Fortinet To Launch Enterprise Security Appliances

The FortiGate-3810A and the FortiGate-3016B are capable of processing packets with up to 26 gigabits per second of firewall throughput, said Chris Simmons, director of product management at Fortinet, Sunnyvale, Calif.

The performance boost is the result of a new network processor, the Network ASIC 2, which works in conjunction with Fortinet's existing FortiASIC CP6 content processor, which is used for tasks such as antivirus and antispyware, web filtering and traffic shaping, Simmons said.

The Fortigate 3810A includes four Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) slots for the addition of extra performance modules, compared to one for the FortiGate 3016B.

The new FortiGates can be deployed as standalone appliances in the core network, a task that was previously left to Fortinet's 5000 series blades and chassis, said Simmons. "The appliance form factor is smaller, you're getting same bang for less money, and it uses less space," he said.

Fortinet, which recently hired former SonicWall executive Mike Valentine as its vice president of Americas channel sales, is touting its IPS performance with the two releases, something the vendor hasn't done in the past.

"These products are allowing us to move upstream into larger enterprises and service provider markets," said Valentine. "They enhance the enterprise offering, and allow partners to sell to a higher class of customers, and make more margin."

The 3810A is slated for release in early Q3, while the 3016B is set for a late Q3 rollout, according to Simmons. Pricing wasn't disclosed.