Cisco DNA Center vs Fortinet FortiGate Cloud comparison

The compared Cisco and Fortinet solutions aren't in the same category. Cisco is ranked #1 in NMA , with an average rating of 8.0, and holds a 26.9% mindshare in the category. Fortinet is ranked #5 in Firewall Security Management , with an average rating of 8.4, and holds a 5.1% mindshare. Additionally, 89% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of Fortinet users who would recommend it.

Cisco DNA Center

Read 41 Cisco DNA Center reviews

6,085 Views
3,733 Comparison Views

89% willing to recommend

Fortinet FortiGate Cloud

Read 77 Fortinet FortiGate Cloud reviews

1,186 Views
1,020 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Cisco DNA Center

Fortinet FortiGate Cloud

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Cisco DNA Center and Fortinet FortiGate Cloud based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Network Management Applications solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.

To learn more, read our detailed Cisco DNA Center vs. Fortinet FortiGate Cloud Report (Updated: May 2020).

Buyer's Guide

Cisco DNA Center vs. Fortinet FortiGate Cloud

May 2020

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Helped 848,716 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Cisco DNA Center

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Management Applications (1st), Network Monitoring Software (12th), Network Automation (2nd)

Fortinet FortiGate Cloud

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

7.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Firewall Security Management (5th)

Mindshare comparison

Cisco DNA Center and Fortinet FortiGate Cloud aren’t in the same category and serve different purposes. Cisco DNA Center is designed for Network Management Applications and holds a mindshare of 26.9%, down 29.2% compared to last year.
Fortinet FortiGate Cloud, on the other hand, focuses on Firewall Security Management, holds 5.1% mindshare, down 5.2% since last year.

Network Management Applications

Firewall Security Management

Featured Reviews

AvrahamSonenthal

Senior Network Engineer at Inside Global

Efficiently manages our wireless network and provides valuable monitoring features

The platform's biggest benefit has been in managing our wireless network. Having a single pane of glass to control all wireless controllers and access points and to monitor activity has been a significant advantage. We're a small federal agency with around 300 network devices, so automation is a minor focus. It's more relevant for larger networks. The main benefits we've seen are in inventory management and the potential for configuration automation. However, I recommend using the DNA Centre only for larger networks with over a thousand devices; otherwise, it may not be cost-effective. Before proceeding, ensure that your devices are compatible with DNA Center, as not all Cisco devices are supported. Also, investing in proper training is different from plug-and-play. I rate it an eight.

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IgnitiusMolepo

Senior IP Network Defense at MTN

The hub-and-spoke setup is useful because I can manage security from where I am, while the IT engineers in branch offices can handle it on their end.

When we're upgrading, it's sometimes quite challenging, especially firmware. We usually don't upgrade unless we have a bug, and we still feel it's not safe to react instead of being proactive. We often have some delays when updating FortiGuard, too. Nevertheless, I believe that it's okay most of the time with proper management. We also run into some problems using FortiGate as a UTM solution. I feel like maybe they're not giving me a full view of the other components that they have in that box. Their box has some DDoS defense, but I need complete DDoS protection. I must not have light DDoS protection on other UTM boxes because if I'm uncertain about the security posture, it will compromise me. We like having everything in one box because running multiple boxes eats up more resources on the computing level. We need a total solution, not half-half.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The most valuable features of the solution are all of its security features...It is a highly scalable solution."

"The monitoring features are very useful for network engineers."

"The best feature of Cisco DNA Center is the visibility page, where you can see everything on the dashboard, and you don't have to be a technical person to view the issues."

"Has a good processing feature with a high level of accuracy."

"Automation is another key highlight. With automation, you can automate everything through a single port."

"We can monitor all devices and get the required information using the product."

"We have many people from the team who manage a lot of devices. By using Cisco DNA Center, it has taken some of that burden away, we are impressed with it. We did the investment in CAPEX, but in the OPEX was very low."

"The most valuable feature of Cisco DNA Center is the AI (Artificial Intelligence) that provides us with valuable information."

More Cisco DNA Center pros

"FortiGate Cloud's most valuable feature is that it's 100% managed."

"Fortinet FortiGate Cloud provides effective threat protection by blocking unwanted IP addresses and websites, and it is a cost-reduction product."

"The most valuable feature of the solution is the remote management capability."

"The solution's most valuable feature is log reporting. It has a wide range of products for small, medium, and enterprise customers. The tool is very user-friendly and straightforward, which sets them apart from other vendors. It also has good integration with other solutions."

"I like Fortinet FortiGate Cloud's simple UX and UI designs and the fact that it is also a VPN solution for our clients. The solution is user-friendly."

"Fortinet FortiGate Cloud has security features like DDoS protection and UTM."

"The solution is quite stable. I haven't had issues with it crashing on me. I don't recall running into any bugs or glitches. It's very reliable so far."

"The initial setup is relatively easy."

More Fortinet FortiGate Cloud pros

Cons

"Cisco could improve the security side of their solutions."

"DNA Center has been on the market for a few years and they need to update it."

"The tool's IoT integration should be better."

"Cisco DNA Center should improve its configuration management. It is better to have a dev version before pushing it."

"In terms of the clustering part, there are some concerns."

"The weaknesses primarily involve pricing and the ongoing need for increased bandwidth and data throughput."

"The solution needs to improve the dashboard."

"What could be improved is the licensing cost of Cisco DNA Center. It's a little bit expensive."

More Cisco DNA Center cons

"In terms of stability, it could be improved."

"I would like to see Wi-Fi management inside the firewall."

"When it comes to technical support, the problem we have found is that if an issue comes, it takes a day to get everything resolved. It could be faster. They can be better at optimizing how they answer tickets in terms of response times. There must be ways to make the process more streamlined. It would make it easier for their clients."

"Fortinet could improve FortiGate Cloud by providing better integration with third-party applications and features."

"The console or demonstration tool could be more user friendly."

"Lacks some security against external attacks."

"Fortinet FortiGate Cloud's customization is very limited."

"The robustness of the software could be improved."

More Fortinet FortiGate Cloud cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Cisco DNA Center is a licensed product with multiple levels of licensing available such as basic, advanced, and essential. I don't have the exact figure, but Cisco DNA Center is costly. For example, the box has information about the essential license and costs a considerable amount of money. You need to pay extra to use advanced features in Cisco DNA Center. My company sees Cisco DNA Center as a solution that's worth the money, which is why it invested in the solution. If you want centralized management for your network, especially when upgrading it, Cisco DNA Center is perfect, but it's more suitable for a large-scale rather than a small-scale network."

"It is an expensive solution."

"Affordability is a problem because it's created for large enterprises only. So, some customers, even if their engineers want the solution, might have problems with budget limitations."

"Our licensing agreement is for three years."

"The price of the solution is expensive. The hardware is licensed on the device, but the hardware on the server is expensive."

"We get a yearly license at the time we buy the product."

"The tool is medium-priced."

"I would rate the pricing a six out of ten, with ten being expensive."

More Cisco DNA Center pricing and cost advice

"All the consulting and deployment charges are included in the product's licenses. There are no additional costs."

"Fortinet FortiGate Cloud is moderately priced. I rate Fortinet FortiGate Cloud a five out of ten for pricing."

"The solution is mid-priced when compared to other products."

"The solution is neither cheap nor expensive."

"When comparing this solution to others it is less expensive and there is an annual license required."

"The price is over $1,000 USD annually."

"We need to pay a yearly licensing fee for Fortinet FortiGate Cloud."

"The price of FortiGate Cloud is generally cheaper than other similar products."

More Fortinet FortiGate Cloud pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

17%

Government

10%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Computer Software Company

20%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Financial Services Firm

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Cisco DNA Center?

The most valuable feature of the solution stems from the fact that it gives some kind of ease in operations, especially since our company is moving from CLI to GUI-based configuration.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco DNA Center?

The cost is very high.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Cisco DNA Center?

The system is working fine for me currently.

See all answers

What do you like most about Fortinet FortiGate Cloud?

Fortinet FortiGate Cloud has valuable firewall, SSL VPN, and web filtering features.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiGate Cloud?

I am very satisfied with the price and licensing cost of Fortinet FortiGate Cloud, rating it an eight out of ten.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiGate Cloud?

Some reports generated from Fortinet FortiGate Cloud are very organizational. It would be beneficial to allow the customers customization of reports. This customization would enable organizations t...

See all answers

Comparisons

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Compared 10% of the time

Juniper Mist Wired Assurance vs Cisco DNA Center

Compared 7% of the time

SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager vs Cisco DNA Center

Compared 6% of the time

Fortinet FortiManager vs Cisco DNA Center

Compared 6% of the time

Meraki Dashboard vs Cisco DNA Center

Compared 6% of the time

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Fortinet FortiManager vs Fortinet FortiGate Cloud

Compared 78% of the time

AWS Firewall Manager vs Fortinet FortiGate Cloud

Compared 9% of the time

FortiGate Cloud-Native Firewall (FortiGate CNF) vs Fortinet FortiGate Cloud

Compared 4% of the time

Palo Alto Networks Panorama vs Fortinet FortiGate Cloud

Compared 4% of the time

More Fortinet FortiGate Cloud Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Cisco DNA Center

April 2025

Download Cisco DNA Center product report

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiGate Cloud

April 2025

Download Fortinet FortiGate Cloud product report

Also Known As

DNA Center

FortiCloud, FortiGate Cloud

Overview

Cisco DNA Center offers a comprehensive platform for network automation and management, providing detailed analytics, enhanced security, and streamlined operations for both wired and wireless networks.

Cisco DNA Center integrates with Cisco infrastructure to deliver efficient network automation and management, helping organizations improve network visibility, security, and control. It supports AI-driven analytics and automated workflows to enhance operational efficiency and reduce errors. Challenges include compatibility with third-party systems, steep learning curve, and complex deployment. Its interface facilitates centralized control, vital for troubleshooting, policy management, and configuration management, with support for zero-touch provisioning and SD-Access.

What are the key features of Cisco DNA Center?

Robust Analytics: Provides detailed insights into network health with AI-driven analytics.
Centralized Security: Integrates with ISE for comprehensive security management.
Automated Device Management: Simplifies device provisioning and configuration transfers.
Wi-Fi Analytics: Offers deep insights into wireless network performance.
Zero-Touch Provisioning: Streamlines new device deployments with minimal human intervention.
Scalable Segmentation: Efficiently segments network traffic ensuring security and performance.

What benefits should users consider?

Operational Efficiency: Automation reduces potential errors and streamlines workflow.
Enhanced Security: Integration with Cisco ISE bolsters security capabilities.
Network Visibility: Comprehensive dashboards and analysis tools enhance monitoring.
Troubleshooting: Real-time monitoring aids in identifying and resolving issues swiftly.

In sectors such as healthcare, finance, and retail, Cisco DNA Center is utilized for its ability to enhance security and compliance, manage large-scale networks, and provide detailed analytics for better operational decision-making. Its support for location tracking and policy automation ensures efficient network management across diverse environments.

Cisco

FortiCloud can help with your wireless and security challenges in a number of ways. Our solution addresses common IT difficulties including time-consuming provisioning, high investment costs, complex management, vulnerability to advanced threats, and the need to easily scale with growth.

Fortinet

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data

Buyer's Guide

Cisco DNA Center vs. Fortinet FortiGate Cloud

May 2020

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