Fortinet FortiOS is a comprehensive security operating system that powers Fortinet's network security solutions. It provides advanced threat protection, network visibility, and centralized management for organizations of all sizes. With its robust features and intuitive interface, FortiOS enables businesses to secure their networks, applications, and data from cyber threats.
The most valuable features of Fortinet FortiOS include:
The firmware updates have significant bugs and issues that affect the network and firewall. The solution should include an advanced firewall feature to enhance security.
Integration with endpoint protection or EDR is also necessary to strengthen infrastructure and detect threats from user activities on the Internet. Additionally, the solution lacks the ability to monitor the ISP link, requiring the use of third-party applications.
Real-time threat monitoring is missing, and traffic visibility should be improved on the dashboard.
Generating multiple reports and extending log visibility beyond a week is necessary.
The user interface could be more user-friendly and responsive, with notations for changes made.
DDoS protection and managing local DSCP networks need improvement. SD-WAN configuration should be easier, and better support, bandwidth optimization, and traffic prioritization capabilities are desired.
The monitoring function should be more accurate, easy to use, and include more active monitoring of traffic.
The solution would benefit from the ability to create another site on a VPN. Memory and CPU utilization should be managed better, and cloud functionality should be enhanced. The complex initial setup could be simplified, and NMS should be built into the solution.
The features of FortiAnalyzer should be included in Fortinet FortiOS without requiring an additional license and device.
Users have witnessed a good ROI, rating it highly and considering it one of the best devices for ROI. They highlight the value of FortiGate in terms of protecting against security threats and the cost savings compared to cleaning systems after an attack. Additionally, the scalability and management of FortiOS have been beneficial, and users have found it easy to use without needing extensive training.
The pricing of Fortinet FortiOS varies depending on the market segment. It is competitive for the medium and high markets yet can be expensive for the small markets. The cost includes a yearly licensing fee, which can be a bit expensive. However, some licensing options offer affordability, particularly in India where licensing for up to two years is available. Some reviewers mention that pricing could be better or lower, while others find it to be the cheapest option on the market.
The specific costs of licensing vary depending on factors such as modules selected and additional warranties or guarantees. The pricing is affected by factors including the dollar conversion rate.
The primary use case of Fortinet FortiOS is for firewall protection and security purposes. It is used for end-point gateway protection, external user connection, and server VPN. It provides portal access and basic access filtering. It is also used for IPsec VPN and UTM (Unified Threat Management).
The product is deployed as a firewall for remote VPN use and to protect companies with a large number of users. It is used to deploy and service virtual firewalls for customers.
FortiOS offers additional features like inbuilt SD-WAN, and integration with third-party software, and is a valuable addition to the OS. It is used for data protection, site-to-site, and SSH. It is the operating system for FortiGate firewall devices, both on-premises and on the public cloud, and is used for firewall segmentation, network authentication, and as a security measure for data centers and LANs.
Fortinet FortiOS provides a full UTM experience, including UTM profiles, firewall rules, remote access, VPN connection, IPSec, and SSL connection. It is used to protect offices and has deployments in production environments.
It is commonly used in small and medium-sized business environments for remote access, site-to-site VPN, and LAN-WAN access and is leveraged for multi-level security and to protect data center infrastructure. It is deployed in conjunction with a firewall for network security.
Customers have varied experiences with the customer service and support of Fortinet FortiOS. Overall, the technical support team is described as good, helpful, and responsive. However, there are also some issues mentioned and some customers find that the first tier of support lacks knowledge and it takes time to explain problems.
Response time could also be improved.
There is also the option for either paid or unpaid support.
The initial setup for Fortinet FortiOS is straightforward, and not too complex. Some users mentioned that it can be completed within an hour or a few hours, depending on the client's requirements.
The setup process involves defining access requirements, setting up basic policies, and configuring IPsec VPN.
While some users found the setup process to be user-friendly and self-explanatory, others mentioned that it requires some training and familiarity with firewalls.
The time required for deployment varied from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the network and the pre-prep work involved.
The scalability of Fortinet FortiOS is generally very good. It is easy to expand and add users to the solution. Some reviewers highlight the ability to have multiple firewalls in different locations for redundancy and failover.
The solution is described as scalable for organizations with varying numbers of users, ranging from 100 to 10,000 or more.
Reviewers also mention the importance of considering the device's capacity and limitations when scaling, as well as the need to procure a new or bigger unit if necessary.
The stability of Fortinet FortiOS is good. Some users have encountered occasional bugs, however, these are quickly fixed through updates and patches. The solution is reliable, problem-free, and does not crash or freeze. It is described as stable, with good performance and no glitches.
While some users suggest that the stability could be improved, overall, Fortinet FortiOS is considered a reliable product. Users have been using it for several years without any issues or complaints.
One of the key features of FortiOS is its advanced threat protection capabilities. It incorporates multiple security technologies, including firewall, antivirus, intrusion prevention system (IPS), and web filtering, to detect and block a wide range of threats. This ensures that organizations are protected against malware, ransomware, and other malicious activities. FortiOS also offers extensive network visibility, allowing organizations to monitor and analyze network traffic in real-time. This visibility enables businesses to identify potential security risks, detect anomalies, and take proactive measures to mitigate threats.
Additionally, FortiOS provides detailed reports and analytics, helping organizations gain insights into their network security posture. Centralized management is another crucial aspect of FortiOS. It allows businesses to manage and configure their security policies, devices, and users from a single console. This simplifies the management process and ensures consistent security across the entire network infrastructure.
Moreover, FortiOS supports integration with other Fortinet products, enabling seamless security orchestration and automation. FortiOS is designed to be scalable and flexible, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes. It offers a range of deployment options, including physical appliances, virtual machines, and cloud-based solutions. This flexibility allows businesses to choose the deployment model that best fits their requirements and easily scale their security infrastructure as their needs evolve.
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