Symantec Corp and Fortinet have announced an expansive partnership agreement, under which Fortinet’s Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) capabilities are planned to be integrated into Symantec’s cloud-delivered Web Security Service (WSS). Additionally, Symantec’s endpoint protection solutions are also planned to be integrated into the Fortinet Security Fabric platform. The technology partnership provides essential security controls across endpoint, network, and cloud environments that are critical to enforcing the Zero Trust security framework.
WSS is cloud-delivered network security service that provides protection against advanced threats, provides access control, and safeguards critical business information for secure and compliant cloud application and web use. “The integration of Fortinet’s FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall with Symantec’s WSS will result in the most comprehensive set of cloud-delivered threat prevention capabilities in a single service offering on the market today,” stated a release.
“As the first step in this technology partnership, we plan to deliver best-of-breed security through the combination of enterprise-class advanced firewall controls to Symantec’s industry-leading network security service. Through this partnership, we hope to provide joint customers the power of Symantec’s Integrated Cyber Defense Platform bolstered by Fortinet’s leading NGFW in an integrated solution that’s easy to use and deploy,” said Art Gilliland, EVP and GM – Enterprise Products, Symantec.
Additionally, Symantec’s endpoint protection solution is planned to be integrated into the Fortinet Security Fabric platform, providing customers with real-time, actionable threat intelligence and automated response for exploit-driven attacks and advanced malware. Interoperability between Fortinet’s SD-WAN technology will also be certified to work with Symantec’s Web Security Service through Symantec’s Technology Integration Partner Program (TIPP). As part of the collaboration, both companies plan to engage in joint go-to-market activities.
“With today’s announcement, two industry leaders are coming together to provide enterprise-class capabilities across cloud, network, and endpoint security. Upon completion of the integration, Symantec cloud web gateway customers will be able to benefit from Fortinet’s enterprise-class advanced firewall controls, and for the first time ever, Fortinet customers will be able to purchase the industry-leading FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall via FWaaS. With the addition of Symantec as a Fortinet Fabric-Ready Partner, Symantec’s endpoint security solution will be validated to seamlessly integrate with the Fortinet Security Fabric platform to provide more consistent and effective protection for joint customers,” said John Maddison, SVP – Products and Solutions, Fortinet.
Fully integrated Cloud Firewall Service within WSS is expected to be available in the first half of CY 2019. Elements of the Fortinet Security Fabric have been integrated with Symantec Endpoint Protection, and the companies plan to explore further integrations.
