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Cisco Prime [EOL] vs Fortinet FortiManager comparison

Cisco and Fortinet are both solutions in the Network Management Applications category. Additionally, 91% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of Fortinet users who would recommend it.
Cisco Prime [EOL]
Read 35 Cisco Prime [EOL] reviews
    91% willing to recommend
    Fortinet FortiManager
    Read 72 Fortinet FortiManager reviews
    • 4,954 Views
    • 892 Comparison Views
    95% willing to recommend
     

    Comparison Buyer's Guide

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    Executive Summary
    We performed a comparison between Cisco Prime [EOL] and Fortinet FortiManager based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

    Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco, Fortinet, NetScaler and others in Network Management Applications.

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    To learn more, read our detailed Network Management Applications Report (Updated: January 2026).
    Buyer's Guide
    Network Management Applications
    January 2026
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    Helped 882,032 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 Prime [EOL]
    Average Rating
    7.8
    Reviews Sentiment
    6.5
    Number of Reviews
    35
    Ranking in other categories
    No ranking in other categories
    Fortinet FortiManager
    Average Rating
    8.0
    Reviews Sentiment
    6.9
    Number of Reviews
    72
    Ranking in other categories
    Network Management Applications (3rd)
     

    Featured Reviews

    AR
    AndrewRichardson
    Network Engineer at Edmonton Catholic School Board
    Has an easy implementation process, but the performance monitoring feature could be more intuitive
    The project implementation was easy overall. Adapting Cisco's solutions to our specific environment required effort, as their documentation only covers some network scenarios. The deployment didn't happen all at once; it was staged and controlled to ensure a smooth transition. We started with a small test environment before gradually rolling it out to all campuses. This gradual approach helped mitigate the risk of any issues arising across multiple locations simultaneously, especially on a critical day like Monday morning. We have a team of three executives working on the process. Their job roles included network specialists and a manager. It requires maintenance, which is included in the annual cost. We receive updates and support as part of the renewal process.
    Read full review
    SudeepMaydeo - PeerSpot reviewer
    SudeepMaydeo
    Global Head of IT Infrastructure at EPL Americas
    Ensures seamless integration and centralized visibility for network security operations
    The version upgrade from a single dashboard for all the firewalls in one click is the beauty of Fortinet FortiManager as the most impactful feature in managing our network security. Fortinet FortiManager's policy management enhances our security protocols by enabling us and giving integrated centralized visibility, which has proven to be very healthy. Because of this, we have identified some of the vulnerabilities in our systems, and we mitigated them through Fortinet FortiManager. The central dashboards and the visibility are what appealed to us to go with Fortinet FortiManager. Fortinet FortiManager has adapted to changes in our network scale and complexity as we have geographically 18 international locations, all equipped with firewalls and some cybersecurity initiatives and IT infrastructure initiatives.
    Read full review

    Quotes from Members

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

    Pros

    "The solution's configuration management tool is amazing because it centralizes and pushes configurations which saves a lot of volume and effort."
    "Cisco Prime allows us to do a lot of functions with the users and it is flexible."
    "The solution helps with the management and support of the enterprise network."
    "If an AP or any wireless device goes into critical mode, Cisco Prime sends an alert. That is the most helpful feature."
    "As a large organization, it is difficult to individually monitor every device. Instead, we use Cisco Prime to keep an eye on the network and services. We do not use it as a node tool, as we have other tools for network operation centers. When services go down, it can cause issues, we rely on Cisco Prime to monitor and notify us of any service disruptions. We mainly use Cisco Prime Infrastructure for configuration-level tasks."
    "I have found the solution to be scalable."
    "What I found most beneficial from Cisco Prime is that it gives you an insight into what your network does, even when you're not actively monitoring what's going on with your network."
    "Cisco Prime, from a management perspective, has good reporting."
    More Cisco Prime [EOL] pros
    "There is something called zero-touch provisioning, where you can add a new device without any configuration. You just add it to FortiManager and then forget about it."
    "Fortinet FortiManager can centrally manage all FortiGates and is effective for the deployment of updates and patches."
    "The most valuable feature of Fortinet FortiManager is the ease of manageability and policy-pushing functionality."
    "It has multiple features in one box, which helps to avoid needing a lot of equipment. This is something that makes them unique."
    "The firewall configuration has more capabilities than the other firewall management systems that I have worked with."
    "The initial setup of Fortinet FortiManager was easy."
    "Fortinet FortiManager allows you to manage multiple FortiGate devices from a single console, and this is a valuable product feature."
    "It is easy to deploy to licenses."
    More Fortinet FortiManager pros
     

    Cons

    "Cisco Prime needs to have lower prices and more customization options."
    "The product's performance monitoring feature could be more intuitive."
    "The product needs to improve its interface and reporting."
    "If you look at some of the wireless site-survey tools that are available in the commercial space, Cisco should include similar solutions, which would help our on-plant engineers when they're doing a site survey."
    "There is room for improvement in the Access layer."
    "The solution needs to include centralized management that aligns with the Greenfield network and its focus on real-time, scenario-based applications."
    "The product needs to improve its stability."
    "The product's pricing can be cheaper."
    More Cisco Prime [EOL] cons
    "Having FortiManager work with all of the Fortinet products would be a good improvement."
    "There are a lot of bugs that need to be fixed, for example, the ZTP."
    "It's a difficult process to transfer one interface from one virtual domain to another."
    "The solution has to be enhanced to manage new switches."
    "Performance issues should be improved. We have problems when we have more mobile connections than local devices. Most of us have two to three devices."
    "FortiManager should improve the integration with third-party platforms."
    "It requires a lot of resources. This is the main challenge."
    "The FortiManager is more complex and they can make it easier to use the VPN manager. All other features are okay. However, the VPN manager is more difficult and can cause some issues in the environment, if you do not have the experience to use it."
    More Fortinet FortiManager cons
     

    Pricing and Cost Advice

    "The product is expensive compared to other vendors in the market."
    "We update the license every five years."
    "If we have a license for Cisco DNA, we can use the same license for Cisco Prime."
    "I would rate the pricing of Cisco Prime a seven out of ten."
    "The solution is not inexpensive but is worth it for large-scale environments."
    "I rate the solution's pricing an eight out of ten."
    "The cost is quite high."
    "I would rate the solution's pricing an eight out of ten."
    More Cisco Prime [EOL] pricing and cost advice
    "This is an affordable solution, and its licensing model is based on the number of devices."
    "FortiManager is a bit expensive - I would rate its pricing three out of ten."
    "Fortinet FortiManager is costly."
    "The pricing is based on a licensing model by feature."
    "Fortinet FortiManager is not expensive at all if you compare it with other vendors like Check Point and Cisco. Fortinet products are the least expensive on the market in the category of firewalls."
    "Fortinet FortiManager operates on a licensing system that is dependent on the number of devices being managed. Yearly subscription renewal is necessary to continue using the service. Although there is a cost associated with Fortinet FortiManager, its price is undoubtedly justified by the value it provides in terms of the purpose it serves."
    "The pricing model is affordable."
    "The price of Fortinet FortiManager is inexpensive."
    More Fortinet FortiManager pricing and cost advice
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    Top Industries

    By visitors reading reviews
    Government
    13%
    Computer Software Company
    12%
    Manufacturing Company
    9%
    Healthcare Company
    8%
    Computer Software Company
    12%
    Financial Services Firm
    9%
    Manufacturing Company
    8%
    Comms Service Provider
    8%
     

    Company Size

    By reviewers
    Large Enterprise
    Midsize Enterprise
    Small Business
    By reviewers
    Company SizeCount
    Small Business9
    Midsize Enterprise4
    Large Enterprise24
    By reviewers
    Company SizeCount
    Small Business35
    Midsize Enterprise16
    Large Enterprise19
     

    Questions from the Community

    What do you like most about Cisco Prime?
    The most valuable features of Cisco Prime include its comprehensive functionality as a one-stop solution for basic SNMP port management.
    See all answers
    What needs improvement with Cisco Prime?
    The product's performance monitoring feature could be more intuitive.
    See all answers
    What is your primary use case for Cisco Prime?
    We use Cisco Prime for centralized configuration management backups and monitoring.
    See all answers
    What do you like most about Fortinet FortiManager?
    The most valuable feature is the centralized management console.
    See all answers
    What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiManager?
    I am satisfied with the licensing cost, and I would rate it an 8.5.
    See all answers
    What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiManager?
    I do not use Fortinet FortiManager daily, but I can speak with my security team and ask them what areas need future improvement for Fortinet FortiManager. When I installed it, I found it somewhat d...
    See all answers
     

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    Compared 56% of the time
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    Product Reports

    Buyer's Guide
    Cisco Prime [EOL]
    February 2026
    Cisco Prime [EOL] reportDownload Cisco Prime [EOL] product report
    Buyer's Guide
    Fortinet FortiManager
    February 2026
    Fortinet FortiManager reportDownload Fortinet FortiManager product report
     

    Also Known As

    Cisco Prime Infrastructure
    No data available
     

    Overview

    Cisco Prime products deliver next-generation management by supporting an intuitive workflow-oriented user experience and integrated lifecycle operations across Cisco architectures, technologies, and networks.

    Cisco

    Fortinet FortiManager offers centralized management for FortiGate devices, ensuring easy synchronization with cloud accounts, automation, and policy deployment, enhancing network security and performance.

    Fortinet FortiManager provides comprehensive oversight and streamlined operations for FortiGate environments. It centralizes the administration of firewalls and other Fortinet devices, simplifying their configuration and deployment. Users benefit from its efficient automation and policy management capabilities, which reduce implementation times and enhance security protocols. FortiManager features seamless integration and robust monitoring within a single interface, offering visibility across network operations. While it requires improvements in documentation, platform integration, and licensing clarity, it remains an essential tool for large-scale network management.

    What are the standout features?
    • Centralized Management: Simplifies administration of multiple devices from one console.
    • Automation: Speeds up policy deployment and reduces manual tasks.
    • Zero-Touch Provisioning: Facilitates easy device setup and deployment.
    • SD-WAN Management: Provides tools for managing wide area networks effectively.
    • Intuitive GUI: Offers a user-friendly management interface.
    Why should users consider Fortinet FortiManager?
    • Ease of Use: Users appreciate the straightforward management processes.
    • Scalability: Adaptability to large-scale network demands.
    • Comprehensive Visibility: Detailed insights into network performance and security.
    • Reduced Implementation Time: Faster setup and configuration processes.

    In the finance and healthcare industries, Fortinet FortiManager enhances security and compliance by streamlining policy management and deployment across multiple sites. Retail sectors benefit from its scalable network management, ensuring continuous and reliable connectivity across branches. Education institutions use it to manage complex security infrastructures, effectively handling multiple devices and networks to safeguard sensitive data.

    Fortinet
     

    Sample Customers

    Mohawk Industries, Universidad EAFIT, Halton Healthcare
    Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
    Buyer's Guide
    Network Management Applications
    January 2026
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    We monitor all Network Management Applications reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.