Streamlined procurement processes and usage-based licensing give organisations easier access to security solutions for cloud and on-premises environments
Utrecht, 19 June 2023 - Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), a global leader in cybersecurity and the driver of network and security technology convergence, is adding new products and services to its FortiFlex programme. This will allow it to offer organisations even more flexible licensing options. FortiFlex already offered support for a full range of virtualised solutions for securing cloud environments and virtual data centres. Fortinet now adds support for physical next-generation firewalls from the FortiGate range. FortiFlex is available immediately in the AWS Marketplace as an additional procurement option.
Adding business value with usage-based licensing
The geographically dispersed employees of modern organisations seek access to highly distributed applications and a growing number of network edges. As a result, networks are evolving at an unprecedented speed. IT departments are often expected to procure and implement solutions before they have had time to fully understand business needs, which are also constantly changing. Flexible licensing programmes offer a solution to this problem by allowing organisations to pay for their actual use of products.
Flexible access to security solutions
FortiFlex offers usage-based licensing for a wide range of Fortinet security solutions for cloud environments, hybrid clouds and on-premises environments. The programme uses a points system that makes it easy for organisations to understand their balance, usage patterns and total spend. They are charged every 24 hours so that their IT department can adjust the usage of the solutions on a daily basis.
Organisations can deploy points to use any combination of virtualised and cloud solutions and on-premises security services they want. In addition, they can use part of the budget they have allocated to a select number of cloud providers such as Google Cloud and now AWS to purchase FortiFlex points.
Application scenarios include:
shortening procurement cycles for new security solutions
simplifying the implementation of new services thanks to FortiFlex's powerful APIs
ensuring optimal budget spending and return on investment (ROI) by scaling down or temporarily discontinuing services as needed
optimising cloud spending by using time-bound budgets set aside for cloud providers to purchase FortiFlex points that can be redeemed in the future
Managed security service providers (MSSPs) can also use a single FortiFlex account to create a pool of licences for their entire customer base. They can transfer and reallocate licences through one and the same user interface. This way, they can meet their customers' needs without worrying about overspending.
Support for a hybrid mesh firewall architecture
The FortiFlex offering now also offers licensing options for FortiGuard's AI-supported security services and technical support based on the FortiCare service for the following entry-level next-generation firewalls and mid-range ngfw's in the FortiGate range:
FortiGate 40F
FortiGate 60E/F series
FortiGate 70F
FortiGate 80F
FortiGate 100E/F Series
FortiGate 200 E/F Series
FortiGate 400F Series
FortiGate 600F
All FortiGate series ngfws are supported by a single operating system ( FortiOS) and the integrated FortiManager management console. They also offer hybrid mesh firewall support. This term was coined by Gartner®1 and refers to a security architecture that protects various areas within large enterprise IT environments through the coordinated application of security rules and up-to-date threat intelligence across all firewalls. With the expansion of the FortiFlex programme, organisations now have access to more licensing options for hybrid mesh firewall development.
An attractive option for AWS Enterprise Discount Program users
FortiFlex is now available as a private solution in the AWS Marketplace to support organisations using the AWS Enterprise Discount Program (EDP). Owners of an AWS account with high purchase volume are eligible for a discount once they exceed a minimum spending threshold.
FortiFlex helps AWS Enterprise Discount Program participants lower their spending threshold and reduce their financial risk by allocating part of their budget to purchase FortiFlex points. This way, they can benefit from the most favourable rate for AWS combined with Fortinet's industry-leading products and services for securing their network.
Vincent Zeebregts, regional director Netherlands at Fortinet, says: "The solutions that organisations deploy today offer increasingly flexible support for geographically dispersed users and distributed applications. Licensing models should already be just as flexible. This is why we are expanding our FortiFlex programme with more licensing options. This allows our customers to deploy Fortinet's solutions and services in line with their changing needs."
A commitment to greater choice
Fortinet aims to make it as easy as possible for organisations to purchase and deploy advanced security solutions whenever they need them and in the way that works best for them. The expansion of the FortiFlex offering is in line with this commitment. Fortinet plans to further expand its flexible licensing and procurement options in the coming months. The ultimate goal is to provide its customers with optimal choice in finding solutions to their unique cybersecurity challenges.
