Blue Coat vs Fortinet: What are the differences?

Introduction

Blue Coat and Fortinet are both leading companies in the cybersecurity industry. While they provide similar services, there are key differences between the two that are worth considering. In this article, we will outline six main differences between Blue Coat and Fortinet.

1. Firewall Capabilities: Blue Coat specializes in web security and secure web gateway solutions. They have a strong focus on content filtering, application control, and threat prevention. On the other hand, Fortinet offers a wider range of firewall capabilities, including next-generation firewalls, unified threat management (UTM), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). This makes Fortinet a more comprehensive solution for organizations looking for a robust firewall.

2. Network Security Visibility: Blue Coat provides excellent network security visibility through their advanced threat analytics tools. They offer detailed insights into network traffic, application usage, and user behavior, helping organizations identify and mitigate potential security threats. Fortinet, on the other hand, also provides network security visibility but is more focused on real-time threat intelligence and automated response capabilities.

3. Scalability and Deployment: Blue Coat offers scalable solutions that can cater to the needs of both small and large enterprises. Their products are highly flexible and can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or as a hybrid model. Fortinet, though also scalable, is often preferred by larger organizations due to its robust infrastructure and extensive product portfolio.

4. Advanced Threat Protection: Fortinet is renowned for its advanced threat protection capabilities. They integrate machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect and prevent sophisticated malware and ransomware attacks. Blue Coat, while also providing advanced threat protection features, may not have the same level of sophistication and real-time response as Fortinet.

5. Technical Support and Documentation: Fortinet is known for its extensive technical support and documentation. They provide a comprehensive knowledge base, user forums, and direct customer support to assist users in resolving any issues or inquiries. Blue Coat also offers technical support, but it may not be as readily available or extensive as that of Fortinet.

6. Product Integration and Ecosystem: Fortinet has a vast ecosystem of products that seamlessly integrate with each other, offering a unified security framework. This integration allows for better policy enforcement and centralized management. Blue Coat, while also offering integrations with third-party solutions, may not have the same level of cohesion within its product ecosystem.

In summary, Blue Coat and Fortinet are both leading cybersecurity companies, but they differ in terms of firewall capabilities, network security visibility, scalability, advanced threat protection, technical support, and product integration. Each company has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice ultimately depends on an organization's specific needs and priorities.