Fortinet Releases New FortiClient Endpoint Protection Suite Version
Company says premium and freeware editions help “minimize the infestation of networks.”
Fortinet, a network security provider, has announced the latest release of its FortiClient Endpoint Protection Suite.
The latest release introduces a host of features to support performance-intensive environments. Version 4.1 FortiClient’s features include SSL VPN, WAN optimization, application dete
ction, and endpoint control. It can also provide protection for laptops and PCs or be implemented modularly to co-exist with other dedicated security products for endpoints.
Fortinet is also offering a standard and unmanaged version of FortiClient 4.1. This version is freeware, and it’s available for free to consumers and SMBs. Bboth the complimentary and licensed versions of FortiClient 4.1 offer Fortinet’s FortiGate multi-threat network appliances. Both versions also receive automatic updates from the FortiGuard subscription.
Fortinet says that by offering complimentary and licensed versions of its FortiClient 4.1 solution, it is “helping to minimize the infestation of networks by removing the cost barriers that prevent consumers from deploying appropriate protection”
Anthony James, vice president of products with Fortinet, says there is no reason users should go without broad security protection for their laptops or PCs. “An unsecured endpoint or one that only provides AV or firewall protection–whether for personal or business use–should be considered an imminent threat.” He adds, “It’s not enough to offer minimal protection for endpoints or for just the ones touching the networks.”
Product Line and Features
The modular functionality of FortiClient 4.1 is designed to enable organizations that do not want to immediately supplant their current endpoint strategy to augment and enhance their security posture for endpoints. The features of FortiClient 4.1 can be implemented in full or turned on individually to meet the specific needs of each organization.
Here are some of the new features of FortiClient 4.1:
- Application Detection–This provides security policy for applications regardless of port or protocol used for communication.
- SSL VPN–This offers secure connection to internal Web applications in the security perimeter.
- Accelerated Performance–Along with WAN acceleration, the 4.1release includes new accelerated antispyware and antivirus engines that results in a 3x performance increase over the previous FortiClient 4.0 version.
- Endpoint Control–This global automated infrastructure helps enforce endpoint security compliance.
The complete FortiClient product line is made up of the following three products:
1.††††† FortiClient Premium Edition–This includes SSL/IPSec VPN, WAN optimization client, application detection, endpoint control, host antivirus/antispyware, firewall, intrusion prevention service, Web content filtering, endpoint management (FortiManager), FortiCare support services, antispam, and Web content filtering re-rating.
2.††††† FortiClient Standard Edition (complimentary version)—All premium edition features are included in this edition, except endpoint management (FortiManager), FortiCare support services, antispam, e-mail DLP, and Web content filtering re-rating.
3.††††† FortiMobile for Windows Mobile, Symbian, and Pocket PC–These include IPSec VPN, phone security with handset data encrypt/decrypt, personal firewall, antivirus, incoming call filter, SMS antispam and multi-language support.
Pricing and Availability
All versions of FortiClient 4.1 and FortiMobile are available for immediate download.
Pricing for the premium version of FortiClient 4.1 and FortiMobile begin $29 per user, which includes endpoint management and enhanced support services.
Phone support is also available as an added service. Additional information about the FortiClient Endpoint Protection Suite can be found online.
