What is our primary use case?
This solution is the gateway for protecting our network. We are customers of Fortinet and I'm a system administrator.
How has it helped my organization?
The solution has allowed us to get more data than we were previously able to and we also employ the FortiGate analyzer to provide more data on the usage patterns of our clients which provides us with security metrics. FortiGate gives us a better picture of what's going on in the network and how best we can approach improving the service or addressing any security issues.
What is most valuable?
We're currently relying heavily on the VPN capabilities, given that a lot of users are working remotely and that's been particularly useful for us. FortiGate has an extensive library for support so you rarely need to reach out to them, it's all easily accessible.
What needs improvement?
The solution is quite expensive and I'd like to see the cost reduced. I think Fortinet could raise their level of security. Their VPN service for users gives them the ability to direct remote users to exactly where they're supposed to go. It's good but some other solutions don't give access for remote users to come on to the network. Rather the cloud platform relays or reflects the application that the remote user would've wanted to get access to on the network. It means that remote users don't get to the physical network of the company and that's good for security.
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate IPS
July 2022
Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiGate IPS. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: July 2022.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
As long as you know what you're doing, it's a pretty stable solution - they push out firmware updates pretty regularly and I haven't noticed any update that breaks anything.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable and adaptable depending on network activity or clients having a network. There's a solution for everything and it's pretty granular for each individual appliance. It gives you leeway and room to work. We have around 100 users in the company, everybody is connected; our staff are security administrators, systems administrators and database admins. We're planning to increase usage. I think FortiGate has a ZTNA service as well and we're in talks to determine the best solution.
How are customer service and support?
We haven't had much contact with support but they're pretty good. You do need to schedule a time for them to get back to you so the solution isn't immediate. The support is quite comprehensive.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used SonicWall before moving to Fortinet. It was a good product but it was pretty complex and complicated when it came to implementing certain things. We needed a solution where anyone could come in and get the job done without having to research deeply.
How was the initial setup?
We used a Fortinet partner for implementation because we were busy with other projects at the time. They did a great job for us. Deployment took about a week but it could have been done in less time if we hadn't had some scheduling issues. We have three people involved with maintenance.
What was our ROI?
We used to have issues with data, internet usage, and controlling our users' access to the internet. It impacted other areas of the company. With Fortinet, we're able to control how users utilize resources and pull back on certain things while allowing more access in others. It would include things like online calls, IP calling or use of Teams for legitimate business. Having control over that means there are fewer break ups, and fewer dropped calls because we have more control. People with BYOD's can hog the network but with that level of granular control, we can decide where the priority is. In terms of ROI, there are fewer expenses, less time wasted addressing issues related to reporting, whereas before it was quite chaotic. Fortinet provides the ability to create more order and the ability to better analyze exactly what it is that is going on in the network.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is expensive although I'm not sure of the cost. It does include support and updates.
What other advice do I have?
This is a good solution, it provides an extensive library for any issues or for when you're building out a new solution. It has different appliances for different tiers. Planning is important, knowing what's in the environment, where you expect it to go, and then ensuring that you develop or acquire a solution necessary to address that situation. I rate this solution eight out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.