FortiGate Next Generation Firewall utilizes purpose-built security processors and threat intelligence security services from FortiGuard labs to deliver top-rated protection and high performance, including encrypted traffic.
This article describes the fundamental differences between FortiGate Cloud and FortiAnalyzer.
Scope
FortiGate Cloud, FortiAnalyzer.
Solution
FortiGate Cloud and FortiAnalyzer serve related purposes within network security infrastructures but have distinct functions and features.
Products
FortiGate Cloud
FortiAnalyzer
Deployment
FortiGate Cloud is primarily a cloud-based management and monitoring platform for Fortinet's FortiGate firewall devices.
It is used for managing individual FortiGate firewalls or a small group of them.
FortiAnalyzer is a dedicated on-premises or virtual appliance that serves as a centralized logging, reporting, and analysis tool for a wide range of Fortinet security devices, including FortiGate firewalls.
It is designed for larger and more complex network environments.
Key Functions
Centralized Management: A centralized dashboard for configuring and managing FortiGate firewalls. Monitoring: The ability to monitor network traffic, security events, and device health through FortiGate Cloud. Logging: Basic logging and reporting capabilities. Zero-Touch Provisioning: Simplified device provisioning and deployment, making it possible to set up devices remotely. Target Audience: FortiGate Cloud is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) or organizations with a limited number of FortiGate devices.
Use Cases: FortiGate Cloud is ideal for organizations looking for a simplified cloud-based management solution to configure and monitor their FortiGate firewalls without the need for an on-premises management server.
Log Collection: FortiAnalyzer collects logs and data from multiple Fortinet devices, providing a centralized repository for security events and network traffic. Advanced Reporting: FortiAnalyzer offers advanced reporting and analytics capabilities, including historical data analysis and trend identification. Security Incident Response: FortiAnalyzer can help with incident response by providing detailed information about security events and breaches. Compliance Reporting: Assistance with compliance management through generating reports that align with various regulatory requirements. Target Audience: FortiAnalyzer is typically used by larger enterprises, service providers, and organizations with complex network environments and a need for advanced log analysis and reporting.
Use Cases: FortiAnalyzer is valuable for organizations requiring comprehensive visibility into network security, in-depth analysis of security incidents, and long-term data retention for compliance and auditing purposes.
In summary, FortiGate Cloud is a cloud-based management platform designed to simplify the management of individual FortiGate firewalls, while FortiAnalyzer is a more robust on-premises or virtual appliance intended for centralized log analysis, reporting, and in-depth security incident response across a broader range of Fortinet security devices.
The choice between the two depends on the size and complexity of the network infrastructure and on the organization’s specific management and analysis needs.
