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reviewer1622106 - PeerSpot reviewer
Project manager at a comms service provider with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Good performance, feature-rich, and stable
Pros and Cons
  • "Its interface is good. It comes with a lot of features, and its performance is also very good."
  • "It is a very good product, and it is good at standing by itself. It can maybe have a little bit of integration with other products, but it is not that important for most use cases."

What is our primary use case?

I work for a telecommunication company. We are a service provider, and we use it for our internal network and for providing services to our customers.

What is most valuable?

The firewalling feature is used the most, but we also have a particular use case for the SD-WAN service. 

Its interface is good. It comes with a lot of features, and its performance is also very good. 

What needs improvement?

It is a very good product, and it is good at standing by itself. It can maybe have a little bit of integration with other products, but it is not that important for most use cases.

For how long have I used the solution?

I am quite new to this product.

Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate-VM
February 2025
Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiGate-VM. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2025.
838,713 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Its stability is very good.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

For the SD-WAN use case that I am researching, it seems more suitable for medium-sized customers. It is a little bit difficult to use for a big customer.

How are customer service and support?

Their technical support is good.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Fortinet FortiGate-VM a 10 out of 10. It tops others in terms of performance.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller.
PeerSpot user
Judit Fekete - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Manager at Zipper
Reseller
Top 20
Helps to maintain a secure environment
Pros and Cons
  • "We work in the archiving domain where a secure environment is very important. We have some special requirements regarding the security of infrastructure."
  • "The product has issues with integration. I would like to see better integration in future releases of the product."

What is our primary use case?

We work in the archiving domain where a secure environment is very important. We have some special requirements regarding the security of infrastructure.

What needs improvement?

The product has issues with integration. I would like to see better integration in future releases of the product. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have using the product for five years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate the solution's stability a ten out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I would rate the product's scalability a ten out of ten. My company's four administrators have access to the solution. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We required a solution that offered maintenance and support. Hence, we chose this product. 

How was the initial setup?

The product's setup is not complex. The tool's deployment gets completed in a couple of hours. 

What about the implementation team?

The solution's deployment was done in-house. 

What was our ROI?

We have seen ROI with the product's use. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiGate-VM
February 2025
Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiGate-VM. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2025.
838,713 professionals have used our research since 2012.
reviewer1280259 - PeerSpot reviewer
Information Security Manager at a financial services firm with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Easy to use and setup but could use more documentation and true layer-7 protection
Pros and Cons
  • "I have worked on some of the largest and smallest solutions that Fortinet sells and they all scale really well."
  • "I have worked on some of the largest and smallest solutions that Fortinet sells and they all scale really well."

What is our primary use case?

We use FortiGate-VM to access clients' networks. These are generally Azure cloud environments in which we set up resources for clients to use.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable FortiGate-VM features are the ease of use and setup. 

What needs improvement?

Sometimes, FortiGate-VM is a little different to set up than other firewalls that I've managed. It would be better if it was just a little more mainstream. Some more documentation would be nice as well. Documentation has always kind of been our problem with FortiGate-VM. 

There's a lot of stuff I like about FortiGate-VM, but like I said, we still do a lot more Palo Alto firewalls than anything because they have true layer-seven attack prevention. FortiGate-VM does have that too, but it doesn't work as well. I would like to see more layer-seven functionality and expect to realistically block things at the top level.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using this solution for two years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

FortiGate-VM is stable. They have been okay for everything that I have done with them.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I have worked on some of the largest and smallest solutions that Fortinet sells and they all scale really well.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward and only takes hours to deploy. 

What about the implementation team?

We implemented FortiGate-VM in-house. 

What other advice do I have?

Make sure that you're on the latest stable versions when you update code and stuff like that. That's one of the things that we've had some issues with in the past. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1718730 - PeerSpot reviewer
Works at a hospitality company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Easy to use, stable, but performance could improve
Pros and Cons
  • "Fortinet FortiGate-VM is easy to use."
  • "The performance could be better. Some features need to have quality control when the switch is working. The dedicated bandwidth for some users is not reliable."

What is most valuable?

Fortinet FortiGate-VM is easy to use.

What needs improvement?

The performance could be better. Some features need to have quality control when the switch is working. The dedicated bandwidth for some users is not reliable.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet FortiGate-VM for approximately one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I have found Fortinet FortiGate-VM to be stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have approximately 150 people using the solution.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support could improve. They took approximately one month to solve a firewire issue to update. I would not recommend it.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have used Sophos previously and I could it to be better. However, we have found the performance to be the same as Fortinet FortiGate-VM.

How was the initial setup?

The company that provided the solution that was installing it took approximately three days.

What about the implementation team?

I can do the implementation by myself. I do the maintenance and support of the solution.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

There is an annual license required to use the solution.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Fortinet FortiGate-VM a seven out of ten.

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.
PeerSpot user
PeerSpot user
Technology consultant at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Good antivirus solution that can handle much traffic, but lacks GUI features
Pros and Cons
  • "In spite of the solution being inexpensive, it has everything one would need."
  • "There are certain GUI features that should be present but are not."

What is our primary use case?

The version I am using, 6.2.8., is not the latest. It's a somewhat older version and has not yet been upgraded. 

We have configured our use cases to be those of a banking environment. We have enabled the use of the firewall solution for our 300 branches. 

What is most valuable?

The solution has pretty awesome features. It supports at least 300 of our branches. We have yet to come across any issues concerning the 300 branches we have configured, a high number which equates many connections. This means that the solution can handle that much traffic. This is a feature of the firewall that we appreciate, as well as that of antivirus. In spite of the solution being inexpensive, it has everything one would need. 

What needs improvement?


There are certain GUI features that should be present but are not, although these we can address through the command-line interface. We have to make use of this to create certain policies or change the interface layer. These configuration restrictions should be addressed. 

Moreover, the reporting should be upgraded, as there are only a small number of reports available. We also encounter issues on the logging pages. GUI does not allow for live logging and the command-line interface must be used in its stead. The need to rely on CLI should be done away with entirely. 

While we consider the solution to be user-friendly, certain improvements should be made in this respect. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet Fortigate-VM for the past two years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is extremely reliable. As mentioned, it is being used in 300 branches and no issues have arisen.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable, although I have not attempted to undertake further plugins or additions. 

How are customer service and technical support?

We have had no issues with the technical support. We have found them to be good, very knowledgeable and helpful. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Other solutions I have used in the past include Check Point and Palo Alto.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward, although the configurations can occasionally become involved. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

At present, the SD-WAN licenses are on an annual basis. 

We have no specific complaints about the licensing prices. 

What other advice do I have?

I am on the implementation team, meaning that we configure the firewalls for our customers, mostly consisting of the BFSI banks and accounting for 2,000 people who make use of the solution. 

I cannot proffer advice to others who are considering implementation of the solution. All I can say is that it is straightforward and simple, only requiring configuration. 

I rate Fortinet Fortigate-VM as a seven out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Network Security Engineer at a consumer goods company with 201-500 employees
Real User
Overall simple to use, reliable, and useful VPN tool
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features we have found to be the VPN, ease of use, and overall simplicity."
  • "Web filtering is a feature that needs some improvement. There should be some additional features to allow active users to change their own passwords."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for IPS, internal segmentation, inspections, and VPN.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features we have found to be the VPN, ease of use, and overall simplicity.

What needs improvement?

Web filtering is a feature that needs some improvement. There should be some additional features to allow active users to change their own passwords.

Additionally, the secure web gateway and the inspection feature need more security improvement in the next release.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for approximately one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution has been reliable in my experience.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have approximately 250 users using the solution in my organization and we plan to increase usage.

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support has been good.

How was the initial setup?

The solution is easy to install.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We are on an annual license for this solution and it could be cheaper.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Previously we evaluated other solutions, such as Check Point and the Palo Alto firewalls. This solution is easier to understand than the others.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution to others. Especially if they are new to these types of solutions, it is easy to understand.

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

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Network Security Engineer at a government with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Cost-effective, easy to set up, and the UTM distinguishes it from other firewalls
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature is the UTM, which gives them an advantage over other firewalls."
  • "The reporting is not as good as it is with other firewalls and it should be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use this solution for the firewall and IPS.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature is the UTM, which gives them an advantage over other firewalls.

What needs improvement?

The reporting is not as good as it is with other firewalls and it should be improved. There should be a customized report, for example.

The dashboard seems to change quickly from version to version, and they should follow the lead of vendors like Palo Alto, Juniper, and Cisco, and always keep it the same.

The bandwidth limitations should be increased.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using FortiGate-VM for approximately one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

FortiGate-VM is stable and I have not faced any problems with it.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is working fine and I have had no trouble with scalability.

How are customer service and technical support?

We have very rarely had to contact Fortinet about anything. When we have a problem then we have local support with our vendor. They will send their technical people if we need help on-site. We are very satisfied with our local experts.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have worked with McAfee for a long time. The only thing that is better with McAfee is reporting, which is very good. They offer customized reports. We have decided to keep McAfee as our endpoint solution and use FortiGate-VM as our firewall.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is very easy. Somebody who has a little bit of experience in VMware or with firewalls will be able to do it in no time.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

There is a benefit in terms of the cost of using this solution because the price is very good. There are no costs in addition to the standard licensing fees.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I tried SonicWall, Cisco ASA & Sophos but Fortinet is best among them in term of service and price.

What other advice do I have?

I will say that for low-end firewalls, Fortinet is good compared to the others. The pricing is good, and when you need a new feature, you don't have to buy a new device.

I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.

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.
PeerSpot user
Director at REDCO
Reseller
A flexible solution
Pros and Cons
  • "FortiGate integrates well."
  • "New versions are complicated with a big configuration."

What is our primary use case?

We are a reseller of FortiGate, but also a customer. I have configured it in my office. Our primary case use includes equipment installed with customers.

What is most valuable?

We have Fabric Security that integrates with other FortiGate family products like firewalls and switches. This means that we don't need to buy other licenses and it's easy to configure.

What needs improvement?

With every new version, there are issues and new parts due to the improvements. But the improvements are not always easy for the customer, especially when making a big configuration. Rather than being an improvement, it becomes more complicated.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using FortiGate for almost 12 years.

How are customer service and support?

The support is fine now, however, our last purchase was not as good. They have changed their situation and improved support again.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I had used Sophos UTM, the Endpoints, Access Points, and XG for two years in my office. We switched because of FortiGate's service and because it is a more flexible solution.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Installation does not require another license so it is inexpensive and easy to configure. 

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Sophos has a nice interface and is easy to configure. The XG products are good and so are the endpoints. Sophos access points and on-premise are not good.  Sophos also doesn't have enough support to get into the console. Sophos has a Linux box, which is easy to try to resolve most issues, but Sophos support is not good.

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.
PeerSpot user
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Updated: February 2025
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Buyer's Guide
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