missing (and this makes some amount of sense) from the Sophos appliance is BITS caching for updates. Other than that, Sophos offers a full replacement for TMG on UTM9. The XG platform also offers a replacement for the TMG; however, some of the rumblings about upcoming releases suggests that Sophos is going to give XG the Apple iOS treatment and "streamline" the interface...potentially cutting out/hiding some functionality. On the effectiveness of the NGFW, Sophos is mostly good but has a few issues blocking all pieces of an application. For instance, we had to build custom blocking rules for OpenVPN (the vpn was being used to bypass the content filter) because the default Application Control wasn't effectively blocking the application. Fortinet: If it… Read more →
    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer: When you compare these firewalls you can identify them with different features, advantages, practices and usage at large. In my opinion, Fortinet would be the best option and l use Fortinet too.… more »
    Top Answer:From my experience regarding both the Sophos and FortiGate firewalls, I personally would rather use FortiGate. I know the firewalls change every 5 to 7 years as stated but you really do need to… more »
    Top Answer:As a solution, Sophos UTM offers a lot of functionality, it scales well, and the stability and performance are quite good. The most valuable features for me are their web and email filtering. I would… more »
    Top Answer:Versa is a good centralized solution, where you're setting up your infrastructure in a data center type thing.
    Top Answer:Both Versa and VMware are cheap in terms of the router. I find Versa a little more expensive than VMware in terms of remote access and secure web gateway elements.
    Top Answer:We've had the odd occasional stability issue with software upgrades, etcetera. They don't support certain other third-party applications, which can be a bit limiting at times, whereas VMware seems to… more »
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    Also Known As
    FortiGate 60b, FortiGate 60c, FortiGate 80c, FortiGate 50b, FortiGate 200b, FortiGate 110c, FortiGate
    Versa FlexVNF, FlexVNF, Versa Titan
    Learn More
    Overview

    Fortinet FortiGate enhances network security, prevents unauthorized access, and offers robust firewall protection. Valued features include advanced threat protection, reliable performance, and a user-friendly interface. It improves efficiency, streamlines processes, and boosts collaboration, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making and growth.

    The Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform is a comprehensive solution that provides secure access to cloud applications and services. It combines networking and security functions into a single platform, making it easier for organizations to manage their network infrastructure. The platform includes features such as SD-WAN, VPN, firewall, web filtering, and more. It also offers advanced security capabilities such as intrusion prevention, malware protection, and threat intelligence. With the Versa SASE Platform, organizations can ensure secure access to their cloud applications and services from any location, while also reducing costs and simplifying network management.

    Sample Customers
    1. Amazon Web Services 2. Microsoft 3. IBM 4. Cisco 5. Dell 6. HP 7. Oracle 8. Verizon 9. AT&T 10. T-Mobile 11. Sprint 12. Vodafone 13. Orange 14. BT Group 15. Telstra 16. Deutsche Telekom 17. Comcast 18. Time Warner Cable 19. CenturyLink 20. NTT Communications 21. Tata Communications 22. SoftBank 23. China Mobile 24. Singtel 25. Telus 26. Rogers Communications 27. Bell Canada 28. Telkom Indonesia 29. Telkom South Africa 30. Telmex 31. Telia Company 32. Telkom Kenya
    CenturyLink, RCN Business, Colt Technology Services
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Comms Service Provider16%
    Computer Software Company9%
    Financial Services Firm8%
    Manufacturing Company7%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Educational Organization20%
    Computer Software Company15%
    Comms Service Provider8%
    Manufacturing Company6%
    REVIEWERS
    Comms Service Provider71%
    Construction Company14%
    Media Company7%
    Recreational Facilities/Services Company7%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company19%
    Financial Services Firm10%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    Retailer7%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business48%
    Midsize Enterprise23%
    Large Enterprise30%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business27%
    Midsize Enterprise32%
    Large Enterprise40%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business37%
    Midsize Enterprise21%
    Large Enterprise42%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business26%
    Midsize Enterprise11%
    Large Enterprise63%
    Buyer's Guide
    Fortinet FortiGate vs. Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform
    May 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet FortiGate vs. Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform and other solutions. Updated: May 2024.
    771,212 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Fortinet FortiGate is ranked 2nd in Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions with 306 reviews while Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform is ranked 8th in Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions with 20 reviews. Fortinet FortiGate is rated 8.4, while Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform is rated 8.0. The top reviewer of Fortinet FortiGate writes "It's a reliable solution that's easy to install and cheaper than competitors ". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform writes "A flexible, stable and scalable solution ". Fortinet FortiGate is most compared with Sophos XG, Cisco Secure Firewall, Netgate pfSense, Meraki MX and WatchGuard Firebox, whereas Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform is most compared with Cisco SD-WAN, VMware SD-WAN, Cato SASE Cloud Platform, Meraki SD-WAN and Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange. See our Fortinet FortiGate vs. Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform report.

    See our list of best Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions vendors and best WAN Edge vendors.

    We monitor all Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.