Choosing the Right VPN Solution

Selecting a VPN client is a critical decision for any organization. The right choice can enhance security, improve productivity, and provide a seamless user experience. The Fortinet VPN Client is a top contender in the market, but how does it stack up against the competition? This guide will compare the Fortinet VPN Client with other leading solutions to help you understand its unique strengths and why it might be the best choice for your needs.

Fortinet VPN vs. Cisco AnyConnect

Cisco AnyConnect is a well-established player in the VPN space. While both solutions offer robust security, there are key differences.

• Integration: The Fortinet VPN Client is a core component of the Fortinet Security Fabric, offering seamless integration with FortiGate firewalls and other Fortinet products. This provides a unified security posture that can be managed from a single pane of glass. Cisco AnyConnect is similarly tied to the Cisco ecosystem.
• Ease of Use: Many users find the Fortinet VPN Client to have a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier to deploy and manage, especially for non-technical users.
• Performance: The Fortinet client is often praised for its lightweight design and low impact on system resources, leading to a faster and more stable connection.

Fortinet VPN vs. Palo Alto GlobalProtect

Palo Alto's GlobalProtect is another enterprise-grade VPN solution. Here’s how it compares to the Fortinet VPN Client.

• Security Policy Enforcement: GlobalProtect is known for its strong integration with Palo Alto's next-generation firewalls and its ability to enforce granular security policies based on user, device, and location. The Fortinet VPN Client offers similar capabilities within the Fortinet Security Fabric.
• Deployment Complexity: While both are powerful, some administrators find the initial setup and policy configuration of GlobalProtect to be more complex than that of the Fortinet solution.
• ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access): Both Fortinet and Palo Alto are heavily invested in ZTNA. The Fortinet VPN Client can function as a ZTNA agent, providing secure access to specific applications rather than the entire network, which is a key principle of modern security. More information about the Fortinet VPN Client and its features can be found on our homepage.

Fortinet VPN vs. OpenVPN

OpenVPN is a popular open-source VPN solution, which sets it apart from the commercial offerings of Fortinet, Cisco, and Palo Alto.

• Customization vs. Simplicity: OpenVPN is highly customizable, which is a major advantage for organizations with the technical expertise to build a tailored solution. However, this flexibility comes at the cost of complexity. The Fortinet VPN Client, on the other hand, offers a more streamlined, out-of-the-box experience that is much easier to deploy and manage.
• Support: As a commercial product, the Fortinet VPN Client comes with professional customer support, which is a significant advantage for businesses that need reliable assistance. OpenVPN relies on community-based support.
• Integrated Security: The Fortinet client is part of a broader security ecosystem, which means it benefits from integrated threat intelligence and a unified management platform. OpenVPN is a standalone solution that must be manually integrated with other security tools.