


Cisco IOS Security and Zscaler Cloud Firewall compete in the network security market. Zscaler Cloud Firewall seems to have the upper hand due to its cloud-native approach and advanced threat intelligence.
Features: Cisco IOS Security is noted for advanced routing, secure network protocols, and VPN capabilities. Zscaler Cloud Firewall is recognized for deep SSL inspection, real-time threat detection, and scalability.
Room for Improvement: Cisco IOS Security could benefit from more intuitive management tools, simplified policy configuration, and better integration with modern systems. Zscaler Cloud Firewall needs improvements in reporting capabilities, integration with legacy systems, and enhanced user training resources.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Deployment of Cisco IOS Security is complex, requiring specialized skills and hardware, but it is backed by comprehensive customer support. Zscaler Cloud Firewall offers streamlined deployment thanks to its cloud-based architecture, with responsive customer service, although it may lack the depth of Cisco's support.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco IOS Security involves significant upfront costs for hardware and licensing, offering good ROI but with high initial investment. Zscaler Cloud Firewall's subscription-based pricing model is more flexible and cost-effective long-term, delivering strong ROI through reduced maintenance costs and improved operational efficiency.
Clients are now comfortable and not wasting productive hours on IT support.
The automation part is giving us a cost benefit and speed; we can react faster.
It's a very useful tool to mitigate and protect your enterprise.
The return on investment is satisfactory with Cisco products as they have long lifespans, and our customers are satisfied with them.
I have seen a return on investment with time saving and money saving.
The quick resolution of issues with Fortinet FortiGate is due to the support of the company and the fact that the equipment is easy to work with.
I would rate the technical support for Fortinet FortiGate a ten out of ten.
As a solution provider, when I encounter problems, I connect directly with Fortinet support, and they provide solutions within a very short time.
My impression is that the support quality has deteriorated over time.
The response and support are sometimes inadequate, which detracts from the overall experience of an otherwise impressive solution.
The technical support from Zscaler was excellent.
They scale up really well from smaller models like the FortiGate 40 and 50 to bigger sites with the FortiGate 100 for more throughput - up to enterprise datacenters.
The variation comes in terms of the interfaces and throughputs, but from a security perspective, you get the same benefit, irrespective of whether you have an entry-level unit or an enterprise.
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.
In this case, Twingate will be very easy compared to Zscaler.
We're experiencing 99.999% availability consistently.
I would rate the stability of Fortinet FortiGate a ten out of ten.
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.
We find Cisco products stable and thoroughly tested before new software or firmware versions are released.
I find Cisco IOS Security to be a very stable product.
There were some stability issues due to occasional latency and lags, particularly with the GUI and report generation.
These sessions should be around five to ten minutes long, allowing users and partners to quickly grasp the information without disrupting their daily tasks.
It would be better for customers to get immediate replacements even with a standard subscription.
It is how quickly each of these companies adapts to that and brings in more value to the customer.
Cisco changes their licensing policy quite frequently, which is becoming confusing and complicated.
For now, there is no dashboard or network management system available for Twingate.
The reverse proxy feature for Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is missing.
I believe the integration of AI could improve the dashboard by making it more agile and effective in monitoring and predicting threats.
It offers cost savings as it is generally cheaper than the competition.
It is about 20% cheaper.
The advantages of Fortinet FortiGate over its competitors include good pricing and meeting our requirements at a lower cost.
The cost of Cisco IOS Security for customers is on the higher end of pricing compared to the competition, depending on the targeted customers.
Zscaler Cloud Firewall is quite expensive compared to competitors.
They put in a thing called the FortiCookbook, which is very easy to read with real-life scenarios that make networking tasks like joining networks very straightforward.
The firewall and VPN features are the most valuable in protecting our customers' networks.
The most valuable feature is the deep inspection for traffic, which is capable of identifying zero-day attacks.
This solution, called Network Access Controller, handles authentication, authorization, and accounting for devices accessing the network.
The best features of Cisco IOS Security are its integration with software management tools such as Cisco DNA Center and Cisco ICE, which provide centralized policy and network access control.
It is really customized, a security policy that can be applied to the users so they can access only the resources I enable them.
Advanced threat protection features in Zscaler Cloud Firewall are practically the key component that every customer wants.
The best features that Zscaler Cloud Firewall offers are that it is AI powered and automated.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Fortinet FortiGate | 15.1% |
| Zscaler Cloud Firewall | 1.0% |
| Cisco IOS Security | 0.6% |
| Other | 83.3% |



| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 370 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 138 |
| Large Enterprise | 195 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 20 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 14 |
| Large Enterprise | 18 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 5 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 2 |
| Large Enterprise | 13 |
Fortinet FortiGate is a versatile network security tool offering features like VPN, firewall, web filtering, intrusion prevention, and scalability. It is known for its performance and integration with other Fortinet products, making it a preferred choice for robust cybersecurity.
Fortinet FortiGate stands out as a comprehensive cybersecurity solution with strong performance and ease of configuration. It delivers unified threat management, integrating features such as dynamic routing, SD-WAN support, and centralized management. Despite its strengths, improvements in the web interface's stability, pricing structures, and reporting capabilities are needed. Users seek better integration with third-party tools and automation advancements to enhance the experience further. These enhancements, alongside improvements in bandwidth management and the reduction of licensing costs, are points of interest for users looking to capitalize on FortiGate's extensive capabilities.
What are Fortinet FortiGate's key features?Fortinet FortiGate is widely implemented across industries as a primary firewall system for securing internet gateways and safeguarding data centers. It supports businesses in achieving SD-WAN integration and enhances cybersecurity by providing essential features like antivirus, web filtering, and application control. Enterprises utilize FortiGate for securing remote connections and ensuring compliance with security standards, making it adaptable for different network sizes and industries.
Cisco IOS Security integrates advanced VPN capabilities, IPsec security, and firewall features, ensuring scalable and reliable protection suitable for enterprise networks.
Cisco IOS Security offers comprehensive firewall integration, robust AAA capabilities, and encryption, empowering organizations with a reliable network environment. EEM provides flexibility and programmability, while integrated threat detection, intrusion prevention, and centralized management enhance its security profile. Despite its reliability, challenges include complexity in configuration, high pricing, and confusing licensing policies. Performance issues and the need for enhanced integration, automation, and better monitoring tools are areas for improvement.
What are the key features of Cisco IOS Security?Industries leverage Cisco IOS Security to protect against zero-day attacks, deploy secure VPNs, and facilitate network access control and compliance checks. Organizations utilize its features for firewalls, routing, and switching, integrating technologies like Cisco ICE and TrustSec to enhance security across enterprise environments.
Zscaler Cloud Firewall enhances network security through seamless integration, configuration management, and comprehensive visibility. With real-time threat detection and centralized control, it provides exceptional protection without hardware investments.
Zscaler Cloud Firewall is designed for efficient network traffic management and secure internet access. It allows granular policy setting, blocking malicious IPs and domains, and access control. This cloud-based service offers smooth integration with security platforms, replacing traditional firewalls and VPNs to ensure data protection and network integrity. The intuitive dashboard facilitates policy enforcement, while advanced features like SSL inspection, URL filtering, and sandboxing add layers of security. Its cloud operation supports scalability and cost-effectiveness with an OpEx model.
What are the key features of Zscaler Cloud Firewall?Zscaler Cloud Firewall is widely used by organizations needing to secure network communications for remote and office environments. It facilitates policy implementation to block unauthorized access and is integral in protecting data and network operations across sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology. Its ability to integrate with other platforms supports a multifaceted security approach, ensuring extensive coverage and adaptability.
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