Fortinet FortiGate-VM Reviews

I occasionally implement Fortinet for clients. 

In the most recent instance, we had a cloud implemented and I was driving the infrastructure. The client had separate areas inside it purposely. They needed to implement a FortiGate solution in the same client, with different VMs, for different clients, to make different areas for these clients. 

It's great that we can have separate services for the same client. 

It's a complete solution. You only need to deploy it once. You can have many clients and many services for these clients in the same VM. It's a solution that works very well for companies that may need separated sections.

It makes things less expensive for clients. The pricing is good.

The interface is decent.

Technical support has a lot of knowledge.

The initial setup is simple. 

The solution is stable.

It can scale well.

The solution could use very well-defined support for resellers. There isn't necessarily 24/7 support and resolution.

The interface could be improved. 

The product could have more protocol routing options. 

I'd rate the solution at a seven out of ten.

The stability is good. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. 

If you need to scale, this is a good option.

The technical support is pretty good. We are quite satisfied with the level of service on offer. 

The initial setup process is very easy and straightforward. It's not difficult or complex. 

We only need three people for deployment and maintenance. It's not a solution that requires a big team. You might need one or two field engineers. 

I'm working in a Fortinet partner company. I'm a reseller.

I'm dealing with the latest version of the product.

I like the 100F version, and it may be a good option for most clients, however, it might not be right for every company. It's a good idea to figure out what you need before you decide to avoid purchasing something that's not right for your company's needs.

We employ Fortinet FortiGate-VM solely for testing purposes, similar to how we employ virtual machines in a virtual lab environment to evaluate solutions. When customers inquire about potential solutions, we typically construct and thoroughly test these solutions in our lab environment before providing confirmation. Once we've successfully conducted a proof of concept, we then extend an offer to the customer.

Both the hardware and virtual versions offer comprehensive capabilities required for perimeter network protection. Positioned at the network perimeter, they provide profiles that can be easily configured, including antivirus, DNS protection, web filtering, IPS, and application awareness for over five thousand applications. This allows for tailored configurations based on specific application usage within our network.

The scalability and flexibility of FortiGate VM have greatly benefited our organization. Its exceptional scalability allows us to adapt and expand according to our evolving needs.

Integrating FortiGate VM with our existing systems was straightforward, as I recall no difficulties during the process. I would rate it a solid ten out of ten for ease of integration.

The performance and availability of FortiGate-VM in our setup vary depending on the specific models chosen. We refer to data sheets and comparison tables to identify devices that meet our specific requirements. This involves considering factors such as performance metrics, encryption and decryption capabilities, and the number of secure connections supported. By comparing different models, we can select the one that best suits our needs.

The GUI of FortiGate is exceptional.

The features of FortiGate VM that we find most effective for network security include its universal operating system, which is the same across both hardware and virtual machine deployments. This consistency ensures that both real boxes and virtual machines run on identical images, accessible via both command line and graphical interfaces for convenience.

SD-WAN could be enhanced to provide a clear division between control and data planes, utilizing controllers to manage tasks within the network.

We have been using it for more than three years.

I am satisfied with its stability. I would rate it ten out of ten.

It provides outstanding scalability capabilities. I would rate it ten out of ten. 
We serve a diverse range of customers, including large government organizations in Ukraine and small businesses. FortiGate is suitable for a variety of customer types, accommodating the needs of both large enterprises and smaller organizations.

We haven't encountered any open trouble tickets in the past three years, so we don't have firsthand experience with how Fortinet handles cases.

The initial setup is straightforward, earning a rating of ten out of ten for ease of use. Compared to other options, it stands out as exceptionally simple, largely due to the extensive documentation provided by Fortinet. Additionally, numerous YouTube tutorials are available online, making it easy to find solutions without necessarily having to consult the documentation.

For deployment, FortiGate can be utilized in both on-premises and cloud environments, offering flexibility in its application. It can serve as a client-side perimeter device within a customer's network or function as a cloud-based service. Our organization predominantly offers cloud-based solutions, leveraging FortiGate installations at our Sentinel node facility. Here, we manage customer traffic by configuring it to pass through FortiGate, allowing us to provide next-generation firewall services to customers who lack their infrastructure. We tailor configurations to suit each customer's specific needs.

Alternatively, if a customer requires an on-premises solution, we may deploy a physical appliance at their site. In such cases, where the customer lacks the expertise to manage the firewall effectively, we offer a managed service option.

Deployment typically takes no more than a few hours, thanks to the straightforward installation process and the clarity of the documentation provided. Especially in simple configurations with uncomplicated topologies, deployment can be completed within minutes.

The price falls somewhere in the middle; it's neither cheap nor expensive. I would rate it five out of ten.

When purchasing an appliance, it's essential to acquire the accompanying subscription. This is crucial because frequent updates to antivirus profiles and other features are necessary, often occurring daily. Operating the device effectively requires a subscription from Fortinet, which we consistently purchase.

Fortinet FortiGate-VM is purpose-built as a next-generation firewall, excelling in its performance of this specific function. Its designated place in the network aligns perfectly with its capabilities, making it an ideal device for its intended purpose. Overall, I would rate it ten out of ten.

They could simplify the troubleshooting process. Troubleshooting requires expertise, often necessitating the command-line interface (CLI). It could be more advanced and easier to use than other products.

Additionally, they could enhance support capabilities and a facility to communicate efficiently with the team.

We have been using Fortinet FortiGate-VM for seven years.

The product is stable. However, there are a few areas of improvement. I rate the stability an eight out of ten.

It is best in terms of pricing for small and medium-sized companies, where it stands out as a cost-effective and feature-rich solution. For larger enterprises, we emphasize the potential benefits of complementing FortiGate-VM with additional firewalls, such as Palo Alto, to enhance security and address potential vulnerabilities.

I rate the scalability a nine out of ten.

The initial setup process is easy. It can deployed on the cloud and premises based on the client's requirements.

There are products like Cisco Meraki that are more inexpensive than Fortinet FortiGate-VM. However, it provides better security features. Palo Alto's pricing is similar to that of the FortiGate-VM regarding quality for security features. It is reasonable.

FortiGate VM in a cloud infrastructure provides security benefits. It offers the same robust features and functionality in virtual, on-premise, and traditional data center environments. It protects against external attacks and internal threats through features such as web filtering, secure application filtering, and antivirus capabilities. These functionalities collectively enhance security measures, safeguarding against various potential risks.

It is extensible, as we can add as much functionality as we require. It is simple to add more resources. It has a flexible pay-as-you-go pricing model.

I rate it an eight out of ten.

I primarily use the solution as a firewall. It's used for security. I use it for the DMZ. It's related to architecture and is strategically positioned in the network. 

Based on its position, it offers good control over the communication between users and the data center. It's a good unified solution, and you can manage everything from the Fortigate portal.

It's a familiar solution to our clients. We don't spend time selling it. The brand is very popular and recognizable. 

The solution integrates well with other Fortinet products.

The pricing is fine. 

It's a good solution for small to medium-sized companies. 

The integration can be a bit easier. You need to maintain the integrations. You shouldn't have to. For example, in Cisco, you don't have to maintain integration that same way.

The support could be a bit better.

There are no missing features or items we would like to see in the future.

This is not a good solution for enterprises. It's better for smaller companies. 

I've used the solution for the last six years. 

The solution is mostly stable. I'd rate it six out of ten. The updates and availability, however, are not so smooth. 

The solution is not so scalable. It's not necessarily difficult to scale. However, it is not easy either. 

I'd rate the scalability seven out of ten overall. 

Typically, my clients are small to medium-sized entities. 

I'd like to see better support. They are okay. They could be better.

Positive

I also have experience with Cisco solutions.

At the perimeter, we also use Palo Alto. 

The initial setup is very easy. It's not complex. I'd rate the ease o setup eight out of ten. 

The deployment might take two to three days. It's pretty fast to get everything up and running. 

I did not handle the deployment in a hands-on way, so I don't have information on the technicalities in terms of what steps were taken.

The pricing is okay. I'd rate it eight out of ten in terms of affordability.

I'm a Fortinet reseller. I'm not sure which version of the solution we're using. We're likely using version seven or six. 

We use cloud and on-premises deployments. 

I'd recommend the solution to other small or medium-sized companies. I would not recommend it to enterprises. 

I would rate the solution eight out of ten. It is unified, and it is easy to integrate into other Fortinet products. 

The use case of FortiGate-VM is primarily for securing the perimeter of private clouds in the dedicated environment created for customers. This can be achieved through a virtual appliance or physical hardware solution. Beyond only perimeter security, some customers also require DDoS services, and FortiGate-VM can provide this through its own solutions that can be combined and offered as a bundle to meet the specific needs of the customer.

The solution can be deployed on-premise and on the cloud too.

The most valuable features of Fortinet FortiGate-VM are its flexibility and scalability. This solution is available as a license, which allows us to activate it based on the specific needs of the customer. This gives us and the customer a great deal of versatility and customization options. 

There is always room for improvement in any solutions, including Fortinet's FortiGate-VM. Although the solution claims to have a superior throughput compared to other OEMs, upon closer examination and comparison, there is potential for significant improvement in this area. In today's rapidly evolving technology world, it is important to continuously strive for enhancement and development, and I believe Fortinet can make significant strides in this direction for the FortiGate-VM.

I have been using Fortinet FortiGate-VM for approximately 18 years.

The solution is stable.

I rate the stability of Fortinet FortiGate-VM an eight out of ten.

The solution is scalable, it can be easily and effectively expanded as the customer's requirements grow and change. This makes it an incredibly agile solution that can be tailored to meet even the most demanding demands. There is some room for improvement in this area.

The solution is suitable for small to enterprise-sized companies.

I rate the scalability of Fortinet FortiGate-VM an eight out of ten.

The support from Fortinet FortiGate-VM is excellent, it is one of their strongest points.

I rate the support from Fortinet FortiGate-VM a nine out of ten.

Positive

The initial setup of the solution is simple because everything comes with GUI. The entire infrastructure for the customer is simple to set up with the GUI.

The choice between an on-premise or cloud solution is a decision that ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of the customer. Currently, there is a trend towards utilizing cloud-based products as they offer a wider selection and can be easily deployed. On the other hand, some customers may prefer an on-premise setup, which involves deploying physical equipment on the customer's premises or a virtual machine from an OEM. The cloud solution offers greater agility, flexibility, and speed but can also present challenges, especially in the semiconductor industry where delivery times may be longer due to stress in the market. In conclusion, both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the decision between them should be based on the specific requirements of the customer.

Taking into consideration the magnitude of the entire implementation, the deployment process could potentially take approximately three weeks, assuming all necessary components are readily available for the physical setup. After this stage, the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) phase commences, which may last for an additional week. Subsequently, before the final implementation into production, the customer would conduct a final UAT to ensure all elements have been successfully deployed and functioning as intended.

I rate the initial setup of Fortinet FortiGate-VM an eight out of ten.

The price of the solution is competitive. Fortinet FortiGate-VM had a lot of advantages when it came to pricing. However, the competition has also geared up to a larger extent and it has become comparable now to the other solutions.

In terms of security, it is crucial to understand that the cost of security measures should not be the sole determining factor. The security of your overall infrastructure and setup must be a top priority, regardless of the price of security appliances or OEMs. However, when considering the entire solution, including the security infrastructure, the cost will play a crucial role in the final decision-making process.

It is imperative to choose the best available options, but the cost of the entire solution should not be exorbitant and prevent it from gaining approval from clients.

I rate the price of Fortinet FortiGate-VM an eight out of ten.

When evaluating the overall solution, it is important to consider both the benefits and drawbacks. Fortinet FortiGate-VM presents a multitude of advantages that make it a fantastic product choice. It offers exceptional stability, a scalable design, and unparalleled support from the manufacturer. It is with great confidence that I wholeheartedly recommend Fortinet as a reliable and valuable solution.

I would recommend this solution to others as long as it's fulfilling the requirements of the customer.

I rate Fortinet FortiGate-VM an eight out of ten.

Fortinet FortiGate-VM was used for our company's customers, but presently, most of our clients use Sophos UTM.

My company's clients use Fortinet FortiGate-VM to protect their entire internal network.

Fortinet FortiGate-VM has very good features. The most important factor about the product is that it is very intuitive. Fortinet FortiGate-VM is very handy compared to Check Point and Palo Alto.

With Fortinet FortiGate-VM, you get all the tools in the basic package, so there is no need to get a special platform for each component, which makes it much easier to implement.

The stability of the product is an area of concern where improvements are required.

The response time of the technical support team is an area of concern where improvements are needed.

I have been using Fortinet FortiGate-VM for a few years. My company has a partnership with Fortinet.

Stability-wise, I rate the solution a seven out of ten.

There are certain issues that users may face when they update Fortinet FortiGate-VM due to some bugs.

Considering that the machines work with the same operating system and in the same method in an environment, the use of the scalability feature is very easy.

Scalability-wise, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

I work with our company's small, medium, and enterprise-sized clients who use the solution.

At times, you can get a quick answer from the support team, but for some cases or issues, it takes a long time for the technical team to respond.

I rate the technical support a seven out of ten.

Neutral

I have experience with Check Point and Palo Alto. The first firewall that my company worked with was Check Point, and we have used it for many years.

The product is easy to implement.

The solution is deployed on the cloud and on an on-premises model.

The complexity of the organization determines the time required to deploy the solution. Basically, it takes three hours to deploy the product, and for a big company, it takes two days.

One good engineer is enough to take care of the deployment phase of the product.

The pricing of the product depends on a company's negotiation skills, and if a company can't get it at a good price, there are other tools that can be purchased from the market.

I rate the product price a seven on a scale of one to ten, where one is a low price, and ten is a high price.

Our company needs to make either a yearly or a three-year payment towards the licensing charges attached to the product. There are no additional costs attached to the solution apart from the tool's licensing charges.

Fortinet FortiGate-VM is a very good product.

The maintenance of the product is very easy. One person is required to take care of the maintenance of the product.

I recommend the product to those who plan to use it. Before buying the product, people should consider the ease of implementation Fortinet FortiGate-VM offers.

Check Point is the best when it comes to monitoring and investigating logs. In general, the most important thing users should consider is that the implementation part should be good, for which Fortinet FortiGate-VM is the best.

I rate the overall tool an eight out of ten.

We use FortiGate-VM as a firewall. My company has more than 4,000 users, and we plan to increase usage. 

I like FortiGate's IPS, IDS, and URL filtering. 

I think Fortinet should provide us with more reporting from the AI/ML point of view. They could also offer the SaaS application in a single box. The VPN and ZTNA have so many verticals that they work as a standalone solution. They need to be in a single box.

I have worked with FortiGate-VM for the last three years.

I rate FortiGate-VM eight out of 10 for stability. 

From a scalability point of view, we have a physical user license. If we need to upgrade, we can get a box. There is presently sufficient formal organization to scale up.

I have no problems with Fortinet support.

Positive

We have used Check Point and Palo Alto firewalls. 

We deployed FortiGate-VM with the help of a partner and the vendor. The deployment process took three months. We previously used Cisco ASA and had no migration tool, so we had to start from scratch. 

FortiGate-VM is affordable. In terms of operating costs, we contract with the OEM for a three-year contract and then renew. We haven't received any notice from them because all of our infrastructure is under contract. Every three years, if we cannot get a good price from the vendor, we replace the box.

I rate Fortinet FortiGate-VM eight out of 10. It has all the features. The only recommendation is to combine the vertical into a single box. To improve performance, they should build an engine in the box that enables them to scale per the user requirement. 

We use the solution for the private cloud.

Fortinet FortiGate-VM has a standard hardware firewall and easy deployment. You download a pre-configured virtual machine and run it on your hypervisor, Hyper-V, or ESXi by VMware. It is an excellent solution for private cloud setups, allowing seamless management using Fortinet without additional hardware purchases. Moreover, it offers flexibility—you can integrate it with physical hardware for redundancy or establish branch office VPNs effortlessly. Fortinet's automation capabilities facilitate smooth connectivity between public and private clouds.

The solution is highly scalable, depending on the type of hardware it runs on. You need knowledge of hypervisors to learn about the virtualized environment.

I have been using Fortinet FortiGate-VM as an integrator for one year.

The product is stable.

We cater the solution to SMBs.

I have used SonicWall. Fortinet has fewer hardware requirements than SonicWall. The basic requirement is the same.

The initial setup is easy and doesn't take more than one hour.

ROI is pretty good because it's simply software as a service. You subscribe to a service, and VM is available from FortiGate to download, install, and run. You get all the features. The scalability depends upon the hardware or VM. It could be serving 1000s or 100s users, depending on the configuration.

The solution is expensive.

It could have some versions limited by several users to reduce the price. Else, they could limit the product features, and create some version for a smaller organization with basic requirements.

Support is additional and comes apart from the subscription.

There's not much maintenance required. One to two people is required. Patches and upgrades are required and happen automatically if you've configured it that way. It is easy to deploy over the cloud. There are ready appliances to run in a public cloud like Amazon, Microsoft, or Google Cloud.

I recommend the solution. It is fantastic, easy to deploy, and very scalable. It saves a lot of time. Some particular hardware is not available in stock. FortiGate-VM is a good alternative. You could download, configure, and apply it. You could buy it online or from a Fortinet partner. It's quick and easy to set up.

Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.