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Mostafa Alsharif - PeerSpot reviewer
Network Administrator at a recruiting/HR firm with 51-200 employees
Real User
Top 10
Jul 23, 2025
Has simplified connectivity and configuration management across multiple sites
Pros and Cons
  • "The benefits Fortinet FortiGate provides include easy connectivity, user-friendliness, scalability, and easy configuration management."

    What is our primary use case?

    The main work for Fortinet FortiGate is the SD WAN solution. They have a good SD WAN solution with the FortiAnalyzer and FortiManager. The company has more than one site, forty-five sites, so we need to connect it altogether.

    What is most valuable?

    The main feature in Fortinet FortiGate is the SD WAN functionality. Based on my experience, it was very easy to integrate Fortinet FortiGate with SD WAN. The benefits Fortinet FortiGate provides include easy connectivity, user-friendliness, scalability, and easy configuration management.

    What needs improvement?

    I believe Fortinet can make Fortinet FortiGate better with reduced costs, free certification, and improved security.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    My experience with Fortinet FortiGate is approximately five to six months.

    Buyer's Guide
    Fortinet FortiGate
    June 2026
    Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiGate. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: June 2026.
    900,838 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    I would rate the stability of Fortinet FortiGate as eight because there are other solutions that are more secure and more capable.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    When talking about scalability for Fortinet FortiGate, I would rate it as nine or higher.

    How are customer service and support?

    We have not needed technical support from Fortinet until now.

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

    We moved to another vendor. We first moved to Cisco firewall, and then about six months ago, we moved to Fortinet FortiGate.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup for Fortinet FortiGate was simple. We worked with another vendor, and it was easy to configure and migrate with our current infrastructure.

    What about the implementation team?

    We implemented through a vendor, through a third party.

    What was our ROI?

    There is a feature inside Fortinet FortiGate for AI and ML.

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

    The Sophos XG was only for one branch. We mainly have a HQ Cisco Firepower FMC. I believe Fortinet FortiGate is easier.

    Which other solutions did I evaluate?

    There is a feature inside Fortinet FortiGate for AI and ML.

    What other advice do I have?

    It is acceptable for my feedback about Fortinet FortiGate on PeerSpot to be with my personal name as a personal opinion without contact details or company name.

    I am interested in being a reference for the vendor for Fortinet FortiGate, and it would be fine if the vendor contacts me with questions about my review.

    In the future, I might have colleagues who can provide reviews about Fortinet FortiGate.

    We plan to work with Fortinet Unified Sassy. I can recommend Fortinet FortiGate to other users.

    I rate Fortinet FortiGate a nine out of ten overall.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
    PeerSpot user
    JaimeVasquez - PeerSpot reviewer
    Commercial Manager at IT-Experience
    Real User
    Top 5Leaderboard
    Jul 12, 2025
    Monitors systems effectively and integrates security devices seamlessly
    Pros and Cons
    • "The main benefits of Fortinet FortiGate are security and the ability to manage all information throughout the company, including managing all data inside the company to prevent intrusions from outside."

      What is our primary use case?

      The main use case for Fortinet FortiGate is to monitor different systems of our customers. The solution handles the security of the company, manages VPNs, handles inside security, and integrates with NAC solutions while integrating every security device inside the company to ensure data protection. We are utilizing Fortinet FortiGate's SD-WAN capabilities. The network performance is handled effectively by the Fortinet FortiGate solution, and depending on the capacity of the solution, it can manage all traffic inside the company.

      What is most valuable?

      The main benefits of Fortinet FortiGate are security and the ability to manage all information throughout the company. This includes managing all data inside the company to prevent intrusions from outside.

      What needs improvement?

      There is always room for improvement. They could enhance their support in different ways, such as having technical support available during night hours.

      For how long have I used the solution?

      I have used the Fortinet FortiGate solution for about seven to eight years.

      What do I think about the stability of the solution?

      Fortinet FortiGate is very stable. We have experienced no problems with the hardware, updated software, or management of the solution, with stability over 99%, making it a very good solution for us.

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      The solution is scalable.

      How are customer service and support?

      The Fortinet FortiGate service is very good in Chile, making it difficult to improve upon.

      How would you rate customer service and support?

      Positive

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

      We use both Fortinet solutions and Cisco solutions, depending on customer needs. The primary difference between Fortinet FortiGate and Cisco's firewall is pricing, with Cisco being more expensive.

      How was the initial setup?

      It is a medium-sized deployment.

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

      The pricing is competitive at this moment, and customers recognize that Fortinet solutions offer good pricing while providing a very good product. The stability is excellent for customers, and the capacity to integrate different solutions of the same brand is also very good.

      Which other solutions did I evaluate?

      They use other products to integrate information with different brands, including the NAC solution, which can be used for every brand in the market since it's based on the SNMP protocol.

      What other advice do I have?

      We are not currently using the Fortinet FortiGate's data center solution. We are not using any AI or machine learning enhanced services at this moment as it's very new in Chile. Overall, I would rate Fortinet FortiGate 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. Partner
      PeerSpot user
      Buyer's Guide
      Fortinet FortiGate
      June 2026
      Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiGate. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: June 2026.
      900,838 professionals have used our research since 2012.
      Cyber Security Lead Engineer at GAVS
      MSP
      Top 5
      May 31, 2025
      Extensive web controls enhance our security posture
      Pros and Cons
      • "The web controls are what I appreciate about Fortinet FortiGate. We have extensive controls over areas where we could block external-facing IPs, external URLs. We can do geo-fencing with the firewalls, which is a good feature."
      • "It has upscaled our security posture, especially regarding external connectivity, because any access or connection from the company has to go through the Fortinet FortiGate firewall."
      • "There are too many updates coming for VPN, and the VPN keeps disconnecting frequently, which I find problematic. It does what it's supposed to do, but I practically face reconnection issues with the VPN."

      What is our primary use case?

      We use Fortinet FortiGate for the firewall as well as for the VPN. Any of the users outside the organization use the VPN. Any staff members working outside the office headquarters or our office location use the VPN.

      The main aspect that I deal with is URL blocking and web access. I don't work with other aspects of this firewall.

      How has it helped my organization?

      It has upscaled our security posture, especially regarding external connectivity, because any access or connection from the company has to go through the Fortinet FortiGate firewall. It's doing a pretty good job. We do not have any complaints there.

      Anything that we don't want to allow is not coming in. Anything we want to allow is not being blocked. We always have the granular control where we can block malicious IPs or subnets if needed.

      Geofencing allows us to limit the countries from which we allow IP connections. There are many features that I may not even know or haven't explored, but in general, Fortinet FortiGate is doing a pretty good job for us. 

      What is most valuable?

      The web controls are what I appreciate about Fortinet FortiGate. We have extensive controls over areas where we could block external-facing IPs, external URLs. We can do geo-fencing with the firewalls, which is a good feature. 

      What needs improvement?

      There are too many updates coming for VPN, and the VPN keeps disconnecting frequently, which I find problematic. It does what it's supposed to do, but I practically face reconnection issues with the VPN. 

      Regarding the Fortinet FortiGate firewall, I don't have any input. My scope is limited.

      For how long have I used the solution?

      I have been using Fortinet FortiGate for around three years.

      What do I think about the stability of the solution?

      Fortinet FortiGate is stable. We haven't seen any latency issues related to it, though we do experience latency from ISPs.

      What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

      I would rate the scalability as eight out of ten based purely on my exposure to security controls relating to URL blocking and website access. 

      How are customer service and support?

      I haven't had a chance to work with Fortinet FortiGate technical support, but from my colleagues' experience, they say the Fortinet FortiGate people are easy to reach but hard to schedule time with. It's not as easy as having the Fortinet FortiGate engineer on the call and getting other teams involved; it requires careful arrangements to join in with the Fortinet team. I would give their support a neutral score of maybe five.

      How would you rate customer service and support?

      Neutral

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

      I don't know why we switched to Fortinet FortiGate from Juniper; it's a management decision.

      How was the initial setup?

      I was not involved in the deployment. I think it's not that difficult; there's no complexity involved as long as we are clear on what we want to do.

      We have it on both cloud and on-premises.

      What was our ROI?

      I was not part of the team that implemented it. I don't know how much they invested, but it would be worth the investment.

      What other advice do I have?

      My overall experience with Fortinet FortiGate rates as eight out of ten. 

      Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
      PeerSpot user
      Operations Manager at astron computers limited
      Reseller
      Top 20
      Apr 13, 2025
      Effective threat prevention speeds up response but maintenance can be challenging
      Pros and Cons
      • "Fortinet FortiGate brings numerous benefits to my company."

        What is our primary use case?

        My customers use Fortinet FortiGate for various purposes. The security services provided by Fortinet FortiGate are quite strong. 

        I have had use cases where FortiGate helped to protect the mission-critical data for my customers. 

        FortiGate is effective at protecting the data at the edge.

        What is most valuable?

        What I appreciate about Fortinet FortiGate is its effectiveness. The feature that I find the most effective is threat prevention. 

        The mean time to respond and the remediation process is sped up. FortiGate has also helped to consolidate tools and applications for my customers.

        The firewall has indeed helped customers to consolidate tools and applications. Once everything is set and done, maintaining FortiGate can have its challenges.

        Fortinet FortiGate brings numerous benefits to my company.

        What needs improvement?

        The good things aside, there are improvements needed in the Fortinet FortiGate. My customers requested specific features to be included in the Fortinet FortiGate.

        For how long have I used the solution?

        My experience with the Fortinet FortiGate is recent, as I worked with it less than a year ago.

        What do I think about the stability of the solution?

        My impression of the stability of FortiGate is that it is quite stable.

        What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

        When it comes to scalability, I find it scalable.

        How are customer service and support?

        I have escalated questions to Fortinet's tech support.

        How would you rate customer service and support?

        Positive

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

        We need to compare different firewalls, including Fortinet FortiGate and Hillstone, and then suggest the better one to our clients.

        How was the initial setup?

        The initial implementation part is straightforward, but it has some complexities. My implementation strategy involves several steps that I take when deploying it.

        What about the implementation team?

        I do have hands-on experience working with the products, and I do the POCs and implementation part.

        What was our ROI?

        When it comes to the ROI, the return on investment of FortiGate can be a bit hard to estimate, but based on my experience, I find it to be quite favorable. Overall, Fortinet FortiGate has indeed helped to reduce the total cost of ownership for my customers.

        What other advice do I have?

        My impression of the firewall's ability to provide network and security coverage is positive. 

        When it comes to sustainability, my impressions of the firewall are favorable.

        The size of the environment with Fortinet FortiGate was significant, including many endpoints and users, and it involved enterprise-level business.

        Based on my experience, I would say to someone considering purchasing Fortinet FortiGate's data center firewall is that it's a good choice. I would give Fortinet a solid score.

        Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller
        PeerSpot user
        IT Manager at Church of Scientology International
        Real User
        Top 10
        Nov 26, 2024
        Powerful bandwidth control and seamless connectivity management
        Pros and Cons
        • "I appreciate FortiGate for its reliable, powerful, and flexible setups."
        • "Fortinet FortiGate could improve their documentation on forward error correction and failover technologies."

        What is our primary use case?

        I use Fortinet FortiGate IPS for firewall applications, VPNs, dial-up VPNs, and different types of connectivity, specifically on-site to site VPNs and for securing networks. 

        It's not just regular firewall applications; I use it on a ship to manage bandwidth by controlling website access and blocking high bandwidth-demanding applications like gaming.

        What is most valuable?

        Fortinet FortiGate IPS allows me to block certain applications, which is valuable in managing bandwidth on a ship. The IPS enables controlling and securing networks. I appreciate FortiGate for its reliable, powerful, and flexible setups. Even smaller boxes perform with great power, which is crucial for my operations. FortiGate's chips make it very fast and integrate virtual firewalls, simplifying complex setups.

        What needs improvement?

        Fortinet FortiGate could improve their documentation on forward error correction and failover technologies. 

        Additionally, better documentation and applications for SD WAN setups, especially for satellite-based internet like Starlink, would be beneficial. This area is vital, and they have not capitalized on it compared to competitors like Peplink.

        For how long have I used the solution?

        I have been using Fortinet FortiGate IPS for about five to six years. Before that, I was using WatchGuard.

        What do I think about the stability of the solution?

        I would rate the stability as a nine out of ten. There was only one instance where I had to restart FortiGate due to it running out of memory.

        What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

        FortiGate is easily scalable and I would rate it a nine out of ten. It works well with additional endpoints and global networks.

        How are customer service and support?

        I have minimal direct experience with Fortinet customer support as I usually find solutions online. However, in my encounters, documentation available is rated an eight out of ten.

        How would you rate customer service and support?

        Positive

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

        Previously, I used WatchGuard. I switched to Fortinet since WatchGuard was more complicated. Fortinet offered powerful applications and built-in features that made my life easier.

        How was the initial setup?

        The initial setup was straightforward. Fortinet has thought well of the user experience, making it user-friendly to implement.

        What about the implementation team?

        I have a few other sites working with me, involving IT technicians to establish connections. It's a collaboration with some remote sites and a handful of people.

        What was our ROI?

        FortiGate's ease of implementation relative to WatchGuard saves time and ultimately provides a higher return on investment.

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

        Fortinet is competitively priced. It is neither particularly cheap nor expensive compared to other products like WatchGuard. The pricing and performance are better, making it a viable choice.

        Which other solutions did I evaluate?

        I evaluated Peplink for SD WAN solutions that offer more high-tech features than FortiGate.

        What other advice do I have?

        I would rate FortiGate a nine out of ten overall. To avoid losing market share, Fortinet must focus on satellite-based internet solutions such as Starlink.

        Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

        On-premises
        Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
        PeerSpot user
        Viraj Fernandopulle - PeerSpot reviewer
        General Manager Group IT at DART GLOBAL LOGISTICS PTE. LTD.
        Real User
        Mar 7, 2024
        Includes built-in APIs, is easy to deploy, and provides good insight into our network
        Pros and Cons
        • "The most valuable feature of FortiGate is FortiView which provides proactive monitoring."
        • "Due to its higher cost, Fortinet FortiGate can lead to increased operational expenses."

        What is our primary use case?

        For IPS, IDS, traffic management, SDWAN, high availability, we leverage Fortinet FortiGate as a virtual appliance to secure our data center, internal office infrastructure, and site-to-site VPNS Site to client VPNS for our internal lab controls, rather than using physical Fortinet FortiGate hardware.

        We implemented Fortinet FortiGate as part of our compliance requirements to address the high volume of intrusion attempts we were experiencing. This solution provides us with a insight on Intrusion to block these attacks and gain insights into who is trying to access our network. Essentially, we aim to understand the nature of incoming and outgoing network traffic.

        How has it helped my organization?

        FortiGate offers visibility into the types, brands, versions, and users of connected devices. This visibility is crucial for our industrial devices, as their reliable operation is essential to our business.

        Fortinet Security Fabric empowers us to comply with regulations, governance, and compliance requirements across regions like the US and Europe, ensuring smooth operations for our global business.

        FortiGate's built-in APIs enable us to integrate with the vendors of our choice.

        Fortinet's FortiGate is easy to deploy in our environment thanks to its well-written and easy-to-follow documentation.

        FortiGate is a highly benchmarked product that improves efficiency and adds value to our organization.

        Although we don't see a benefit overnight, we gradually see the benefits of FortiGate over the years. It has provided a lot of insight into our organization's activities.

        FortiGate significantly helped reduce the risk of cyberattacks that could disrupt our production. This has protected us against financial losses.

        Fortinet has its management suite so it helps to centralize the management of network and security operations in our company. This helps us easily manage the issues and solutions that are required.

        Fortinet FortiGate provides us with actionable data to inform our decisions about the most appropriate course of action. It delivers insights into resource consumption and compromised hosts, helping us identify the source of unauthorized login attempts. This comprehensive view allows us to understand what's entering our network.

        Fortinet Security Fabric improved security across our industrial control systems.

        Fortinet FortiGate helped reduce our mean time to remediate.

        Fortinet FortiGate helped to mature our approach to cybersecurity for protecting our industrial equipment. The level of detail we can see regarding incoming traffic and ongoing activities is quite high. This detailed visibility extends to host configuration and other such aspects, providing us with valuable insights. As a result, Fortinet can provide a clear understanding of how to manage our network and quickly mitigate any issues that may arise.

        What is most valuable?

        The most valuable feature of FortiGate is FortiView which provides proactive monitoring. 

        What needs improvement?

        Ideally, I'd like to see most CLI configuration options exposed in the GUI to avoid manual command typing. However, there should be a more user-friendly approach than simply replicating everything in the GUI. Alternatively, some users might prefer scheduling tasks through commands for automation.

        For how long have I used the solution?

        I have been using Fortinet FortiGate for over 12 years.

        What do I think about the stability of the solution?

        I would rate the stability of Fortinet FortiGate ten out of ten. As long as we configure FortiGate properly.

        How are customer service and support?

        The technical support has improved over the years.

        How would you rate customer service and support?

        Positive

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

        We previously used an open-source firewall, but we were looking for a solution that was more proactive, easier to manage, and continuously improved. FortiGate was a major competitor at the time and has since become one of the market leaders.

        How was the initial setup?

        Initially, there was a learning curve during the deployment. We did have the help of local vendors.

        If our policies are already in place, we can have the solution up and running in less than a day using a script. However, if we need to determine our policies while implementing the solution, it can take over a month to complete.

        What was our ROI?

        Fortinet FortiGate mitigates an excessive amount of manpower requirements because it is easy to manage and this helps contribute to a return on investment.

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

        The price varies yearly and there could be additional costs to help manage the infrastructure. 

        In certain markets, if an organization subscribes to their internet service they get a Fortinet firewall included in the cost.

        Which other solutions did I evaluate?

        We evaluated some of the leading brands. At the time we found FortiGate easier to administrate and handle. The interface was intuitive and the solution was affordable.

        What other advice do I have?

        I would rate Fortinet FortiGate nine out of ten.

        Fortinet FortiGate is one of the most user-friendly security appliances I've encountered. It has a gentle learning curve, and even beginners can configure it effectively. However, for a successful deployment, it's crucial to have a well-defined network layout, documented initial requirements, and a clear configuration strategy. While physical documentation isn't mandatory, a well-organized approach is essential. This includes using clear and consistent naming conventions for commands and rules, along with detailed descriptions within the configuration itself. This makes it easy for anyone to understand the overall logic and navigate the configuration from start to finish. It's important to note that my approach to policy management might involve unique syntax. This includes how I structure policy sets and identify which ones consume the most resources. Understanding how policies interact with other aspects, like implementation and rule execution, is also crucial. Ultimately, a well-defined naming standard is the foundation for a clear and maintainable configuration.

        Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

        On-premises
        Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
        PeerSpot user
        MOHAN SUKUMAR - PeerSpot reviewer
        Head of computer systems at Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology(IIST)
        Real User
        Top 5
        Dec 4, 2023
        Helped reduced our cybersecurity risks, is user-friendly, and stable
        Pros and Cons
        • "In terms of security, we have not experienced any security flaws or loopholes, and it has proven to be quite stable."
        • "I would prefer to have more detailed logs within the FortiGate products themselves rather than relying on a separate tool."

        What is our primary use case?

        We use Fortinet FortiGate to safeguard our online users, who are primarily students, around the clock.

        Over the past seven years, we've utilized Fortinet FortiGate to address a wide range of security challenges. Initially, we implemented a firewall to secure our network perimeter. Subsequently, we sought to protect internal network segments. Next, we implemented application-level security measures. And most recently, we've implemented selective service controls to manage access to applications like Google services, WhatsApp, and video conferencing platforms. These measures have addressed evolving security needs over time. Currently, we're focused on enhancing authentication and remote access security. To achieve this, we're implementing security tokens to verify user identities and ensure authorized access.

        How has it helped my organization?

        Fortinet FortiGate enables us to comply with regulatory governance and compliance requirements.

        FortiGate is one of the security solutions we have implemented to enhance and protect our network infrastructure, including devices, across the campus for all users. Specifically, FortiGate has shielded us from Internet security threats, application threats, and unwanted websites or access to unauthorized web services. For instance, access to classified websites is restricted based on user permissions. This has resulted in a cleaner network environment, not just from a security standpoint but also in terms of overall network performance. Secondly, FortiGate has significantly alleviated the burden on network administrators and server managers. The product has proven to be highly reliable.

        It has effectively reduced our risk of cyberattacks. We have experienced a very small number of incidents, primarily due to configuration loopholes. However, FortiGate has been successful in preventing intrusions from the Internet. It has effectively thwarted hacking attempts, making it a valuable tool for our computer and network security.

        We operate in an educational setting and do not rely solely on online connectivity. Therefore, an internet outage would only impact academic activities. While some internet services are utilized within our campus primarily for business purposes, they are not entirely internet-dependent. Consequently, the impact of equipment failure is minimal. In the event of equipment malfunction, we have established contingency plans and alternative facilitating services in place. Additionally, our devices are designed for high availability, with two devices functioning as a backup in case one fails. We have not experienced any device failures to date.

        It has streamlined the management of our network and security operations. While the machine itself doesn't provide an out-of-the-box solution, its effectiveness hinges on the expertise and security knowledge of its users. Therefore, engineering and security proficiency are paramount to maximizing the benefits of FortiGate.

        FortiGate offers a lot of reporting logs and reports. By continuously monitoring these resources, we can gather sufficient information to take immediate action and implement necessary changes. However, the effectiveness of this approach hinges on having dedicated personnel to review and respond to the provided insights. The device itself cannot act autonomously without human intervention and analysis.

        FortiGate has helped us reduce our mean time to remediation by 60 percent. Its user-friendly interface facilitates rapid issue resolution.

        What is most valuable?

        Fortinet FortiGate is an extremely user-friendly product. In terms of security, we have not experienced any security flaws or loopholes, and it has proven to be quite stable. Additionally, we have not experienced any downtime, which is of utmost importance.

        What needs improvement?

        The log analyzer, for instance, is a product being developed as a common solution for multiple FortiGate devices. Consequently, the log analyzer's functionalities are not fully integrated into the individual FortiGate products. I would prefer to have more detailed logs within the FortiGate products themselves rather than relying on a separate tool.

        While Fortinet claims to offer a comprehensive network solution, it falls short in addressing computer application issues, particularly server security. Fortinet's capabilities are primarily focused on network security.

        For how long have I used the solution?

        I have been using Fortinet FortiGate for over seven years.

        What do I think about the stability of the solution?

        I rate the stability of Fortinet FortiGate ten out of ten.

        What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

        Fortinet FortiGate is a fixed configuration that depends on the number of nodes and devices.

        How are customer service and support?

        The support from Fortinet and its vendors is good.

        How would you rate customer service and support?

        Positive

        How was the initial setup?

        The initial deployment can be completed in a few days. Two to three people are involved in the deployment.

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

        In the Asian economy in which we operate, FortiGate is expensive.

        What other advice do I have?

        I would rate Fortinet FortiGate eight out of ten.

        I'm not involved in the operation of industrial devices. We do, however, have devices that are part of laboratories, and they may be flagged during searches because we belong to the education sector. In any case, FortiGate provides protection, and I wouldn't know the extent of visibility there because it's primarily concerned with providing security for those devices. If they are connected to the network, alright.

        We have around 1,500 users and over 3,000 devices that utilize FortiGate.

        Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

        On-premises
        Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
        PeerSpot user
        Senior Network Security Engineer at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
        Reseller
        Top 20
        Jul 23, 2025
        Offers comprehensive features for outbound traffic management and high availability at reasonable cost
        Pros and Cons
        • "Fortinet FortiGate provides combined features that other firewalls do not offer, offering a full package cost-effective manager with all integration supported."

          What is our primary use case?

          Fortinet FortiGate provides combined features. Some firewalls do not provide many features, but Fortinet FortiGate provides them at a reasonable price. Their pricing has been increasing over time. We can have a low-cost solution with all integration supported, providing a full package cost-effective manager. The solution offers SD-WAN capability, web filtering, application filtering, WAF, and authentication features. Most customers use Fortinet FortiGate for internet facility and outbound traffic. They implement it in high availability mode on their data center side and at the perimeter level.

          What is most valuable?

          Fortinet FortiGate provides combined features that other firewalls do not offer. The solution offers these features at a reasonable price, though prices have been increasing over time. They provide a low-cost product with all integration supported, offering a full package cost-effective manager. Most customers use Fortinet FortiGate for internet facility and outbound traffic.

          What needs improvement?

          When they release security updates, functionality needs to be cross-checked thoroughly. The firmware updates and patch updates for particular issues can affect other features. Patch testing should be more comprehensive before deployment. The solution could be improved compared to higher-end products in the Fortinet FortiGate line.

          For how long have I used the solution?

          I have been using FortiGate for more than 15 years.

          What do I think about the stability of the solution?

          For stability, Fortinet FortiGate scores eight out of ten with mature versions. However, when dealing with vulnerabilities and security updates, performance can be affected at the application level and other functionalities. With mature OS versions, the stability rating remains above eight, but during vulnerability and security issues, the rating drops to six or seven. This sometimes requires seeking alternative solutions rather than patching.

          How are customer service and support?

          The customer service is good. They can easily identify issues and provide solutions efficiently when dealing with bugs.

          How would you rate customer service and support?

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

          I previously worked with Aruba Instant.

          How was the initial setup?

          The initial setup is easy to implement.

          What about the implementation team?

          Implementation was done through an implementer.

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

          FortiGuard is included in the setup. When deploying Fortinet FortiGate, it is recommended to check which functionalities are required and enable only those needed. This approach ensures optimal performance from the Fortinet FortiGate firewall.

          Which other solutions did I evaluate?

          There are other providers available such as Sophos that provide similar features at a lower cost. However, for stability, Fortinet FortiGate provides combined features in a cost-effective manner.

          What other advice do I have?

          The solution is primarily used for data center solutions, specifically for NGFW and authentication. Most customers use Fortinet FortiGate for internet facility and outbound traffic. The SD-WAN features are commonly used for connectivity, and the bandwidth and ISP connectivity performance is good. There have been no issues with VPN connectivity for site-to-site connections. Multiple load balancing mechanisms show good performance. On a scale of 1-10, this solution receives a rating of 8.

          Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

          On-premises

          If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

          Other
          Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Implementer
          PeerSpot user
          reviewer2724093 - PeerSpot reviewer
          System Engineer at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
          Real User
          Top 20
          Jun 28, 2025
          User interface offers improved control and smoother connections across branches
          Pros and Cons
          • "What I appreciate about Fortinet FortiGate is that the UI is easier than what I've previously known from Sophos."
          • "I think Fortinet FortiGate is stable because previously it had a hiccup around a bug within the authentication VPN due to the firmware, but after updating, it's easier to control."

          What is our primary use case?

          The main use cases for Fortinet FortiGate are mostly for an industrial company firewall, focusing on firewall, web server, and new-gen, next-gen firewall.

          What is most valuable?

          What I appreciate about Fortinet FortiGate is that the UI is easier than what I've previously known from Sophos. Compared to Sophos, I prefer Fortinet, and the system and configuration settings are easier.

          The main benefits I have seen from using Fortinet FortiGate for the organization are due to the other branch in another country, as the connection is smoother than the previous firewall.

          What needs improvement?

          For Fortinet FortiGate, I am not sure yet what can be improved or enhanced because currently, I am comfortable with this solution.

          For how long have I used the solution?

          I have been working with Fortinet FortiGate for less than six months.

          What do I think about the stability of the solution?

          I think Fortinet FortiGate is stable because previously it had a hiccup around a bug within the authentication VPN due to the firmware, but after updating, it's easier to control.

          What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

          In terms of scalability, I find Fortinet FortiGate scalable. There are no issues yet with scalability in Fortinet FortiGate.

          How are customer service and support?

          Regarding the technical support of Fortinet FortiGate, I have already tried to contact them previously for a problem. I would evaluate the technical support of Fortinet FortiGate as friendly and easily understandable for our problem, as they have a high understanding of the Fortinet FortiGate system.

          How would you rate customer service and support?

          Positive

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

          I prefer Fortinet FortiGate over Sophos because of the connection system, the web GUI, and I think Fortinet is much more secure than Sophos.

          How was the initial setup?

          The initial setup of Fortinet FortiGate was easy. The setup needs around a few days to test before deploying to the customer, and while deploying, it's easy to contact customer service to help us with it.

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


          What other advice do I have?

          We are utilizing SD-WAN capabilities in Fortinet FortiGate, but not extensively, just a few times. I have not yet seen any impact on the network performance with the SD-WAN, as we're just monitoring it.

          My experience with integrating SD-WAN capabilities within Fortinet FortiGate is that the project for SD-WAN is not very long, approximately one month of testing, so for now, the connection is clear with a bit of misconnection. 

          I would personally recommend Fortinet FortiGate.

          On a scale of one to ten, I rate this solution an eight.

          Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. MSP
          PeerSpot user
          reviewer2123850 - PeerSpot reviewer
          CIO at a legal firm with 11-50 employees
          Real User
          Top 20
          May 30, 2025
          Integrated tools enhance network control and security management
          Pros and Cons
          • "It is complemented by other equipment, such as the Fortinet switch, and it is integrated with other tools that help to prevent cyberattacks, including a web filter, IPS, and application control."
          • "Overall, I would rate Fortinet FortiGate a ten out of ten."
          • "The user interface of the Fortinet FortiGate management console could be more intuitive and user-friendly, and the log analysis and reporting features could be enhanced to provide more flexibility and customizable insights."

          What is our primary use case?

          We are using Fortinet FortiGate to block or deny malware and to administrate the network to control the traffic inside and outside.

          How has it helped my organization?

          It has significantly contributed to the effective control and monitoring of the network infrastructure. We could see its benefits immediately after the implementation.

          What is most valuable?

          It is complemented by other equipment, such as the Fortinet switch, and it is integrated with other tools that help to prevent cyberattacks, including a web filter, IPS, and application control. 

          What needs improvement?

          The user interface of the Fortinet FortiGate management console could be more intuitive and user-friendly, and the log analysis and reporting features could be enhanced to provide more flexibility and customizable insights.

          For how long have I used the solution?

          I have had experience with Fortinet FortiGate for one year so far.

          What do I think about the stability of the solution?

          Fortinet FortiGate is very stable. I would rate its stability a ten out of ten.

          What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

          It is scalable. I would rate the scalability of Fortinet FortiGate a ten out of ten.

          We are a medium-sized organization.

          How are customer service and support?

          I would rate Fortinet's customer service as very good. They are good because they provide solutions to problems that we encounter and help us make new changes or meet requirements, and they have the ability to work with us to make the changes that we want.

          How would you rate customer service and support?

          Positive

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

          We previously used Sophos for web filtering. We now use Fortinet FortiGate for web filtering as well. We switched from Sophos to Fortinet FortiGate because we chose to adopt a Fortinet ecosystem to achieve better centralized control. We wanted to streamline security management while integrating firewalls, switches, endpoint protections, and wireless. 

          We used Sophos only for web filtering control applications, but when we switched to Fortinet FortiGate, we achieved better integration with other devices in the security management.

          How was the initial setup?

          I was involved with the initial setup and deployment of Fortinet FortiGate. It was of medium complexity. It was easy because the tools we were integrating were well-documented, but somewhat difficult due to the learning curve and the need to adapt our legacy system to the new environment.

          What about the implementation team?

          It took four technical people to deploy Fortinet FortiGate. 

          Only two people maintain it; for implementation, we used four people, but to maintain it, it is just two. 

          It doesn't require a lot of maintenance. The job roles of those who maintain it include making changes, adjusting web filter configurations, and switching ports. The people who maintain it are network administrators.

          What other advice do I have?

          I would advise people considering using Fortinet FortiGate to carefully plan the network structure and train the team; Fortinet is powerful, but its full potential comes with understanding the platform. I would recommend starting small, documenting everything, and using its centralized tools to stay secure and efficient.

          Overall, I would rate Fortinet FortiGate a ten out of ten.

          Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

          On-premises
          Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
          PeerSpot user
          Buyer's Guide
          Download our free Fortinet FortiGate Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
          Updated: June 2026
          Buyer's Guide
          Download our free Fortinet FortiGate Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.