Cloudflare WAF vs Fortinet: What are the differences?

Introduction

Cloudflare WAF and Fortinet are both popular web application firewall (WAF) solutions used to protect websites from various cyber threats. While they both serve the same purpose, there are several key differences between them that set them apart.

1. Deployment and Implementation: One key difference between Cloudflare WAF and Fortinet is their deployment and implementation approach. Cloudflare offers a cloud-based WAF solution, which means that all traffic is routed through Cloudflare's network before reaching the web server. On the other hand, Fortinet provides an on-premises WAF solution, where the firewall is installed directly on the web server.

2. Scalability and Global Network: Cloudflare WAF is known for its global network of edge servers spread across different regions, making it highly scalable and easily accessible from anywhere. In contrast, Fortinet's WAF can be limited by the resources and capacity of the individual web server it is installed on, as it does not have the same distributed network infrastructure.

3. Cost and Pricing Model: Cloudflare WAF follows a subscription-based pricing model, where users pay a fixed monthly or annual fee based on their chosen plan and features. Fortinet, on the other hand, typically requires the purchase of dedicated hardware appliances and licenses, which can involve higher upfront costs compared to Cloudflare's cloud-based solution.

4. Ease of Use and Management: Cloudflare WAF is renowned for its user-friendly interface and ease of setup and management. It offers a simple DNS configuration to enable protection, and its intuitive dashboard provides users with real-time insights and control. Fortinet's WAF, being an on-premises solution, may require more technical expertise for installation, configuration, and ongoing management.

5. Additional Security Services and Integrations: Cloudflare WAF offers a range of additional security services and integrations, such as DDoS protection, bot mitigation, SSL/TLS encryption, and CDN caching. These services are seamlessly integrated into Cloudflare's overall infrastructure. Fortinet, while providing comprehensive WAF capabilities, may require additional integrations or services from other vendors to achieve similar levels of functionality.

6. Customer Support and Documentation: Cloudflare has an extensive knowledge base, documentation, and community forums that provide comprehensive support to its users. It also offers various support channels, including live chat and email support. Fortinet also provides customer support and documentation for its WAF product, but the availability and responsiveness may vary depending on the user's specific support agreement.

In summary, Cloudflare WAF offers a cloud-based and scalable solution with a user-friendly interface, additional security services, and global reach. Fortinet, on the other hand, provides an on-premises solution with a potentially higher upfront cost, requiring more technical expertise for setup and management.