Hamza Shami - PeerSpot reviewer
IT and Operations Manager at a marketing services firm with 11-50 employees
Real User
Top 20
A reliable solution for internal networking with protection

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for internal networking in an office environment.

How has it helped my organization?

FortiSwitch scans for viruses on the network easily. I was using another firewall, but after Fortinet, I don't use any other.

Fortinet infuses the updates regularly. If you get updated, then you are secured. The updates did not cover all the threats. I use the solution in both the field and the main office. It centralizes everything. We had to dig deeper than the graphs or manually check if that device performed well. You can check the server so that you can access it easily. It provides us with the protection that we need.

What is most valuable?

Fortinet FortiSwitch is easy to configure and simple to use with support.

What needs improvement?

The product could have better prices, analytics, and better graphs.

Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access
March 2024
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For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet FortiSwitch for two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the solution’s stability a nine out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have 250 users using this solution.

I rate the solution’s scalability an eight out of ten.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We have used Cisco and Ubiquiti switches. FortiSwitch frees you every time you set the switches or configure them over and over again. It is much better than other solutions.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is simple and takes a few hours to complete.

What was our ROI?

We have achieved 10% ROI.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution is reliable and is working well. It has been a generation of investment. It is not very expensive, not much cheaper.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend the solution.

Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

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.
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Regional IT at PMGL
Real User
Top 5
An enterprise-level switch that guarantees security from the firewall to the APs
Pros and Cons
  • "The product is very secure."
  • "The pricing could be improved, and it could be easier to configure."

What is our primary use case?

We are using those switches as our main switches on-site. Everything is FortiSwitch, and everything wireless is FortiAP.

What is most valuable?

The product is very secure. It's enterprise-level. Because we are always upgrading to the latest firmware and stuff, everything is very solid, and our network runs much better than before.

What needs improvement?

The pricing could be improved, and it could be easier to configure. As Fortinet comes up with different firmware and updates, I am sure these problems will decrease. They will finetune their upgrades and firmware to make upgrading to the next versions easy.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've used the solution for about two years, and we're using the latest version.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The product is stable and reliable. It's an enterprise-grade switch. If you plug anything into any outlet in the office, it gets connected to a switch, and you'll be able to get analytics.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We used to get issues where people bring in their own devices, and once they get access to a network cable, they just plug into the network point and had access to browse the Internet. Now, even though all ports are connected to switches, you won't get anything if the port is not enabled.

About 500 people at our company use the solution.

How are customer service and support?

We have managed service providers who have support licenses with Fortinet. We normally have a three-year support license with Fortinet, so anything beyond that is good. On-site, we are the first line of support, the managed service providers are the second line, and Fortinet will be the third line, in that order.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Before this, we were using Ubiquiti wireless access points. However, because that was not enterprise-level, the company policy changed that we should only use enterprise-level devices, and Fortinet was chosen over Cisco. We changed all the Ubiquiti access points to FortiAPs and all the switches that used to be HPE to FortiSwitches, and the firewall also is FortiGate so that they'll all work together to get alerts.

How was the initial setup?

The setup is a bit complex, but it works once you get it right.

During deployment, we first deployed the firewalls before we came to the switches and the APs. We were fully set up for the firewalls and switches within three months. After that, it took a week to change all the APs to FortiAPs.

What about the implementation team?

We have a managed service provider, so they are the ones we work with. They manage our backend systems, so they are the ones that did the deployment.

What was our ROI?

I have seen an ROI. My investment is very good because security is key for us. Our network is secure from the firewall down to the AP, and we have peace of mind.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We signed up for a three-year license for support and replacement. We've had one situation where one switch we were upgrading to the latest firmware failed after I rebooted. Fortinet came in to try and troubleshoot. They tried everything, but it still wasn't working, so they replaced the switch. The pricing is expensive.

What other advice do I have?

We have cloud solutions as well, where we have FortiCloud, a cloud solution around our switches.

I rate the product a ten out of ten for reliability and scalability. It's sometimes a bit difficult to configure. If we want to add another FortiSwitch to uplink on another one, it is difficult to remember where we have to go to tell the other switch to also talk to the FortiLink. However, I am confident that that is a security feature because it means nobody can just get on and do anything. Overall, I rate the product a ten out of ten.

To anyone planning to use the product, we are scaling it to other mining sites as well. Because this is the first location, we've done everything here. Once everything is deployed here successfully, we will scale it onto the other sites. We are ready to install the product onto another site, which we have already put in the firewall. But instead of the switches, we went with the APs first and have deployed about 165 APs. Now, we are waiting for the switches to come in so we can also put in the switches to complete the work. We will then scale from there to the next site.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access
March 2024
Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2024.
765,234 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Network and Telecommunication Manager at a educational organization with 201-500 employees
Real User
Top 5
It has good support and it's cheaper than competing solutions, but we've had problems with stability
Pros and Cons
  • "I rate Fortinet support 10 out of 10. Their support is excellent and inexpensive. They respond immediately."
  • "FortiSwitch requires periodic firmware updates. It can be a little difficult because the switches aren't connected to the internet, so you cannot upgrade the firmware remotely. You need to go to the site and do it manually because it's a closed network."

What is our primary use case?

We are using FortiSwitch as a gateway for our FortiGate firewalls. 

What is most valuable?

We needed a large PoE switch to connect to the firewall. FortiSwitch is robust and cheaper than Cisco switches. 

What needs improvement?

We haven't had any problems with FortiSwitch. 

For how long have I used the solution?

We have used FortiSwitch for three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I wouldn't say that FortiSwitch is stable because we've had situations when we lost ports, and I don't know what IP address to switch to or which environment has the lost ports. A storm knocked out the power to the devices, and every attempt to troubleshoot the in-line power didn't work. I think this also happens with Cisco switches. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

FortiSwitch is scalable. You add switches to scale it up. It isn't difficult. 

How are customer service and support?

I rate Fortinet support 10 out of 10. Their support is excellent and inexpensive. They respond immediately. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

Like most switches, FortiSwitch is plug-and-play. You don't need to do much configuration. You only need to connect it and put in an IP address. It doesn't take long, and one person can do the job alone. FortiSwitch requires periodic firmware updates. It can be a little difficult because the switches aren't connected to the internet, so you cannot upgrade the firmware remotely. You need to go to the site and do it manually because it's a closed network. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We pay for a one-time cost for the hardware, but there isn't a license. We only pay for configuration and support. We need to periodically buy new switches and upgrade them. 

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

It's feasible to use FortiGate with Cisco switches, but it was simpler to buy everything from Fortinet. Cisco and Fortinet switches are both good, but FortiSwitch is cheaper. The Cisco hardware isn't too expensive, but we have to pay for ongoing support. For example, the switch might be 2,000 pounds, but you need to pay an additional 600 pounds for support. Cisco support is excellent but expensive. We end up paying a lot for things we don't need. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access six out of 10. I recommend different solutions depending on the use case. If a customer is using FortiGate firewalls, I would suggest FortiSwitch.

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.
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Olev-Lilleste - PeerSpot reviewer
Sales Manager at Bearnet AS
Reseller
Helps to handle switches and access points
Pros and Cons
  • "The product is a total solution with the FortiGate, switch, and access point. It is integrated with FortiGate, allowing us to manage all the equipment through it. You can handle everything from a single point."
  • "Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is confusing with too many add-ons."

What is most valuable?

The product is a total solution with the FortiGate, switch, and access point. It is integrated with FortiGate, allowing us to manage all the equipment through it. You can handle everything from a single point. 

What needs improvement?

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is confusing with too many add-ons. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the product for two years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the product's stability a ten out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

My biggest client has around 4000 users. I rate the tool's scalability a seven out of ten. 

How was the initial setup?

I rate the tool's deployment a seven out of ten. It can take around four hours to complete. 

What about the implementation team?

I do the deployment myself. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I rate the product's pricing an eight out of ten. 

What other advice do I have?

We have small, medium, and enterprise customers for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access. I rate it a nine out of ten. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
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FransLegdeur - PeerSpot reviewer
Owner at Falco Networks
Real User
Top 10
Intuitive, user-friendly, and scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "What stands out is the effective management and enhanced security provided by the solution's function as an extension of the firewall."
  • "I give the stability a seven out of ten because we have noticed when we hook up phones the switching of ELANs et cetera doesn't work as it should."

What is our primary use case?

The primary use case of the solution is for campus environments and their offices.

How has it helped my organization?

The solution has improved our organization by providing a single pane of glass for managing large networks. The solution improves our operational experience.

What is most valuable?

What stands out is the effective management and enhanced security provided by the solution's function as an extension of the firewall.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I give the stability a seven out of ten because we have noticed when we hook up phones the switching of ELANs et cetera doesn't work as it should. We have a workaround but we are not pleased with having to do this at the moment. They have a different approach to this method of working. We were used to a traditional environment and transitioning to this new environment requires learning and adapting to a new way of thinking. We haven't fully invested the necessary time and resources to fully understand how Fortinet's solution works. Therefore, we may need to allocate more time and seek guidance from Fortinet to fully understand certain aspects of the solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I give the scalability of the solution an eight out of ten.

We currently have 200 people using the solution.

Depending if opportunities arise we will consider expanding this implementation to include remote offices and other locations.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support helps resolve our issues most of the time.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward.

I give the deployment an eight out of ten. There is only one Gate with this and that can sometimes be a limitation, making it feel unusual at times.

I estimate the deployment would take around four hours to complete the process, given that the implementation involves more than ten switches, which is larger than a typical user setup.

What about the implementation team?

The implementation was completed in-house. We are FortiGate-authorized resellers and do all the implementations ourselves.

What was our ROI?

We have seen a return on investment. The solution is more cost-effective in terms of operational expenses, as it is easier to operate compared to using multiple separate switches.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution is expensive but overall the cost makes sense. We acquire the license for a five-year period all at once, rather than incurring yearly license costs.

What other advice do I have?

I give the solution a nine out of ten.

For new users, the only way to get the experience with the solution is by simply using it. The solution is simple and intuitive.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
PeerSpot user
Kamal Jain - PeerSpot reviewer
Director at Cargomen Logistics India Private Limited
Real User
Top 20
An affordable product with an easy initial setup phase and a good support team
Pros and Cons
  • "I can say that the product is easy to use...The initial setup of the product was easy."
  • "I feel that the product's stability is an area where improvements are required."

What is our primary use case?

The solution helps provide a seamless internet connection.

What is most valuable?

I can't comment much on the valuable features of the solution since I work in a cargo company that has outsourced its IT operations to another company. I can say that the product is easy to use.

What needs improvement?

I feel that the product's stability is an area where improvements are required.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have experience with Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access. I use an older version of the solution.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is a stable solution. Stability-wise, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

I don't know about the solution's technical support since Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is a product that is outsourced to others by our company. The product's technical support is good.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of the product was easy.

The solution can be deployed in an hour.

There is another external IT team to take care of the deployment process of the tool since my company is only involved in the action of outsourcing the product to other companies.

What about the implementation team?

The initial setup of the product was managed by one of the in-house teams in the company.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Price-wise, I find Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access to be an okay product. It is not an expensive product.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
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Senior Enterprise Network Engineer at a computer software company with 201-500 employees
Real User
A cheap, stable and secure solution
Pros and Cons
  • "It is a cheap and secure solution. The job switching and security features are better than other solutions."
  • "The scalability and technical support can be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We are an integration company and help clients with the integration of Fortinet FortiSwitch.

What is most valuable?

It is a cheap and secure solution. The job switching and security features are better than other solutions.

What needs improvement?

The scalability and technical support can be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is highly stable. I rate the stability a ten out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a scalable solution. The scalability of the solution depends on the hardware. We like stacking the number of switches but the solution is not owing any number, it is fixed. All our clients are enterprises. I rate the scalability an eight out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support team is good but since it is not very big it does not provide immediate response on errors or technical issues. I rate the support an eight out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is easy. The time taken for deployment depends on the number of devices, number of files, and number of switches. If they have FortiAnalyzer and the vendors are on the full solution then it can take a day, two days, or even weeks. It depends on the number of end users. Two engineers are enough for the deployment of the full solution. One person is required for maintenance like updates, troubleshooting, and problem fixing.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is cheap and only a yearly licensing cost needs to be paid.

What other advice do I have?

Users can use FortiSwitch as it is a cheap, stable, scalable, and secure solution. I rate the overall solution a ten out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
PeerSpot user
Rutul SHah - PeerSpot reviewer
CXO at Aariha Enterprise Private Limited
Real User
Top 10
Secure, straightforward to set up, easy to maintain, and the technical support is good
Pros and Cons
  • "This device is easy to use."
  • "The reporting capabilities should be included."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use cases are SD-WAN, web security, and web application filtering.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature is the SD-WAN support.

This device is easy to use.

What needs improvement?

The reporting capabilities should be included. As it is now, this can be purchased separately but competing solutions include it free of charge with the hardware.

In the future, we would like to be able to connect a SIM card and have 3G or 4G connectively directly on the device. This would work as a backup if our primary internet goes down.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using Fortinet FortiSwitch for more than ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Stability-wise, this product is better than others that are on the market.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support is very good. However, we do not use them often because we have our own technical team that is certified by Fortinet.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

We have an in-house team that was responsible for deployment.

There are two people on the team that handle maintenance.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Licensing is billed annually and contracts are either one or three years in length.

There are additional features available that can increase the price of the license.

What other advice do I have?

My advice for anybody who is considering this product is that it's a secure and stable device. After configuration, there is no cost for maintenance. It's very stable and easy to use.

I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
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Download our free Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: March 2024
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Buyer's Guide
Download our free Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.