Fortinet vs OpenSSL: What are the differences?

Introduction:

When comparing Fortinet and OpenSSL, there are several key differences that distinguish these two security solutions.

1. Licensing Model: Fortinet follows a proprietary licensing model, which means users need to purchase licenses for using its products. On the other hand, OpenSSL is open-source software, allowing users to freely use, modify, and distribute it under the terms of the OpenSSL License and the original SSLeay license.

2. Supported Protocols: Fortinet primarily focuses on providing security solutions for network infrastructures, offering features such as firewall, VPN, and intrusion prevention. In contrast, OpenSSL is a toolkit that implements the SSL/TLS protocols, providing cryptographic functions and secure communication channels for various applications.

3. Commercial Support: Fortinet offers commercial support services to its customers, including technical support, training, and consulting. OpenSSL, being open-source, relies on community support through forums and documentation for assistance with implementation and troubleshooting.

4. Feature Set: Fortinet products come with a comprehensive set of security features, including advanced threat protection, sandboxing, and secure SD-WAN capabilities. OpenSSL, on the other hand, is primarily focused on providing cryptographic functions, SSL/TLS implementation, and secure socket communication.

5. Integration and Compatibility: Fortinet solutions are designed to work seamlessly within the Fortinet ecosystem, providing integration with other Fortinet products for a unified security approach. OpenSSL, being a toolkit, can be integrated into various software applications and platforms to enable secure communication through SSL/TLS protocols.

In Summary, Fortinet and OpenSSL differ in terms of licensing model, supported protocols, commercial support, feature set, and integration capabilities, ultimately catering to different security needs and requirements.