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Tech Engineer at a financial services firm with 201-500 employees
Real User
An excellent co-firewall that's very user-friendly but should be more cloud-based
Pros and Cons
  • "For my organization, it has become much easier to scan the firewalls because the solution is more user-friendly than competitors."
  • "The signature discs, compared to Palo Alto, aren't as good. It takes more time to get the signature updates."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution as a co-firewall.

How has it helped my organization?

For my organization, it has become much easier to scan the firewalls because the solution is more user-friendly than its competitors. 

What is most valuable?

We've found the threat detection very valuable. The entire platform is user-friendly. It's easier compared to Check Point or Juniper firewalls.

What needs improvement?

The signature discs, compared to Palo Alto, aren't as good. It takes more time to get the signature updates.

The solution should be on the cloud a bit more. 

There should be a cookie eater. 

Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiOS
July 2025
Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiOS. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: July 2025.
861,524 professionals have used our research since 2012.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for more than three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of the solution is very good.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support for the solution is very good.

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

We ended up choosing the solution because of its ease of use and it troubleshooting steps were easy to control.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward. You need about two to three people for deployment and maintenance.

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

Licensing is renewed on a yearly basis.

What other advice do I have?

We use the on-premises deployment model.

I would recommend the solution. As a co-firewall, it does a good job.

I would rate the solution seven out of ten.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
PeerSpot user
IT Field Engineer at Double Click Company
Real User
A user-friendly interface for both IPS and the integrated anti-virus
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features are the intrusion prevention system and the anti-virus."
  • "I would like to see smaller and more frequent updates."

What is our primary use case?

We are a reseller, and I deployed the public cloud version of this solution for a client on Microsoft Azure.

How has it helped my organization?

Due to instability of internet here in East Africa ,it will be great if the updates for FortOS could be small and so much size that could utilise more bandwidth.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features are the intrusion prevention system and the anti-virus.

The interface is more user-friendly than other products, but moving between the VPN and anti-virus features is not as easy for people who are inexperienced with the solution.

What needs improvement?

The internet service is not as reliable in East Africa as in other parts of the world, and as such, the bandwidth that is required for updating the Fortinet OS should be reduced. I would like to see smaller and more frequent updates.

For how long have I used the solution?

Two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

So far, the solution has been stable. I have not had any complaints from the customer.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability is one of the great features of this solution.

How are customer service and technical support?

We did not have to contact technical support.

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

I have had experience working with Check Point UTM. These products have the same features. However, the user interface and support for Fortinet are superior to Check Point.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of this solution was straightforward. The deployment took at most three hours. When the deployment was complete, the only job that was left was for the system administrator on the client's side.

According to our customer, they have not experienced any difficulties.

What about the implementation team?

We handled the deployment of this solution for our customer.

Three people are enough for deployment, with one configuring the network and two working on the systems. 

What was our ROI?

It is easy to show a return on investment with this solution because it is easy to scale.

What other advice do I have?

The only advice I have for anybody who is implementing this solution to make sure that they have a proper internet connection with good bandwidth.

Overall, the Fortinet OS is great.

I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiOS
July 2025
Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiOS. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: July 2025.
861,524 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Technical Lead at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
As always there is room for improvement in any product, we have always struggled with reporting
Pros and Cons
  • "We have expanded the wireless access point and switches using Fortinet FortiOS."
  • "The additional features I would like to see included in the next release is better troubleshooting and reporting."

What is our primary use case?

Network edge security, single Entry/Exit for multiple branches. and recently have started with SDWAN investigations and labs. 

How has it helped my organization?

Having used the FortiOS for a period, the improvement of functions and additions have been both "Great" and "Poor," as one gets used to using a product, menu and layout changes can be a bit confusing at first, however you slowly start to get more familiar over time.

What is most valuable?

VPN Services, and FortiView for quick troubleshooting and tracking.

What needs improvement?

Reporting, having only recently migrated to 6.04 there will be some time to see what improvements have been made, with some of the menu changes and inclusions through the versions.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been making use of FortiGate for close to ten years and multiple OS Versions.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

in 10 years, we have had little to no issues with the functionality, stability of the product from my standpoint has been very stable, preventative maintenance schedules, and keeping up with the latest information on the product is key.

How are customer service and technical support?

We have had no issues to date.

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

We have an array of products that are specific to our environments, and the requirements around the service needed for that specific environment, FortiOs ticked the boxes to the best match for our requirement.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Fortinet FortiOS was straightforward, with the new inclusion of SDWAN there are some learning still to be done but in general, if the planning is done correctly the intitial setup is a breeze.

What about the implementation team?

A combination of both was used.

What other advice do I have?

Research and plan, ensure that the product falls in line with your requirement and has room to grow, and don't let a Product dictate your requirements.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1400778 - PeerSpot reviewer
Owner - Sales Manager / IT Enterprise Architect at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Reseller
Top 5
Allows organizations to run their businesses without compromising performance or protection, supports seamless scalability, and simplifies innovation consumption
Pros and Cons
  • "In terms of benefits, it’s a standard solution used by many, and our customers and partners widely utilize the VPN features. It’s elementary to work with and implement because it is familiar across different infrastructures."
  • "Sometimes, Fortinet FortiOS changes its CLI (command line interface) with new versions, which leads to internal incompatibility. When this happens, you need to update the configuration to match the new format, as the commands aren’t always the same. This can create some confusion and extra work because, unlike other vendors where the CLI commands remain primarily consistent with updates, Fortinet often changes the syntax between versions."

What is our primary use case?

We are still using it in our company. We use FortiOS primarily for perimeter security and network segmentation.

What is most valuable?

In terms of benefits, it’s a standard solution used by many, and our customers and partners widely utilize the VPN features. It’s elementary to work with and implement because it is familiar across different infrastructures.

What needs improvement?

Sometimes, Fortinet FortiOS changes its CLI (command line interface) with new versions, which leads to internal incompatibility. When this happens, you need to update the configuration to match the new format, as the commands aren’t always the same. This can create some confusion and extra work because, unlike other vendors where the CLI commands remain primarily consistent with updates, Fortinet often changes the syntax between versions.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using Fortinet FortiOS for more than six years.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Fortinet FortiOS is very scalable and can handle many users, depending on your hardware. Expanding it when needed is straightforward.

How are customer service and support?

It’s generally good, but there’s always room for improvement.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The complexity of implementing and setting up Fortinet FortiOS depends on the customer'srequirements. With a network map of a hundred nodes, it could be either very complex or straightforward. There isn't a standard rule for this; it varies based on the specific design and planning needed. It would be best to have a straightforward design and a good plan before implementing. If the design isn't well done, you might need to make changes during the project, which isn't ideal.The time required for a full implementation of FortiOS can vary
significantly. It might be small but complex or large but straightforward—tthere'sno one-size-fits-
all pattern.

What about the implementation team?

For maintenance, FortiOS requires attention to patches because it handles many functions and can be complex. It's crucial to stay updated on your running version and check for any reported vulnerabilities to avoid potential issues.

What was our ROI?

The return on investment for FortiOS is good but not exceptional. It’s close to breaking even; not every case justifies the renewal cost.

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

Regarding the cost, the initial purchase is relatively cheap because it comes bundled. However, the subscription renewals can be quite expensive. The renewal costs are high, even though the initial purchase might include discounts.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I would rate Fortinet FortiOS an 8 out of 10. It’s a solid product but could improve in areas like update management. Currently, it’s up to the user to check for updates, and Fortinet doesn’t proactively notify you about necessary updates. If they know your version, they should inform you directly about any needed upgrades instead of relying on you to check.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller
PeerSpot user
David Cheung - PeerSpot reviewer
Broadband Tech Expert at New Sky Internet Limited
Reseller
Top 5
Enhanced prevention, early detection, real-time response, and risk reduction for cyber-physical and industrial control systems
Pros and Cons
  • "The SSL VPN is fee for use is most attractive."
  • "A switch should be introduced."

What is our primary use case?

We use it as Fortinet as a edge firewall Fortinet protection and SSL VPN FortiOS Vivo SS.

What is most valuable?

The SSL VPN is fee for use is most attractive.

What needs improvement?

A switch should be introduced. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Fortinet FortiOS for 2023. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is moderately stable. I would rate the stability a seven out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The clients are primarily small businesses. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was straightforward. I would date the setup a six out of ten. The deployment takes few minutes time. 

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

The solution is cost effective. I would rate the pricing a five out of ten. 

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I would rate the 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. Reseller
PeerSpot user
reviewer1951032 - PeerSpot reviewer
Product Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Reseller
Valuable inbuilt SD-WAN useful for firewalls and the efficient fulfillment of orders
Pros and Cons
  • "The initial setup is straightforward, and it is very customer friendly."
  • "Could be improved by supporting an allocation of quota base management regarding user data."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case for this solution is for firewalls and the efficient fulfillment of orders. Additionally, with Fortinet FortiOS, you get other features like inbuilt SD-WAN, where the customers are ready to deploy once they move into the SD-WAN features. So there are several additional features within the OS and integration with third-party software, other vendors and third-party solutions. So the integrability, adaptability, and value addition of the OS play a significant role.

What is most valuable?

We have found the inbuilt SD-WAN most valuable. For example, with FortiGates, we refer to it as being SD-WAN-ready because the customer has to buy it in the box, and the OS supports it by building a connection between two units. Also, regarding the OS integrability with other third parties, for example, with Ciga Group, you can deploy a unit in Sri Lanka, and the customer may have another unit in a different geography. Within Fortinet FortiOS and other competitive products, it's integrative, so it's used for data flexibility.

What needs improvement?

The solution is good but could be improved by supporting an allocation of quota base management regarding user data.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using this solution for three years.

How are customer service and support?

I rate customer service and support a ten out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward, and it is very customer friendly. Fortinet FortiOS quickly provides many complex solutions when we deploy a simple firewall. So it's named one of the most customer-friendly OSs in the industry in Sri Lanka and globally. Therefore, customizability allows you to deploy the boxes and register a serial number. Eight people on our technical team are involved in deployment. I rate the initial setup process as nine out of ten.

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

I cannot comment on licensing costs as a different department handles that.

What other advice do I have?

I rate this solution a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller
PeerSpot user
BoreSoen - PeerSpot reviewer
Networks & Securities Solutions supervisor at a tech vendor with 201-500 employees
Real User
Easy-to-manage internet gateway
Pros and Cons
  • "FortiOS's best features are its function as an internet gateway and how easy it is to manage."
  • "FortiOS's interface and monitoring could be improved."

What is most valuable?

FortiOS's best features are its function as an internet gateway and how easy it is to manage.

What needs improvement?

FortiOS's interface and monitoring could be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been working with FortiOS for three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

FortiOS's stability could be better.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was simple.

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

FortiOS is affordable, but its price could be lower.

What other advice do I have?

I would give FortiOS a rating of 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
PeerSpot user
Solutions Consultant at a manufacturing company with 11-50 employees
Real User
Useful monitoring, beneficial SSL inspection, and IDS/IPS functionality
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of Fortinet FortiOS are the SD-WAN, SSL inspection, and IDS/IPS functions."
  • "Fortinet FortiOS can improve the monitoring function, it could be more accurate, easy to use, and understandable."

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of Fortinet FortiOS are the SD-WAN, SSL inspection, and IDS/IPS functions.

What needs improvement?

Fortinet FortiOS can improve the monitoring function, it could be more accurate, easy to use, and understandable.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet FortiOS for approximately two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of Fortinet FortiOS can improve.

I rate the stability of Fortinet FortiOS a nine out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

My colleagues like the FortiOS because it is simple, and the easiest to understand. We have approximately 300 users that are using this solution.

How are customer service and support?

I have used the support from Fortinet FortiOS. Some of the engineers who take our tickets are good but others take unnecessary steps for verification before addressing the problem.

I rate the support from Fortinet FortiOS a four out of five.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Fortinet FortiOS is simple.

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

The best solution in the category including the price in Thailand is Fortinet FortiOS.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

When comparing Fortinet, Forcepoint, and Sophos, Fortinet FortiOS is the best solution.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Fortinet FortiOS 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
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Fortinet FortiOS Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: July 2025
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Firewalls
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Fortinet FortiOS Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.