We use Fortinet FortiManager to create different policies and much more. We used to create a lot of VPNs, and we used to perform the cleanup of firewalls because of security orders with FortiManagemer. We created standard policies for multiple devices. For example, we have more than four hundred or five hundred devices, and a standard policy needs to be created. We have to create the policy and deploy it, and we can also clean up the firewall rule.
An automation-driven centralized management solution with an valuable rapid deployment feature
Pros and Cons
- "I like the rapid deployment feature. I also like that it's easy to troubleshoot. FortiManager is amazing because we can have a centralized policy. All our devices are integrated, and we can also engage in troubleshooting. We can use it for different deployments. One fantastic feature is the ability to create a version and deploy it immediately."
- "It would be better if it were easier to run a routing protocol. In the next release, I would like them to enhance some features in the GUI rather than CLI or OSP. For example, whenever a customer generates an ISP directly on the firewall, it's complicated to configure the routing protocol."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
I like the rapid deployment feature. I also like that it's easy to troubleshoot. FortiManager is amazing because we can have a centralized policy. All our devices are integrated, and we can also engage in troubleshooting. We can use it for different deployments. One fantastic feature is the ability to create a version and deploy it immediately.
What needs improvement?
It would be better if it were easier to run a routing protocol. In the next release, I would like them to enhance some features in the GUI rather than CLI or OSP. For example, whenever a customer generates an ISP directly on the firewall, it's complicated to configure the routing protocol.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Fortinet FortiManager for about four years.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiManager is a stable product.
On a scale from one to ten, I would give stability a ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiManager is a scalable solution.
On a scale from one to ten, I would give scalability a nine.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support was amazing.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used Palo Alto before. Most of our customers are running Cisco EAC and would like to block some websites. But next-generation features aren't available. So we have to use a FortiGate tool. Considering the costs and the fact that it's easy to deploy, it was the better solution. And most importantly, VPN is free. We don't need to buy a VPN license to configure it.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented this solution. You need two people to implement this solution. A security architect and an engineer are enough.
What other advice do I have?
On a scale from one to ten, I would give Fortinet FortiManager a nine.
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.
Network Security Specialist at GBM
User-friendly, straightforward, and works incredibly well
Pros and Cons
- "FortiManager offers a full zero-touch provisioning feature that allows us to create a template of our devices and onboard them remotely without visiting the site."
- "The scalability has room for improvement."
What is our primary use case?
Fortinet FortiManager acts as a centralized platform for overseeing our entire Fortinet security infrastructure, which includes FortiGate firewalls, switches, and access points. From a single user interface, we can manage and configure these components to ensure maximum protection of our networks. The TNA concept is where we can have Zero Touch Provisioning.
What is most valuable?
FortiManager offers a full zero-touch provisioning feature that allows us to create a template of our devices and onboard them remotely without visiting the site. This is an excellent benefit of using FortiManager for our Firewall assets.
Fortinet FortiManager is user-friendly.
What needs improvement?
The scalability has room for improvement. The solution is available in both a hardware and a virtual machine model. The VM model is scalable by simply adding additional licenses, but the hardware model has scalability limitations.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for seven years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I give the stability a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I give the scalability an eight out of ten.
We have over 30 customers using the solution.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support team is good.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward.
Once we have set up our template, it should take only two to three days to deploy. After that, we can quickly and easily add firewalls without any further automation.
What other advice do I have?
I give the solution an eight out of ten.
I would highly recommend FortiManager; in my experience, it is much simpler than any other central management solution I have seen. FortiManager is user-friendly, straightforward, and works incredibly well. Pushing policies and other tasks is made incredibly easy and uncomplicated.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
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Owner at Omma Consulting
Good features and fair pricing but needs better connectivity with FortiManager and FortiSwitch
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is very stable."
- "I like the features on offer, for example SD-WAN; it's one single configuration point for everything, especially when you have a headquarters and branch, and the VPN is also beneficial, with very good correlation between FortiAnalyzer and FortiManager, and we find the pricing to be fair."
- "I didn't like the connectivity with FortiManager and FortiSwitch, which was buggy and annoying and had fewer features."
- "I didn't like the connectivity with FortiManager and FortiSwitch, which was buggy and annoying and had fewer features."
What is most valuable?
I like the features on offer. For example, SD-WAN. It's one single configuration point for everything, especially when you have a headquarters and branch.
The VPN also is beneficial also.
The correlation with the FortiAnalyzer is very good with FortiManager.
The solution is very stable.
We find the pricing to be fair.
What needs improvement?
I didn't like the connectivity with FortiManager and FortiSwitch, which was buggy and annoying and had fewer features. For example, sometimes you could change something in FortiManager, and then you had to upload another version of the configuration. If you changed something on the suite side, you had a problem. The correlation between FortiManager and the Forti suites was not that good.
I'd like more visibility and more troubleshooting features for the whole VPN. I'd like a better quality of service and maybe more features. We always compare features with what other vendors offer to see if there is added value from a certain product. From what I've seen, for example, with SD-WAN that Cisco used to build, which was similar to the VPN for FortiManager, it was quite easy to implement in comparison.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used this solution for the last four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable product. The performance is good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's scalable if you have many devices. It makes things easier, especially if you want to have a VPN and stuff like that. When you have lots of devices, it's very helpful as a solution.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I work with a variety of Fortinet products, including FortiGate, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, and FortiWiFi with access points.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is quite reasonable.
I can't speak to exact pricing as I don't handle the licensing aspects. In some cases, where customers have two or three devices, it comes for free.
What other advice do I have?
I'm a Fortinet partner.
I'd rate the solution seven out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Network Operations Engineer at Inara Technologies
User-friendly and very clear with easy to push templates
Pros and Cons
- "I pushed templates from FortiManager to our site, and they were deployed successfully."
- "The templates are great, they are very helpful, you make a template and push it to the FortiGate, and it's been working fine."
- "When I started, it was a bit difficult, however, now it's okay. It can be a bit complex for basic users."
- "When I started, it was a bit difficult, however, now it's okay. It can be a bit complex for basic users."
What is our primary use case?
FortiManager, we're just managing our FortiGates deployed in our different sites, and we are monitoring our MSSP solution there from the FortiManager. There are different sites and different clients that have their different FortiGates. The FortiManager manages all FortiGates. We push templates. If there are any changes in the FortiGate, we're just not doing that directly to the FortiGate, we are managing it via FortiManager.
What is most valuable?
It was very amazing. The things were very clear. I pushed templates from FortiManager to our site, and they were deployed successfully. It was quite enjoyable.
The templates are great. They are very helpful. You make a template and push it to the FortiGate, and it's been working fine.
It's pretty user-friendly.
Technical support is helpful.
The solution can scale.
It's stable.
What needs improvement?
I didn't use the alternative FortiManager yet, so I'm happy with the FortiManager right now. If I use some other product, then I should be able to isolate things, and I'd like some sort of isolation feature in the product. There's nothing I can say that's a negative point.
When I started, it was a bit difficult, however, now it's okay. It can be a bit complex for basic users.
If I'm defining a subnet, I need to define it in two different locations. We have to create the subnet and then name it as well. So there are two different ways to define a single subnet, and it should only be one.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is very stable. There are no bugs or glitches.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable. We have a lot of customers on the product and some are expanding.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is very helpful and responsive. Every time we open a ticket, they help us and make sure it's resolved.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We did not previously use a different solution.
How was the initial setup?
I didn't deploy FortiManager. I'm just operating it. When I joined the company, it was already deployed, and we didn't deploy any other FortiManager. I didn't work on implementation. My understanding, however, is that it would not be that difficult.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Compared to competitors like Cisco, Fortinet is very reasonable.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We didn't research any other solutions. We like and prefer FortiManager.
What other advice do I have?
We are Fortinet partners.
The solution is deployed on-premises in our data center.
I'd rate the solution 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
Consultant at AMH Consulting Group
Easy configuration and scalable with an easy setup
Pros and Cons
- "You can configure it at your ease."
- "If we use the Fortinet FortiManager to replicate the configuration and want to install ten FortiGate on ten sites, you don't have to set configuration on all ten because you can configure one FortiGate and the Fortinet FortiManager will replicate the configuration on all FortiGate devices."
- "You cannot integrate with other solutions."
- "You cannot integrate with other solutions, so they should allow integration with Cisco and Juniper."
What is most valuable?
We use it to manage the FortiGate and install it on several sites. You can see the lock, and if there is a problem inside the network, the FortiGate sends a warning to the Fortinet FortiManager. It allows you to check and know what the problem is. If we use the Fortinet FortiManager to replicate the configuration and want to install ten FortiGate on ten sites, you don't have to set configuration on all ten. You can configure one FortiGate and the Fortinet FortiManager to replicate the configuration on all orders of FortiGate. You can manage the bandwidth and decide to set it. For example, the IT team can use two megabytes, and the commercial team can use one gigabyte. In addition, you can configure it at your ease.
What needs improvement?
You cannot integrate with other solutions, so they should allow integration with Cisco and Juniper. It'd be great if we could log into other provider equipment on Fortinet FortiManager.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using this solution for five years. It is deployed on cloud. We are satisfied with Fortinet FortiManager because it's a very interesting solution.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is stable but also depends on the type of internet connection that you have. If your internet connection is stable, the Fortinet FortiManager allows different sites to be easily accessible.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution. Our customers are big enterprises and corporate clients.
How are customer service and support?
When you have some problem, they are always available to help.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy compared to Cisco Solutions because you just have to click when configuring. Whereas with Cisco, you have to set CMI commands.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I rate this solution a nine out of ten. I do not have specific details about the licensing costs. Compared to competitors like Panorama, Fortinet FortiManager is cheaper.
What other advice do I have?
Companies are interested in this solution. We help about five clients install the solution on their sites.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller
Scaling Engineer at Lutessa 2S
Robust with decent pricing and lots of features
Pros and Cons
- "The integration is quite good."
- "It's a very rich, robust product."
- "There is a degradation of performance if we activate logs on FortiManager."
- "There is a degradation of performance if we activate logs on FortiManager."
What is our primary use case?
FortiManager is used just to manage a lot of devices from Fortinet, especially FortiGate. We can push the configuration, we can push the packages, and we can change the configuration from the FortiManager via centralized management.
What is most valuable?
There are a lot of features that are important to us. For example, we like that we can roll back to the previous configuration, or push configuration on devices remotely. We also have the ability to save the configuration on FortiManager. If there is an issue with the devices, we can report the configuration remotely.
It's a very rich, robust product.
The integration is quite good.
Its pricing is decent.
This solution is easy to set up.
The solution is able to scale quite well.
What needs improvement?
We are not missing any features at this time. I don't have any expectations about additional features.
The storage could be better for logs. There is a degradation of performance if we activate logs on FortiManager.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable. We haven't faced any performance issues. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's scalable. It's easy to expand.
How was the initial setup?
The solution is very straightforward and simple. It's not overly complex to implement.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is reasonable. It varies. Sometimes we need to buy many appliances and sometimes just a few.
There are some additional costs sometimes from our partner. It depends on the size of the environment of our clients. We can negotiate on and maybe lower the price if a lot of devices are needed.
What other advice do I have?
We are a VMware vendor. We work with a local partner. We are a kind of integrator.
With respect to the requirements, new users should consider performance and be sure to tune the solution correctly during the configuration and integration. It will ensure it works well once it is up and running.
I'd rate the solution 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. Integrator
Senior Manager at ITX360 (Pvt) Ltd
Expandable and useful for management purposes but the price may be high for smaller environments
Pros and Cons
- "It's a scalable product."
- "The general policy, its integration, and deployment are all easy."
- "The GUI is not ideal."
- "The GUI is not ideal. It needs to be improved. It should be more user-friendly."
What is our primary use case?
We are one of the partners, so we are using it for customer testing for managers, owners, and others at head office. We are looking at FortiManager in terms of quality deployment and ability to manage everything. We're using it for management.
How has it helped my organization?
We are using a VM version and can scale it as we need. It depends on our license, however, we find we can scale.
What is most valuable?
The general policy, its integration, and deployment are all easy. We don't have a lot of devices, however, it creates a center where we can manage everything. The initial setup is very simple.
The solution is stable.
It's a scalable product.
What needs improvement?
The GUI is not ideal. It needs to be improved. It should be more user-friendly.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for around two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is a stable one. From time to time, we may see bugs, however, overall, it's a stable one. It doesn't crash or freeze. It is reliable.
How are customer service and support?
The support has been good. They are helpful and responsive. We're pleased with the level of service we get.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I don't have much experience with the other products compared to this product. The main reason that it's been chosen for clients is it's very well integrated with the rest of the Fortinet environment. For example, if somebody has an environment in SuccessFactors, FortiManager is good.
How was the initial setup?
It's very simple to set up the solution. It's not overly complex or difficult. The documentation helps with any complexity.
I'd rate the solution four out of five in terms of ease of deployment.
You just need a single engineer, a software engineer, to set up and maintain the solution. Someone who has Fortigate knowledge should have no problem handling the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
When you are going for a massive FortiGate environment, the costs compared to your investment would be fine. However, if you're going for below ten devices, the cost will be a little bit high. You would have to justify the expense.
I'd rate it a three out of five in terms of availability.
What other advice do I have?
We are a Fortinet partner.
I'd rate the solution seven out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Technical Network Consultant, Sr Network Engineer at a transportation company with 10,001+ employees
Intuitive multi-use solution suitable for large companies with experienced technical staff
Pros and Cons
- "The SD-WAN deployment environment, and the SD-WAN templates are particularly useful. Managing the solution is very intuitive. The initial setup of the solution was very straightforward."
- "The SD-WAN deployment environment, and the SD-WAN templates are particularly useful for us."
- "The interface could be improved. It is split up into different areas, which makes it more difficult to navigate and get the right section of the correct file. The solution is quite expensive, so it would not be suitable for small to medium sized organizations."
- "The solution requires you to have a license for every device, as well as for any advanced features being used, which makes it costly for high-volume users."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution for SD-WAN customers, deployment, and interface management.
What is most valuable?
The SD-WAN deployment environment, and the SD-WAN templates are particularly useful for us. Also, we have found that managing the solution is very intuitive, which is perfect for us.
What needs improvement?
The interface could be improved. It is split up into different areas, which makes it more difficult to navigate and get the right section of the correct file.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using this solution for over two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We have found the solution to be stable during our time using it.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have found the solution to be easily scalable.
How are customer service and support?
We have direct support, and sometimes issues aren't resolved as quickly as we would like them to be. However, they are always willing to help, and they will escalate issues if they aren't resolved to our liking.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of the solution was very straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
The implementation was carried out in-house.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution requires you to have a license for every device, as well as for any advanced features being used, which makes it costly for high-volume users. However, for a large-scale environment with a lot of customers we have found it to be a worthwhile investment.
What other advice do I have?
This product requires knowledge of firewalls in order for the initial setup to be straightforward, and to ensure the product is effective once installed. We also found that deployment is easy through this solution.
The solution requires updates, during which it needs to communicate with the Fortinet Cloud. However, it can do this automatically, if the firewalls are set up correctly.
The solution is quite expensive, so it would not be suitable for small to medium sized organizations.
I would rate this solution as 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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