Building on a Secured Foundation: How Structured and Fortinet Empowered Prominent Architectural Firm

The Solution:

Streamlining Network Infrastructure for Success: Fortinet Emerges

The customer embarked on an exhaustive search for a security solution—one that would seamlessly streamline their network infrastructure, offer centralized management capabilities, and cater to their lean IT team. Their evaluation process was rigorous, involving multiple discussions, product demos, financial analyses, and even a hands-on proof-of-concept with Fortinet. After weighing security features, scalability, and ease of management, Fortinet emerged as the clear winner. Its comprehensive approach, competitive pricing, and consolidation benefits made it the preferred choice for the customer.

Why Fortinet? A Comprehensive and Integrated Approach to Cybersecurity

The customer faced real challenges, and their evolving cybersecurity needs demanded adaptability and protection. Here’s how Fortinet’s robust security fabric directly addressed those challenges:

Managing Multiple Sites:

• Consistent Security Enforcement: Fortinet provides a unified platform for consistently enforcing security policies across all distributed sites. Whether in the data center or remote locations, security rules remain synchronized.
• Real-Time Monitoring and Adjustments: Fortinet’s centralized management dashboard allows end-user visibility and enables real-time adjustments, ensuring policy enforcement.

Dealing with Multiple Vendors:

• Streamlined Infrastructure: Fortinet offers an integrated suite of security solutions—both hardware and software—from a single vendor. This streamlines maintenance reduces complexity, and minimizes troubleshooting challenges.
• Seamless Ecosystem Integration: Fortinet’s comprehensive ecosystem covers firewalls, switches, access points, and more—all designed to work harmoniously together—no more juggling between different vendors.

Ensuring Robust Security:

•  Comprehensive Threat Protection: Fortinet’s robust security features—such as intrusion prevention, application control, and advanced threat protection—safeguard blueprints and sensitive data.
•  Proactive Threat Detection and Neutralization: Fortinet’s reputation as a trusted sentinel ensures that cyber threats are promptly detected and neutralized, providing peace of mind for the customer.

By selecting Fortinet, the customer gained a comprehensive and integrated security solution that addressed their specific needs, streamlined their operations, and provided the peace of mind that comes with robust cybersecurity.

Beyond Basics: Fortinet’s Supercharged Toolkit

Elevating Network Security with Transformative Components

When ordinary doesn’t suffice, Fortinet steps up with a toolkit that means business. These aren’t just features; they’re the nuts and bolts that transform your network into a fortress of reliability and security. Let’s meet the essentials:

1. FortiGate-60F:
   • Robust Firewall Appliance:
     • Feature: Acts as a robust firewall, safeguarding both data centers and remote locations.
     • Capability: Provides advanced threat protection, detecting and preventing cyber threats.
   • Centralized Management:
     • Feature: Offers a unified dashboard for security policies and monitoring.
     • Capability: Enables real-time adjustments and end-user visibility.

2. FortiSwitch-524D:
   • Efficient Traffic Flow:
     • Feature: Optimizes network traffic, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring smooth communication.
     • Capability: Seamlessly connects devices like a well-orchestrated symphony of switches.

3. FortiAP-431G-A:
   • Wireless Connectivity:
     • Feature: Enables seamless wireless communication, enhancing productivity for mobile users.
     • Capability: Ensures uninterrupted collaboration across the organization.

4. FortiClient:
   • Secure Endpoint Communication:
     • Feature: Protects laptops, tablets, and phones, ensuring secure data exchange.
     • Capability: Maintains secure connections, even during remote work scenarios.

5. FortiNAC:
   • Controlled Network Access:
     • Feature: Regulates entry, allowing only authorized devices—no rogue elements disrupt the network.
     • Capability: Ensures compliance with security policies and industry standards.

6. FortiAuthenticator:
   • Enhanced Authentication:
     • Feature: Adds layers of security, including multi-factor authentication beyond passwords.
     • Capability: Acts as an access gatekeeper—only authorized users pass through.

Directing Transformation: A Phased Deployment Approach

Smooth Integration-Bringing Old and New

The customer embarked on their network transformation journey, starting with Firewalls and gradually evolving to switching and access points (APs). Once the Fortinet Firewalls, Switching, and APs were in place, they expanded their Fortinet deployment, exploring additional offerings. The implementation process unfolded as follows:

1. Phased Deployment Strategy: Structured orchestrated a phased approach, beginning with the core infrastructure. This method minimized disruption to the customer’s day-to-day operations, ensuring a smooth transition.
2. Seamless Integration: The Fortinet solution seamlessly melded with the customer’s existing network setup. Leveraging established network components and protocols, the integration was efficient and effective.
3. Configuration and Optimization: The customer’s internal IT team took charge of configuring the Fortinet gear, meticulously meeting specific security requirements. Structured provided professional services and deployment support throughout this critical phase.

In summary, Structured was pivotal in implementing and deploying the Fortinet solution, collaborating closely with the customer’s internal IT team.