I use Fortinet FortiClient across various scenarios to enhance security.
Senior Network Specialist & Project Manager at Elmec Informatica Spa
Offers excellent scalability and flexible licensing options
Pros and Cons
- "What I find valuable in FortiClient is its patch management capabilities, allowing remote updates efficiently."
- "One area for improvement in FortiClient is the speed of connectivity."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
What I find valuable in FortiClient is its patch management capabilities, allowing remote updates efficiently. Additionally, the integration with FortiNAC and FortiGate servers is advantageous for a holistic security approach. The suite's ability to log and report information is user-friendly and effective.
What needs improvement?
One area for improvement in FortiClient is the speed of connectivity.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Fortinet FortiClient for ten years.
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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiClient is highly scalable. It can easily handle a significant increase in users, and the scalability is practically seamless. In my company, we currently have around 10,000 users.
How was the initial setup?
Setting up Fortinet FortiClient is straightforward and user-friendly. The app is easily accessible online, and configuring it is a breeze. For enterprise use, FortiManager streamlines infrastructure management with intuitive blade screens. Deployment involves parallel migration, allowing testing of functionalities before a full transition. The process is efficient, and even for firewall installations, it is manageable with minimal disruption.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Fortinet FortiClient offers a free version, especially if you only need the VPN service. However, licenses are required for additional features. If you want to use endpoint services for network perimeter control or implement OTP, there are specific licenses for those. The free solution covers basic needs, while licenses are needed for advanced functionalities.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Chief Executive Officer at Clemtech LLC
Good support and great stability for secure VPN connectivity
Pros and Cons
- "The solution offers great stability."
- "The solution should have faster turnaround when it comes to new technology."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution for operational technology and remote maintenance and monitoring.
What is most valuable?
Our typical customer is interested in VPN extension and a zero trust process.
What needs improvement?
The solution should have faster turnaround when it comes to new technology. I'm speaking of next generation technology. For instance, they have a laboratory for investigating new technologies and I work with them towards the goal of releasing these to the industry a bit faster to allow us to start planning.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Fortinet FortiClient for around two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution offers great stability. Of course, the way we're connecting it relies on the network, but they offer other solutions to help with the stability besides the Network.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution can be scaled to Class A.
How are customer service and support?
Their support is very good. I actually had a briefing with them today concerning a very large government project that I'm working on and feel their technical support to be very good.
How was the initial setup?
I would say that the setup and initiation of all the VPN types is pretty simple. The setup depends on what the solution is. They have straightforward solutions for which they had to test a lot of support for matching purposes.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing fee varies with what one is trying to accomplish. It can range from being free to costing several hundred thousand dollars per year.
What other advice do I have?
For one looking for a secure virtual private network that maintains connectivity and has future development for next generations of VPN, the solution is a good place to start.
I rate Fortinet FortiClient as a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiClient
November 2024
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814,649 professionals have used our research since 2012.
System Engeneer at Inatum
Easy to use, simple configuration, but stable need improvement
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features of Fortinet FortiClient are ease of use and simple configuration."
- "Fortinet FortiClient could improve the connection because sometimes it drops."
What is our primary use case?
I use Fortinet FortiClient to protect my connection to my company. It is a VPN.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of Fortinet FortiClient are ease of use and simple configuration.
What needs improvement?
Fortinet FortiClient could improve the connection because sometimes it drops.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Fortinet FortiClient for approximately one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Fortinet FortiClient could improve the stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have approximately 800 people using Fortinet FrotiClient in my company.
How are customer service and support?
I have not used the support from Fortinet FortiClient.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I previously used Pulse Connect Secure and it was more stable than Fortinet FortiClient.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Fortinet FortiClient a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Business Development Manager at a tech services company with 1-10 employees
Simple to use, simple to download, and reliable
Pros and Cons
- "It is very simple to use. I've used some of the others in the past, such as Cisco AnyConnect, which was a nightmare. I've used a couple of others, but FortiClient is very simple to use."
- "With the lower-end licenses, it tends to kick you out after eight hours. There is a function where it automatically kicks you out after eight hours. They could improve that and not kick you out after eight hours. Other than that, it is already pretty good."
What is our primary use case?
We use Fortinet FortiClient as our VPN client. We have about 50 users.
What is most valuable?
It is very simple to use. I've used some of the others in the past, such as Cisco AnyConnect, which was a nightmare. I've used a couple of others, but FortiClient is very simple to use.
What needs improvement?
With the lower-end licenses, it tends to kick you out after eight hours. There is a function where it automatically kicks you out after eight hours. They could improve that and not kick you out after eight hours. Other than that, it is already pretty good.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for two and a half years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is reliable.
How are customer service and support?
Their support is very good.
How was the initial setup?
It is easy to set up. You just download the client, and then you put your details in, and it takes you in.
What other advice do I have?
It is a good solution, and we don't have any plans to switch to another solution. It is simple to use, simple to download, and reliable. It is the best VPN client I've used.
I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner, Reseller
Senior data engineer at Tiger Analytics
Fast connection, with no lag or interruptions
Pros and Cons
- "The connection speed is fast. I can connect quickly at any time, and there are never any interruptions to the FortiClient connection. I could easily code into the client's server with that connection, with no lag."
- "I would like Fortinet to improve FortiClient's compatibility with macOS."
What is our primary use case?
We have more than 1200 users.
What is most valuable?
The connection speed is fast. I can connect quickly at any time, and there are never any interruptions to the FortiClient connection. I could easily code into the client's server with that connection, with no lag.
What needs improvement?
I would like Fortinet to improve FortiClient's compatibility with macOS.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used FortiClient for more than a year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
FortiClient is stable.
How was the initial setup?
The setup was managed by the infrastructure team. They just sent me a laptop with FortiClient already installed.
What other advice do I have?
I rate FortiNet FortiClient eight out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Stable, scalable and more cost efficient than Cisco
Pros and Cons
- "The stability is pretty good."
- "There should be more frequent releases or updates."
What is most valuable?
Fortinet FortiClient supports SSL VPN.
What needs improvement?
Not too many releases have been made. The latest concerned version seven. The one before it, six, was around for a long time. From the client's perspective, there has not been released anything which fully stacks up against Cisco. There should be more frequent releases or updates.
The solution can initially be a pain for new users and may take around two weeks for one to properly familiarize himself with it.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is pretty good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is pretty good.
How are customer service and support?
I cannot comment on tech support as I have not had dealings with it.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is pretty straightforward, since even Cisco can use a called SDM when it comes to FortiGate supporting a web interface. However, FortiGate is more convenient in some cases.
In certain scenarios we would simply deploy FortiGate VPN, which we find to be comparatively more convenient, simple and stable than Cisco. I am talking about the FortiClient.
The solution may take new engineers some time to familiarize themselves with it, but it is, fortunately, close to Cisco in its concept. This means that if one has a background with Cisco, he can easily adopt all the functions and configuration procedures to the solution, including the command line from the FortiGate scenario.
The solution can initially be a pain for new users and may take around two weeks for one to properly familiarize himself with it. At this point, one can quickly understand the entire procedure.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is more cost efficient than Cisco, as FortiGate tends not to charge for the client license, which allows one to make free use of whatever is supported on the device.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Not too many releases have been made. The latest involved version seven and the one before it, six, was around for a long time. From the client's perspective, there has not been released anything which fully stacks up against Cisco. There should be more frequent releases or updates.
The initial setup is pretty straightforward, since even Cisco can use a called SDM when it comes to FortiGate supporting a web interface. However, FortiGate is more convenient in some cases.
In certain scenarios we would simply deploy FortiGate VPN, which we find to be comparatively more convenient, simple and stable than Cisco. I am talking about the FortiClient. It is also more cost efficient, as FortiGate tends not to charge for the client license, which allows one to make free use of whatever is supported on the device.
The solution may take new engineers some time to familiarize themselves with it, but it is, fortunately, close to Cisco in its concept. This means that if one has a background with Cisco, he can easily adopt all the functions and configuration procedures to the solution, including the command line from the FortiGate scenario.
I would recommend the solution to others, even when it comes to my friend, who has a small business, for which FortiGate compares more favorably than that of Cisco. If having a fancy system is not important to the person, but he is simply looking for a workable and stable solution, then FortiGate is the way to go.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend the solution to others, even when it comes to my friend, who has a small business, for which FortiGate compares more favorably than that of Cisco. If having a fancy system is not important to the person, but he is simply looking for a workable and stable solution, then FortiGate is the way to go.
I rate Fortinet FortiClient as a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Product Manager at a tech services company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Reports offer everything in one place to tell you what's happening on the network
Pros and Cons
- "The initial setup is easy. Our clients use the FortiClient EMS, which is the central console for installing FortiClient. It is easy and very user friendly."
- "With Fortinet, some clients have to wait two to four days for a response. That is the biggest complaint from end customer about Fortinet's technical support."
What is our primary use case?
Our customers choose the FortiClient as a solution for endpoint security because 90% of them are already using FortiGate as a firewall. FortiClient is interoperable with Fortinet firewalls, so, for them, installation and implementation are easy.
What is most valuable?
The most useful features are the reports that come from the end user's machines and devices. You have everything in one place to tell you what's happening on the network.
It's a unique system and they have unique technical support. If something is wrong with a firewall or FortiClient, the client does not need to call different vendors. Fortinet has only one vendor and one technical support team.
On the other hand, it's easy for the system administrators to use.
What needs improvement?
Fortinet should support older Windows versions. Their competitor, Kaspersky, has an embedded security solution that covers HP and the oldest version of Windows, those before Windows 10 or Windows Vista.
In Eastern Europe, for example, there are a lot of companies that are still using Windows XP on their machines. Their machines, therefore, cannot be properly protected by FortiClient and they can easily end up with a Trojan horse in their system. Basically, anybody can jump into their network through these machines that are not covered and properly secured.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution since the beginning.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
FortiClient is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is scalable. However, the scalability depends on a variety of factors.
How are customer service and support?
We have had a few clients complain about Fortinet's tech support because it is not as big as Cisco's. However, Cisco is the biggest company on the market for these kinds of products. They have extensive tech support and they can get back to clients quickly.
With Fortinet, some clients have to wait two to four days for a response. That is the biggest complaint from end customers about Fortinet's technical support.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy. Our clients use the FortiClient EMS, which is the central console for installing FortiClient. It is easy and very user friendly.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is reasonable if you compare it to some other vendors. Of course, you can always get an additional discount from the Fortinet channel and account managers. You can also shop around with different vendors to see who will give you a better price.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Distributor
CEO at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Stable connection, centralized administration, and easy deployment
Pros and Cons
- "We like its centralized administration, integration with Active Directory, deployment, and stability of the connection."
- "The user interface on the central server could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
It is for a VPN connection. It only has one purpose, and Fortinet is doing very well.
It is used for mobile offices, and/or for our own company so that we can connect to the company network using the VPN. We also do remote access to our customer's environment. They all have FortiGate equipment for firewalls, and we connect to their networks.
We are using its latest version.
What is most valuable?
We like its centralized administration, integration with Active Directory, deployment, and stability of the connection.
It fits perfectly with our FortiGate firewall equipment. We are just using FortiGate firewalls, and these FortiGate firewalls make it very easy to use FortiClient because it is just a natural fit. Another advantage is its integration with the antivirus solution of Fortinet. If someone is using the antivirus software by Fortinet, it is the same agent. So, it perfectly integrates with the complete security stack if you are using the VPN and antivirus from the same brand.
What needs improvement?
The user interface on the central server could be improved.
In terms of additional features, the only thing I could imagine is that it should handle not only FortiClient VPN connections; it should also integrate with OpenVPN, for example. They should open it up for non-FortiGate devices. It is not a must, but it would be nice to have.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for about two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Its stability is great.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We haven't reached the limit.
How are customer service and support?
The support of Fortinet for their products is great. The same is true for the Fortinet VPN client. There are a lot of online resources, and you can go through frequently asked questions. You have an online knowledge base, and you have a support company in the background to call and open a ticket with Fortinet. The responsiveness of Fortinet is very good. I would rate them a four out of five.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
It is straightforward. If you set up your environment correctly and it is centrally managed, it is just a matter of 10 to 15 minutes to set up a VPN connection to a new client. It is absolutely fast.
What about the implementation team?
We are an integrator. Its deployment and maintenance can be perfectly handled by one administrator. We have a team for management because if a person is on vacation or ill, the other person can take over, but one administrator would also be perfectly okay.
What was our ROI?
We do not track return on investment. So, I don't have any numbers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I don't know it by heart, but it is comparable to other solutions. It is based on the number of clients. It is probably 50 Euros per year per client. It greatly depends on the number of clients you're handling because the more clients you are ordering it for, the cheaper it will be.
What other advice do I have?
I would totally recommend it. The stability of the connection is great. The performance is also great, and I don't see any big improvements that are necessary.
I would rate it an 8 out of 10. I haven't seen a software I would give a 10 because 10 would just mean that the company can just sit back and do nothing else in the future.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
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