Fortinet FortiADC Reviews

Name: Fortinet FortiADC
Brand: Fortinet
Rating: 3.9 (24 reviews)

3.9 out of 5

24 reviews
86% willing to recommend

149 followers

What is Fortinet FortiADC?

Fortinet FortiADC is a robust application delivery controller (ADC) that delivers application optimization, application security, and application availability. FortiADC is a valued offering from Fortinet, which is widely recognized as a trusted supplier of dynamic security solutions worldwide. FortiADC offers dynamic security functions (AV, DDoS, and WAF) in addition to advanced application connectors for a simplified deployment and complete transparency to an organization's networks and applications. FortiADC offers three primary deployment options: physical machine, virtual machine, (VM) and cloud solution options.

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Fortinet FortiADC is the #7 ranked solution in top Application Delivery Controllers. PeerSpot users give Fortinet FortiADC an average rating of 7.8 out of 10. Fortinet FortiADC is most commonly compared to Microsoft Azure Application Gateway: Fortinet FortiADC vs Microsoft Azure Application Gateway. Fortinet FortiADC is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 55% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 19% of all views.

Helped 831,020 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Saeid Khanipour Ghobani

IT Manager at Technology Evaluation Center

The initial setup and configuration are very easy because the solution includes a simple OS. Initial configuration takes about ten minutes for simple environments. It is important to assess the environment and decide what services, servers, and web applications are needed. The solution can be configured in router mode or one-arm mode which uses source NAT as destination NAT to send traffic to the firewall. One-arm mode is more complex and requires discussions with our engineers. For example, you have a website with Node.js for your programming language, Amazon S3 for your CDN, NGINX for your web server, and you use both React and reCAPTCHA. Our team meets with your developer to learn your website and OS through a multi-step process and then we configure the solution to protect everything.

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OusaidAbaz

Security Network Architect at Inmac

FortiADC provides load-balancing capabilities needed for integration with other Fortinet platforms. It allows for the creation of virtual IPs and applying various algorithms for traffic management. Although it offers fewer algorithms than competing platforms like F5, its capability to manage load balancing makes it valuable. The security features depend on the environment, relying on firewalls like FortiGate.

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Mohammad Ab.Rahman

Solutions Engineer at Snskies

I recently switched from an open-source version to FortiADC. For that, I believe I need to see other vendors such as the F5, as well as the A10 or something before I can say what can be improved. Because it is so generic, the documentation requires special attention. A person who has not worked on Fortinet FortiADC or a similar product will struggle to understand what the document is trying to say. The documentation could be more specific, and more detailed. More step-by-step instructions for a new user, such as someone who has never used Fortinet FortiADC product from Fortinet or anyone else. Because I had previously used an open-source agent, I figured it out, but someone who hasn't would have some difficulties. Basically, it could be more specific for those who are unfamiliar with the product, so that anyone could begin working with it.

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Fortinet FortiADC mindshare

As of January 2025, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiADC in the Application Delivery Controllers (ADC) category stands at 9.6%, up from 7.3% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Application Delivery Controllers (ADC)

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Application Delivery Controllers (ADC)	Jan 17, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jan 17, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiADC vs NetScaler	Jan 17, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiADC vs F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)	Jan 17, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiADC vs HAProxy	Jan 17, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Microsoft Azure Application Gateway	3.6	8.5%	78%	46 interviews Add to research
F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM)	4.1	15.3%	83%	120 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Valuable features of Fortinet FortiADC include troubleshooting tools, GSLB for network reliability, SSL offloading for security, user-friendly interface, content caching and compression, firewall capabilities, and load balancing with DNS intelligence. It supports multiple environments, easy configuration, global DNS functionality, integration with Fortinet platforms, and compliance with standards. Users appreciate its scalability, affordability, licensing options, and flexibility in managing traffic and security features.

"This ensures that clients can connect to their applications without interruption."
"I use load balancing technology like Round Robin or low weight to maintain session-based connections. This ensures that clients can connect to their applications without interruption."
"Customer service is excellent."

Room for Improvement

Fortinet FortiADC requires improvements in its user interface, technical documentation, and configuration complexity. Users find the load-balancing algorithm unreliable and desire more frequent updates. The web application firewall and SSL traffic handling need enhancements. Support response time and documentation need refinement, while integrating sFlow could improve app performance insights. Redundant licenses and limited scalability are concerns. Pricing is considered high, and there is a need for better automation when integrated with components like FortiManager and FortiGate.

"I will queue all the details clearly on the ticket, including the diagram, log files, and everything else. Once a case is assigned, they ask the same questions again without checking the submitted details."
"If I need design help, they do not assist; they say it is a design issue they cannot support, and I must approach the system integrator."
"When the FortiADC is part of a platform with components like FortiManager and FortiGate, automation and pushing configuration are very inconvenient."

ROI

Fortinet FortiADC provides moderate ROI by addressing web server load issues that cause significant losses. Its reliability and security make it valuable for government organizations. Fortinet efficiently handles traffic shaping and latency without adding delay. The alert system quickly notifies of power issues, ensuring prompt responses. Fortinet support delivers next-day hardware service, whereas Kemp requires more questions and offers less efficient assistance. Users experience fewer challenges with FortiADC compared to Kemp.

Pricing

Fortinet FortiADC offers competitive pricing, often cheaper than major competitors like F5 and Imperva. Costs vary based on organizational size and licensing model, with options for perpetual or subscription licenses. Businesses report straightforward licensing structures, although some functionalities may require additional licenses. The product is generally viewed as affordable, but some find it expensive compared to alternatives like Kemp. Discounts may be available depending on the sales team, with costs potentially including hardware or support licenses.

"Our basic license excludes features such as antivirus and IDS. Due to license limitations, some functionalities are not configured."
"I rate Fortinet FortiADC's pricing one out of ten. It is fixed."
"The product has average pricing. I rate its pricing a five out of ten."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily deploy Fortinet FortiADC for load balancing and disaster recovery. It is used across mixed server environments, academic institutions, and telecom applications to ensure high availability and efficient distribution of traffic. Fortinet FortiADC handles global server load balancing, integrates with DNS management, and supports SSL offloading. Its functionalities extend to application delivery control, traffic management, and Web Application Firewall protection, enhancing user experience and maintaining server efficiency.

Service and Support

Fortinet FortiADC customer service and support receives mixed feedback. Many find it knowledgeable and professional, solving issues efficiently. However, some report delays and challenges with processing based on ticket priority and technical support education level. Experiences vary, with some not needing support, while others highlight good assistance but note early issues with new releases. While support is generally considered helpful, it is sometimes described as merely good rather than excellent.

Deployment

Fortinet FortiADC's initial setup varies in complexity. Some find it straightforward and quick, citing a simple interface and quick deployment, often within a few days. Others experience challenges, noting documentation issues and complex environments requiring detailed planning. Deployment can be self-managed, often completed within a week, depending on customer configuration. Adequate support and prior experience with Fortinet products ease the process. Some report longer deployment times due to specific configurations or lack of clear guidance.

Scalability

Fortinet FortiADC offers scalability for various needs, supporting different versions and environments. Many users find it easy to scale, emphasizing its virtual architecture and ability to manage high user volumes. Licenses can be adjusted based on requirements, enabling increased capacity. Some find scalability limited if the original configuration is not ideal, but it supports numerous virtual servers. Larger businesses may require higher-end models for optimal performance, while medium-sized entities often rate it highly for adaptability.

Stability

Fortinet FortiADC demonstrates remarkable stability as evidenced by multiple users reporting stable performance, minimal issues, and effective patch resolutions. While occasional bugs occur, Fortinet's specialized team addresses them promptly. Users appreciate reliable operations without unexpected disruptions. Firmware updates can enhance performance. Some users rate stability highly, though a few prefer other load balancers. Long-term users observe no hardware or software issues, and stability is maintained across several versions, contributing positively to their operations.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Fortinet FortiADC Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

19%

Financial Services Firm

Government

Educational Organization

University

Comms Service Provider

Retailer

Manufacturing Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Insurance Company

Non Profit

Healthcare Company

Construction Company

Media Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Legal Firm

Outsourcing Company

Hospitality Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Transportation Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Logistics Company

Performing Arts

Consumer Goods Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Compare Fortinet FortiADC with alternative products

Learn more about Fortinet FortiADC

Fortinet FortiADC Benefits

FortiADC security protocol: FortiADC integrates with FortiSandbox to improve the overall antivirus security protections where every file is scanned for known and unknown malicious risks. If a file is identified as malicious or problematic, it will be blocked in the future.
SSL protocol: FortiADC securely uses the most up-to-date cryptography to provide exceptional encryption and decryption using a hardware-based SSL ASIC. FortiADC offers complete transparency to inspect all traffic for threats, improves server response time, and reduces backend server load, SSL inspection and SSL offloading. FortiADC integrates seamlessly with Gemalto’s SafeNet Hardware Security Module (HSM).
FortiADC connectors: FortiADC Fabric Connectors offer open API-based integration and coordination with numerous software-defined networks (SDNs), third-party partners, and cloud management providers. Fortinet Fabric Connectors provide deep open and turnkey integration with recognized third-party vendors such as AWS, K8s, OCI, and SAP, in multi-vendor solutions, improving scalability, simplified management, and automation.
Business stability: FortiADC load balancing for on-premise global server load balancing (GSBL) and in the cloud (FortiGSBL Cloud) will ensure users can maintain a reliable and available network by improving the ability of scaling applications throughout numerous data centers to reduce application response times and enhance disaster recovery. Users are able to define protocols based on network latency concerns, overall data performance, and site availability.

Fortinet FortiADC Features

Application availability
- 4-7 application load balancing: DNS, HTTPS, RTMP, RADIUS, MySQL and more
- External fabric connectors: Splunk Integration, AWS/OCI Connector, Kubernetes Service.
- Security fabric connectors: FortiSIEM, Fortigate BanIP Integration, FortiAnalyzer, and more.
- Deployment modes: High availability (AA/AP Failover), Router mode, transparent mode (switch), one-arm mode (proxy with X-forwarded for support.
Web application firewall (WAF)
- Security services: Captcha support, cookie support, HTTP header security, XML/SOAP/JSON validation, CSRF protection, API gateway, and more.
- Application security: Web attack signature, bot detection, web vulnerability scanner, OWASP Top-10 Wizard, API protection and more.

Application enhancement
- HTTP and TCP improvement: TCP buffering, HTTP compressions/decompression, HTTP caching (dynamic and static objects), Bandwidth monitoring using quality of service (QoS), TCP buffering, and more.
- Authentication offloading: Two-factor authentication (Fortitoken/Fortitoken Cloud and Google Authentication), NTLM, AUTH2.0, SAML 2.0 (SP and Idp) RADIUS, LDAP, Kerbos, and local.
- Networking: Integration with Ansible, Cisco ACI, OpenStack and Nutanix, NVGRE and VXLAN support, VLAN and port trunking support, IPv6 Support (SLB, firewall, routing and interfaces), Dynamic NAT, Hide NAT, Static NAT for added scalability and flexibility.
- Management: Syslog support, SNMP using private MIBs with threshold-based traps. REST APIs, VDOMS, data analytics, real-time monitoring graphs, role-based monitoring, intuitive reporting, FortiView integration, and more.

Fortinet FortiADC was previously known as FortiADC Application Delivery Controller, FortiADC.