

Forescout Platform and Microsoft Defender for Cloud both compete in the security solutions category, with Forescout excelling in network access control and Microsoft Defender focusing on cloud security. In the feature comparison, Forescout's flexibility in network environments gives it an edge, while Microsoft Defender's deep Azure integration makes it advantageous in cloud-focused setups.
Features: Forescout stands out with its comprehensive network access control, flexible deployment, and real-time visibility into connected devices. Its compatibility with multiple network vendors allows for wide integration, making it ideal for diverse networks. Users benefit from its ability to manage network access without 802.1x. Microsoft Defender for Cloud offers advanced threat protection, multi-cloud compatibility, and AI-driven threat detection. It integrates seamlessly with Azure services, making policy enforcement automated and providing a secure, compliant environment tailored for Azure ecosystems.
Room for Improvement: Forescout faces challenges with its high pricing and configuration complexity, along with a need for better third-party integration and reporting functions. Improvements in host classification and the enhancement of reporting functionalities are also suggested. Users of Microsoft Defender for Cloud call for better automation, clearer cost mapping, and expanded support for non-Microsoft environments. Pricing complexity and frequent updates can also pose challenges.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Forescout requires significant initial setup due to its on-premises deployment, but offers strong integration with existing network infrastructure. Deployment is flexible but complex. Microsoft Defender benefits from its simple Azure-based deployment, requiring some familiarity with Azure. Customer service reviews are mixed for both; Forescout can be slow and inflexible, while Microsoft is generally responsive but sometimes inconsistent.
Pricing and ROI: Forescout's device-based licensing can lead to high costs in environments with many devices. However, its pricing is seen as justified due to its robust network security capabilities. Microsoft Defender for Cloud offers a reasonable cost-feature balance, especially when included in broader Microsoft solutions, but licensing complexity can be burdensome. Both products provide significant ROI in security operations, though Microsoft Defender offers distinct advantages in scaling cloud environments.
Defender proactively indexes and analyzes documents, identifying potential threats even when inactive, enhancing preventative security.
Identifying potential vulnerabilities has helped us avoid costly data losses.
The biggest return on investment is the rapid improvement of security posture.
We have had experience with their technical support and must pay additionally for maintenance, support, and regional service.
Since security is critical, we prefer a quicker response time.
The support team was very responsive to queries.
They understand their product, but much like us, they struggle with the finer details, especially with new features.
Scalability can be costly since a physical box needs to be installed for every site.
We are using infrastructure as a code, so we do not have any scalability issues with Microsoft Defender for Cloud implementation because our cloud automatically does it.
It has multiple licenses and features, covering infrastructures from a hundred to five hundred virtual machines, without any issues.
Defender won't replace our endpoint XDR, but it will likely adapt and support any growth in the Microsoft Cloud space.
I would rate its stability as 9.5 out of ten.
Defender's stability has been flawless for us.
Microsoft Defender for Cloud is very stable.
Microsoft sometimes changes settings or configurations without transparency.
Forescout Platform could enhance its integration of AI to improve IoT and OT device security to better meet our needs.
The console is a fat client, and a web interface would be preferable.
Microsoft, in general, could significantly improve its communication and support.
It would be beneficial to streamline recommendations to avoid unnecessary alerts and to refine the severity of alerts based on specific environments or environmental attributes.
The artificial intelligence features could be expanded to allow the system to autonomously manage security issues without needing intervention from admins.
Installing a physical box on each site can be expensive.
The overall pricing of Forescout Platform is reasonable for the functionality it provides.
Every time we consider expanding usage, we carefully evaluate the necessity due to cost concerns.
We appreciate the licensing approach based on employee count rather than a big enterprise license.
Microsoft Defender for Cloud is pricey, especially for Kubernetes clusters.
One of the most valuable features of Forescout Platform is its automation, particularly the ability to automate remediation of rogue devices on the network.
The most effective feature has been network access management, which has been crucial for our primary use cases in the organization.
The most valuable feature for me is the variety of APIs available.
This feature significantly aids in threat detection and enhances the user experience by streamlining security management.
The most valuable feature is the recommendations provided on how to improve security.
| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Forescout Platform | 11.6% |
| Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) | 23.8% |
| Aruba ClearPass | 22.7% |
| Other | 41.900000000000006% |
| Product | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Defender for Cloud | 15.4% |
| Wiz | 15.1% |
| AWS GuardDuty | 13.8% |
| Other | 55.7% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 30 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 10 |
| Large Enterprise | 43 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 26 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 7 |
| Large Enterprise | 45 |
Forescout Platform provides today’s busy enterprise organizations with policy and protocol management, workflow coordination, streamlining, and complete device and infrastructure visibility to improve overall network security. The solution also provides concise real-time intelligence of all devices and users on the network. Policy and protocols are delineated using gathered intelligence to facilitate the appropriate levels of remediation, compliance, network access, and all service operations. Forescout Platform is very flexible, integrates well with most of today’s leading network security products, and is a very cost-effective solution.
Forescout Platform Features
Real User Reviews
An important main feature of Forescout is the visibility the solution offers.
One reviewer who is a Consultant at a tech services company, says, "Within three or four days, you can have complete visibility of your infrastructure on the network. Compared to other solutions, the deployment of the solution is easier and we can close the project quickly."
Users also appreciate that the user interface is clear and easy to understand.
An Instructor at a tech services company, shares, "The most valuable feature of the Forescout Platform is the large capacity it can handle. Additionally, the interface of the platform is good."
Microsoft Defender for Cloud is a comprehensive security solution that provides advanced threat protection for cloud workloads. It offers real-time visibility into the security posture of cloud environments, enabling organizations to quickly identify and respond to potential threats. With its advanced machine learning capabilities, Microsoft Defender for Cloud can detect and block sophisticated attacks, including zero-day exploits and fileless malware.
The solution also provides automated remediation capabilities, allowing security teams to quickly and easily respond to security incidents. With Microsoft Defender for Cloud, organizations can ensure the security and compliance of their cloud workloads, while reducing the burden on their security teams.
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