Fortinet vs Siemens: An In-depth Comparison of Security Solutions for Enterprise and OT Environments

In the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, organizations face mounting challenges in protecting both their IT and operational technology (OT) environments. Two major players in this space, Fortinet and Siemens, offer comprehensive security solutions with distinct approaches and capabilities. This analysis explores how these technology giants compare across various dimensions, from their core product offerings to integration capabilities, with a particular focus on their solutions for securing critical infrastructure and industrial environments.

The Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape: Where Fortinet and Siemens Fit

The cybersecurity industry has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, driven by the convergence of IT and OT networks, the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and increasingly sophisticated threat actors. This evolution has created both challenges and opportunities for security vendors like Fortinet and Siemens.

Fortinet, founded in 2000 by brothers Ken and Michael Xie, has established itself as a leading network security provider with a comprehensive security fabric approach. The company has made significant investments in developing solutions that address the security needs of both IT and OT environments, with a particular focus on high-performance security appliances and integrated security platforms.

Siemens, a global industrial powerhouse with a history dating back to 1847, brings a different perspective to the cybersecurity market. With deep expertise in industrial automation and critical infrastructure, Siemens has developed specialized security solutions tailored to the unique requirements of operational technology environments. Their approach emphasizes secure-by-design principles and deep integration with industrial control systems.

Interestingly, while these companies compete in certain market segments, they have also recognized the value of collaboration. In 2019, Fortinet and Siemens announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing cybersecurity in operational technology environments, highlighting the complementary nature of their expertise and product offerings.

Core Product Portfolios: Strengths and Specializations

Fortinet’s Security Fabric Approach

Fortinet has built its reputation on a security fabric architecture that provides broad, integrated, and automated protection across the digital attack surface. At the heart of this fabric is the FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), which combines network security, advanced threat protection, and secure access capabilities in a single platform.

Key components of Fortinet’s portfolio include:

• FortiGate NGFW: High-performance firewalls with advanced security features including intrusion prevention, application control, and SSL inspection.
• FortiAnalyzer: Security analytics and log management solution that provides visibility and reporting across the security fabric.
• FortiManager: Centralized management platform for Fortinet security products, enabling simplified configuration and policy enforcement across distributed environments.
• FortiSIEM: Security Information and Event Management solution that provides real-time analytics and threat detection capabilities.
• FortiNAC: Network Access Control solution that provides visibility, control, and automated response for everything that connects to the network.
• FortiDeceptor: Deception-based technology that creates decoys to detect and defend against advanced threats.

Fortinet’s approach emphasizes integration and automation, with all components of the security fabric designed to work together seamlessly. This integration extends beyond Fortinet’s own products through the Fabric-Ready Partner Program, which includes over 400 technology integrations.

The company has also made significant investments in developing custom security processors (ASICs) that provide superior performance and efficiency compared to general-purpose CPUs. These purpose-built security processors, such as the NP7 (Network Processor) and CP9 (Content Processor), enable Fortinet to deliver high-throughput security solutions without compromising on features or protection capabilities.

Siemens’ Industrial Security Portfolio

Siemens approaches cybersecurity from its position as a leader in industrial automation and control systems. The company’s security solutions are deeply integrated with its industrial offerings and are designed with the specific requirements of operational technology environments in mind.

Key components of Siemens’ security portfolio include:

• RUGGEDCOM: A family of rugged network components designed for harsh environments, including switches, routers, and the Multi-Service Platform (RX1500).
• SCALANCE: Industrial communication devices including security modules like the SCALANCE S615 Industrial Security Appliance.
• Industrial Security Services: Professional services including security assessments, implementation, and managed services.
• SINEMA Remote Connect: Management platform for secure remote networks.
• SIMATIC PCS 7/WinCC Security: Security solutions integrated with Siemens’ control systems.
• Crossbow: Secure remote access solution for industrial environments.

Siemens’ security approach is guided by the principle of “defense-in-depth,” aligned with the IEC 62443 standard for industrial network and system security. This multilayered approach encompasses plant security, network security, and system integrity, providing comprehensive protection for industrial environments.

A key differentiator for Siemens is its deep domain expertise in industrial processes and operational technology. This knowledge allows the company to develop security solutions that address the unique requirements of industrial control systems, including the need for availability, reliability, and compatibility with legacy systems.

Technical Capabilities Comparison: Fortinet vs Siemens

Network Security Features

When evaluating network security capabilities, Fortinet’s FortiGate NGFW stands out for its comprehensive feature set and high performance. FortiGate appliances integrate multiple security functions including firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention, application control, web filtering, antimalware, and advanced threat protection. These functions are powered by purpose-built security processors that deliver exceptional throughput even with all security features enabled.

For example, the FortiGate 3400E can deliver firewall throughput of up to 40 Gbps and NGFW throughput of 5.9 Gbps, making it suitable for demanding enterprise environments. FortiGate firewalls also support sophisticated routing protocols, software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) capabilities, and intent-based segmentation.

Siemens’ networking security approach is more specialized, focusing on the unique requirements of industrial environments. The SCALANCE S615 Industrial Security Appliance, for instance, offers firewall and VPN capabilities specifically designed for industrial applications. While it may not match the raw performance or feature breadth of FortiGate appliances, the SCALANCE S615 excels in areas critical for OT environments, such as:

• Support for industrial protocols
• Rugged design suitable for harsh environments
• Integration with industrial automation systems
• Simplified configuration tailored to OT use cases

The Siemens RUGGEDCOM RX1500 Multi-Service Platform represents a more direct competitor to FortiGate in terms of capabilities, especially following the integration with Fortinet technology. This platform combines routing, switching, and security functions in a ruggedized form factor designed for deployment in harsh industrial environments.

Management and Visibility

Effective security management and visibility are crucial for maintaining a strong security posture. Fortinet provides centralized management through FortiManager, which offers features such as:

• Centralized policy management and provisioning
• Automated compliance reporting
• Workflow automation and scripting capabilities
• Integration with change management processes
• Support for role-based access control

For visibility and analytics, FortiAnalyzer collects and correlates data from across the security fabric, providing insights into security events, user behavior, and potential threats. FortiSIEM extends these capabilities with real-time analytics, automated response workflows, and multi-vendor support.

Siemens approaches management differently, with solutions more tightly integrated with industrial automation systems. SINEMA Remote Connect provides a management platform for secure remote connections to distributed sites, while the SIMATIC PCS 7/WinCC platforms include security features integrated directly into the control system environment.

For industrial customers already using Siemens automation platforms, this integration provides significant advantages in terms of workflow integration and operational simplicity. However, for organizations seeking comprehensive security management across diverse environments, Fortinet’s management solutions may offer greater flexibility and feature depth.

Integration and Ecosystem

Both Fortinet and Siemens have developed extensive ecosystems of complementary products and technology partners, though with different areas of focus.

Fortinet’s Fabric-Ready Partner Program includes integrations with over 400 technology partners across categories including cloud platforms, endpoint security, identity management, and SIEM/SOAR solutions. These integrations allow organizations to build comprehensive security architectures while preserving their investments in existing technologies.

The company has also developed specialized integrations for operational technology environments, including support for industrial protocols such as MODBUS, DNP3, and IEC 61850. This protocol awareness enables more effective security monitoring and control in industrial settings.

Siemens’ ecosystem is centered around its industrial automation portfolio, with security capabilities deeply integrated into products like the SIMATIC PCS 7 distributed control system and the TIA Portal engineering framework. This integration provides significant advantages for organizations standardized on Siemens automation technology, allowing security to be managed as an integral part of the industrial control system lifecycle.

The partnership between Fortinet and Siemens represents a convergence of these ecosystems, bringing together Fortinet’s security expertise and Siemens’ industrial domain knowledge. The integration of FortiGate technology with the RUGGEDCOM Multi-Service Platform exemplifies this approach, combining best-in-class security capabilities with ruggedized hardware designed for industrial environments.

The Fortinet-Siemens Strategic Partnership: Bridging IT and OT Security

In 2019, Fortinet and Siemens announced a strategic partnership aimed at securing operational technology environments. This collaboration is noteworthy not only for its business implications but also for what it reveals about the complementary strengths of these companies.

The first initiative under this partnership was the integration of Fortinet’s FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall with Siemens’ RUGGEDCOM Multi-Service Platform. This integration combines Fortinet’s security expertise with Siemens’ ruggedized hardware designed for harsh industrial environments, addressing a critical gap in the market for high-performance security solutions suitable for OT deployments.

The technical implementation involves embedding FortiGate functionality directly into the RUGGEDCOM RX1500 platform, allowing organizations to deploy advanced security capabilities at the edge of industrial networks without requiring separate hardware. This integrated approach provides several benefits:

• Reduced physical footprint, important in space-constrained industrial environments
• Simplified deployment and management
• Ruggedized design suitable for harsh conditions (temperature extremes, vibration, etc.)
• Support for both IT and OT protocols and use cases

The partnership also includes joint development of security reference architectures aligned with the IEC 62443 standard for industrial network and system security. These reference architectures provide organizations with validated designs for securing industrial environments while maintaining operational reliability and efficiency.

Looking ahead, the Fortinet-Siemens partnership is expected to expand to include additional product integrations, managed services offerings, and collaborative research on emerging threats to industrial systems. This ongoing collaboration highlights the increasing convergence of IT and OT security requirements and the need for solutions that address both domains effectively.

Performance Analysis: Benchmarking Fortinet and Siemens Solutions

Network Performance and Scalability

When evaluating security solutions for enterprise and operational technology environments, performance and scalability are critical considerations. These factors directly impact not only security effectiveness but also operational efficiency and user experience.

Fortinet has built its reputation on high-performance security appliances powered by purpose-built ASIC technology. The company’s custom security processors, such as the NP7 and CP9, deliver significantly higher throughput and lower latency compared to solutions based on general-purpose CPUs. This architectural advantage is particularly evident in scenarios requiring compute-intensive security functions such as SSL inspection, deep packet inspection, and real-time threat analysis.

For example, in independent testing by NSS Labs, FortiGate NGFWs have consistently demonstrated superior price-performance ratios compared to competitors. The FortiGate 1800F, powered by Fortinet’s NP7 processor, can deliver up to 198 Gbps of firewall throughput and 20 Gbps of IPsec VPN throughput while maintaining low latency and connection setup times.

To illustrate the capabilities of Fortinet’s ASIC-based architecture, consider the following example of how FortiGate NGFWs handle SSL inspection, a critical but resource-intensive security function:

Security Function	FortiGate 1800F (ASIC-accelerated)	Typical CPU-based NGFW
SSL Inspection Throughput	20 Gbps	3-5 Gbps
SSL Inspection Latency	< 1 ms	3-10 ms
Concurrent SSL Connections	8 million	1-2 million

Siemens’ security solutions, while generally not matching Fortinet’s raw performance metrics, are optimized for industrial use cases where different performance characteristics may be more relevant. The RUGGEDCOM RX1500 with integrated FortiGate technology, for instance, balances security performance with ruggedization features required for deployment in harsh environments:

• Extended temperature range operation (-40°C to +85°C)
• Resistance to electromagnetic interference
• High mean time between failures (MTBF)
• Support for redundant power supplies and network interfaces

For industrial applications where environmental conditions are challenging and traffic volumes are typically lower than in enterprise IT environments, these characteristics may be more valuable than raw throughput numbers. However, with the increasing convergence of IT and OT networks and the growth of Industrial IoT applications, performance requirements for industrial security solutions are steadily increasing.

The integration of Fortinet’s security technology with Siemens’ industrial platforms represents an attempt to address this evolution, combining Fortinet’s performance advantages with Siemens’ industrial-grade hardware and domain expertise.

Security Effectiveness

Beyond raw performance, security effectiveness is perhaps the most critical metric for evaluating security solutions. Both Fortinet and Siemens have developed approaches to threat detection and prevention aligned with their respective areas of focus.

Fortinet’s security effectiveness is backed by the FortiGuard Labs threat intelligence organization, which includes over 200 security researchers and analysts worldwide. This team analyzes more than 100 billion security events daily, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify emerging threats and develop protections.

The effectiveness of FortiGate NGFWs in blocking threats has been validated through independent testing by organizations such as NSS Labs and AV-Comparatives. In the 2020 NSS Labs NGFW Test, FortiGate achieved a 99.3% security effectiveness score while maintaining high performance and low total cost of ownership.

Fortinet’s approach to threat detection and prevention includes multiple layers:

1. Signature-based detection for known threats
2. Heuristic analysis to identify suspicious behavior patterns
3. Sandbox integration through FortiSandbox for dynamic analysis of unknown files
4. Machine learning algorithms trained on vast datasets to identify malicious code
5. Web filtering and application control to prevent access to malicious sites and applications

Siemens approaches security effectiveness with a specific focus on industrial control systems and operational technology. The company’s security solutions are designed to address threats specific to industrial environments, such as attacks targeting industrial protocols or attempting to manipulate control processes.

Key aspects of Siemens’ approach to industrial security include:

• Deep protocol inspection for industrial protocols such as PROFINET, OPC UA, and Modbus
• Anomaly detection based on understanding of normal industrial process behavior
• Secure-by-design principles applied to industrial components and systems
• Regular security updates for industrial control system components
• Vulnerability management through ProductCERT, Siemens’ dedicated team for handling security vulnerabilities

For organizations operating in industrial environments, Siemens’ deep understanding of industrial protocols and processes provides significant advantages in detecting and preventing attacks specific to these environments. However, as industrial networks become increasingly connected to IT networks and the internet, the comprehensive threat protection capabilities provided by Fortinet become more relevant to these environments as well.

Use Case Analysis: Where Each Solution Excels

Enterprise Network Security

For enterprise network security requirements, Fortinet generally offers a more comprehensive and mature solution set. The Fortinet Security Fabric provides end-to-end protection across the entire network infrastructure, from edge to cloud, with centralized management and visibility.

Key strengths of Fortinet in enterprise environments include:

• Broad product portfolio covering all aspects of network security
• High performance security processing with minimal impact on network throughput
• Integrated SD-WAN capabilities for secure and efficient branch connectivity
• Advanced threat protection including sandboxing and AI-powered security services
• Extensive ecosystem of technology integrations

A typical enterprise deployment might leverage FortiGate NGFWs at the network perimeter and data center, FortiSwitch and FortiAP for secure switching and wireless, and FortiClient for endpoint protection. FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer provide centralized management and visibility across this distributed infrastructure.

For example, a financial services organization with multiple branch offices and data centers might implement a security architecture like this:

config system interface
    edit "wan1"
        set vdom "root"
        set mode dhcp
        set allowaccess ping https ssh
    next
    edit "internal"
        set vdom "root"
        set ip 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
        set allowaccess ping https ssh
    next
end

config firewall policy
    edit 1
        set name "Internet Access"
        set srcintf "internal"
        set dstintf "wan1"
        set srcaddr "all"
        set dstaddr "all"
        set action accept
        set schedule "always"
        set service "ALL"
        set utm-status enable
        set av-profile "default"
        set webfilter-profile "default"
        set ips-sensor "default"
        set application-list "default"
        set ssl-ssh-profile "certificate-inspection"
        set nat enable
    next
end

config firewall ssl-ssh-profile
    edit "certificate-inspection"
        set comment "Inspect SSL traffic with certificate verification"
        config https
            set status certificate-inspection
        end
        config ssl
            set status certificate-inspection
        end
    next
end

While Siemens does offer some products applicable to enterprise security, such as components of the RUGGEDCOM and SCALANCE families, these solutions are primarily designed for industrial use cases and lack many features expected in enterprise environments. Organizations with primarily IT-focused requirements are likely to find Fortinet’s offerings more suitable for their needs.

Industrial and OT Security

For operational technology security, the comparison becomes more nuanced. Siemens has a clear advantage in terms of industrial domain expertise and integration with industrial control systems, particularly for organizations already using Siemens automation technology.

Key strengths of Siemens in industrial environments include:

• Deep understanding of industrial processes and protocols
• Ruggedized hardware designed for harsh industrial environments
• Integration with industrial automation systems
• Compliance with industrial standards such as IEC 62443
• Industry-specific security architectures and reference designs

A typical Siemens industrial security deployment might include RUGGEDCOM switches and routers for network infrastructure, SCALANCE S modules for zone segmentation and security, and SINEMA Remote Connect for secure remote access. These components would be integrated with the industrial control system, such as SIMATIC PCS 7 or SIMATIC WinCC, providing a cohesive security architecture aligned with operational requirements.

Fortinet has been expanding its capabilities for industrial security, with support for industrial protocols and ruggedized appliances designed for OT environments. The company’s FortiGuard Industrial Security Service provides threat intelligence specific to industrial control systems, while FortiNAC offers visibility and control of industrial IoT devices.

For organizations with both IT and OT security requirements, the partnership between Fortinet and Siemens offers an interesting option. The integrated solution combining Fortinet’s security technology with Siemens’ industrial platforms provides comprehensive protection across both domains, with each company contributing its core strengths.

A reference architecture for this integrated approach might include:

1. Network segmentation between IT and OT networks using FortiGate NGFWs
2. Secure remote access through Siemens Crossbow and FortiClient
3. Industrial network security using RUGGEDCOM RX1500 with integrated FortiGate
4. Endpoint protection for engineering workstations using FortiClient
5. Security monitoring across both domains using FortiSIEM

Total Cost of Ownership and ROI Considerations

When evaluating security solutions, organizations must consider not only the initial purchase price but also ongoing operational costs and the overall return on investment. Both Fortinet and Siemens offer distinct value propositions in this regard, reflecting their different approaches to security.

Licensing and Pricing Models

Fortinet has traditionally offered competitive pricing compared to other enterprise security vendors, with a licensing model that provides flexibility in terms of feature selection. The company’s licensing structure includes:

• Base firewall license for core networking and security functions
• Security subscription bundles (UTP, Enterprise, Advanced) with progressively more advanced security features
• A la carte subscriptions for specific security services
• FortiCare support at various service levels

This approach allows organizations to tailor their investment to their specific requirements, although comprehensive protection typically requires multiple subscription components. Fortinet also offers Enterprise Agreements for large organizations seeking simplified licensing across their security infrastructure.

Siemens’ pricing model for industrial security solutions is generally more closely tied to specific hardware platforms and projects. For organizations already standardized on Siemens automation technology, security capabilities may be included as part of broader automation system deployments, potentially offering cost synergies. However, standalone security components like SCALANCE S modules typically involve hardware purchase with separate support contracts.

For the integrated Fortinet-Siemens solutions, pricing typically involves both hardware components from Siemens and security subscriptions from Fortinet, with potential for optimized packaging through the strategic partnership.

Operational Efficiency and Management Overhead

Beyond initial purchase and licensing costs, the operational efficiency of security solutions has a significant impact on total cost of ownership. Both Fortinet and Siemens offer management platforms designed to reduce administrative overhead, though with different areas of focus.

Fortinet’s centralized management approach through FortiManager can significantly reduce administrative costs, particularly for organizations with distributed security infrastructure. Key efficiency benefits include:

• Template-based provisioning for consistent configuration across devices
• Policy inheritance to simplify management of complex policy sets
• Automated compliance reporting to reduce audit preparation time
• Workflow automation for routine tasks
• Zero-touch deployment for remote locations

According to a Forrester Total Economic Impact study commissioned by Fortinet, organizations implementing the Fortinet Security Fabric typically see a return on investment of 313% over three years, with significant reductions in security administration time and improved security effectiveness.

Siemens’ approach to operational efficiency centers around integration with industrial automation workflows. For organizations already using Siemens automation platforms, security management can be integrated with existing engineering and maintenance processes, potentially reducing the learning curve and administrative overhead. However, this advantage is most relevant for organizations with significant investments in Siemens industrial technology.

Long-term Value and Strategic Alignment

When considering the long-term value of security investments, organizations should evaluate how well each solution aligns with their strategic technology roadmap and how effectively it addresses evolving security requirements.

Fortinet’s security fabric architecture provides a foundation for security that can evolve alongside changing technology landscapes. The company’s investments in areas like SD-WAN, SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), and zero trust network access position it well for emerging security paradigms. For organizations pursuing digital transformation initiatives spanning multiple domains, Fortinet’s comprehensive approach offers strategic advantages.

Siemens’ value proposition is most compelling for organizations with significant investments in industrial technology, particularly those standardized on Siemens automation platforms. The company’s deep integration between security and automation systems provides long-term value through operational synergies and protection specifically designed for industrial assets. As industrial environments become increasingly connected and digitalized, Siemens’ combination of industrial expertise and security capabilities offers a strategic advantage for securing digital transformation in these domains.

The partnership between Fortinet and Siemens represents an interesting convergence of these value propositions, potentially offering the best of both worlds for organizations with both IT and OT security requirements. By combining Fortinet’s security expertise with Siemens’ industrial domain knowledge, the integrated solutions address the growing need for comprehensive security across traditionally separate technology domains.

Customer Experience and Support Ecosystem

The effectiveness of security solutions depends not only on technical capabilities but also on the quality of the customer experience and support ecosystem. Both Fortinet and Siemens have developed extensive support infrastructures, though with different areas of specialization.

Implementation and Professional Services

Fortinet offers a range of professional services to support customers throughout the security lifecycle, from initial planning and design to implementation and optimization. The company’s service portfolio includes:

• Security architecture design based on best practices and reference architectures
• Implementation services for deploying Fortinet solutions
• Migration services for transitioning from legacy security solutions
• Security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and improvement opportunities
• Resident engineers for ongoing on-site support

These services are delivered through a combination of Fortinet’s internal professional services organization and a network of certified partners. For complex enterprise deployments, Fortinet’s professional services team can provide valuable expertise in optimizing security architecture and configuration to meet specific requirements.

Siemens offers specialized professional services focused on industrial security, leveraging the company’s deep experience in automation and control systems. Key service offerings include:

• Industrial security assessments evaluating both technical and organizational aspects
• Security concept development aligned with standards such as IEC 62443
• Implementation services for industrial security solutions
• Managed security services for ongoing monitoring and management
• Incident response services specialized in industrial environments

For organizations operating critical infrastructure or industrial processes, Siemens’ domain-specific services can provide significant value in addressing the unique security requirements of these environments.

Training and Certification Programs

Both companies offer extensive training and certification programs to help customers build internal expertise and maximize the value of their security investments.

Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) program provides structured learning paths across eight levels, from foundational knowledge to advanced expertise. The program includes both free self-paced training and more comprehensive instructor-led courses, with certifications validating different levels of expertise. For organizations building internal security teams, the NSE program offers a valuable framework for skills development and validation.

Siemens’ training offerings focus on industrial security concepts and technologies, with courses covering topics such as:

• Industrial security fundamentals
• RUGGEDCOM and SCALANCE security implementation
• Secure automation system design
• Security for SIMATIC control systems
• Industrial network security management

These training programs are typically integrated with broader automation and control system training, reflecting the company’s holistic approach to industrial technology.

Customer Satisfaction and Peer Reviews

Customer satisfaction metrics and peer reviews provide valuable insights into the real-world experience of working with each company’s solutions and support infrastructure.

According to Peerspot (formerly IT Central Station), Fortinet has received 1,843 reviews with generally positive feedback. Customers frequently cite performance, ease of management, and value for money as key strengths. FortiGate NGFWs are particularly well-regarded, with high ratings for both technical capabilities and usability.

Some representative comments from Fortinet customers include:

“The most valuable features of this solution are the interface and dashboard, which are user-friendly and easy to use.”

“The security feature is its most valuable aspect. It’s one of the things I am impressed with, especially on the application control.”

Siemens has received 40 reviews on Peerspot, reflecting its more specialized focus compared to Fortinet’s broader market presence. Reviews of Siemens’ industrial security solutions emphasize reliability, integration with automation systems, and domain-specific capabilities as key strengths.

While direct comparisons of customer satisfaction are challenging due to the different focus areas and scales of these companies, both appear to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction within their respective domains. For organizations evaluating these solutions, reference checks with peers in similar industries and with similar requirements can provide valuable insights beyond published reviews and ratings.

Future Roadmap and Strategic Direction

Understanding the future roadmap and strategic direction of security vendors is crucial for organizations making long-term investments in security infrastructure. Both Fortinet and Siemens have articulated clear visions for the evolution of their security offerings, reflecting their respective market positions and areas of focus.

Fortinet’s Strategic Vision

Fortinet’s strategic direction is guided by the concept of a “security-driven network” that integrates networking and security functions to address the challenges of digital transformation. Key elements of Fortinet’s roadmap include:

• Continued expansion of the Security Fabric to cover emerging technologies and use cases
• Advanced threat detection and response capabilities leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Integration of SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) principles into the Fortinet portfolio
• Enhanced OT security capabilities for industrial and critical infrastructure environments
• Deeper integration with cloud platforms and containerized environments

Fortinet has demonstrated a commitment to innovation through substantial R&D investments, with over 700 issued patents and significant resources dedicated to developing next-generation security technologies. The company’s development of custom security processors (ASICs) exemplifies this commitment to technological leadership, providing performance advantages that enable new security capabilities.

In recent years, Fortinet has also expanded its focus on operational technology security, recognizing the growing convergence of IT and OT environments. This expansion includes enhanced support for industrial protocols, ruggedized security appliances designed for industrial environments, and threat intelligence specific to industrial control systems.

Siemens’ Industrial Security Vision

Siemens’ security strategy is closely aligned with the concept of “Industrial Security by Design,” integrating security considerations throughout the lifecycle of industrial systems and components. Key aspects of Siemens’ security roadmap include:

• Enhanced integration of security into automation components and systems
• Expanded secure remote access capabilities for distributed industrial assets
• Industrial security monitoring and analytics leveraging industrial process knowledge
• Security solutions for Industrial IoT and edge computing environments
• Alignment with evolving industrial security standards such as IEC 62443

Siemens has made significant investments in industrial cybersecurity through both internal development and strategic acquisitions. The 2017 acquisition of Genus Technologies, for example, enhanced Siemens’ capabilities in industrial network monitoring and anomaly detection.

The company’s security roadmap is also informed by its Charter of Trust initiative, launched in 2018 to establish shared principles for cybersecurity across the industrial ecosystem. This initiative reflects Siemens’ commitment to addressing security challenges at both technical and organizational levels.

The Evolving Partnership

The strategic partnership between Fortinet and Siemens represents a recognition of the complementary strengths these companies bring to addressing security challenges in converged IT/OT environments. The integration of FortiGate technology with Siemens’ RUGGEDCOM platform is likely just the first of several collaborative initiatives between these companies.

Potential future directions for this partnership could include:

• Expanded product integrations across both companies’ portfolios
• Joint managed security services for industrial environments
• Collaborative threat intelligence focused on industrial threats
• Integrated security solutions for Industrial IoT and edge computing
• Joint reference architectures for securing digital transformation in industrial sectors

For organizations with both IT and OT security requirements, this evolving partnership offers the potential for more integrated and effective security solutions that leverage the respective strengths of each company. However, the success of this partnership will depend on the companies’ ability to align their product roadmaps and go-to-market strategies effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fortinet vs Siemens

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References:

• ZDNet: Fortinet, Siemens pair up to better secure operational technology
• Fortinet-Siemens Partnership Solution Brief