Blog

 

Dive deep into MikroTik's RouterBoards and RouterOS. We keep you informed and up-to-date, always.

Author

 

Every post is penned by our certified MikroTik engineers, ensuring relevance and accuracy in every word.

Feedback

 

Your insights drive our content. Sharing knowledge, we elevate the MikroTik community in Canada together.

Cutting-Edge Security Made Affordable: Centralized FortiGate Services at Our Co-Location Facility

Network security is essential for businesses to protect their data, employees, and customers, especially with the rise of remote work. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), however, the cost of a top-tier FortiGate device can be a major hurdle. With units starting in the thousands for a single year, these solutions often feel out of reach. That’s where we step in, offering access to FortiGate’s powerful security without the upfront cost.

Why FortiGate? And Why the Need for Change?

FortiGate is a leader in network security, known for providing advanced firewall protection and secure connectivity across distributed networks. But for many SMEs, even the smallest models are expensive, and long-term commitments can strain budgets further. Imagine needing to pay upwards of $2,000 per year or $5,000 for a multi-year term to get even a basic setup. It’s a steep investment that many small businesses just can’t justify.
Inspired by the concept of services like Mac Stadium, which allow users to remotely rent powerful Mac devices for intensive tasks, we thought: why not bring the same approach to network security? Instead of each company buying and managing their own FortiGate device, we centralize FortiGate at our co-location, making it accessible and affordable for everyone.

How It Works: Centralized FortiGate with Shared Access

Our approach simplifies FortiGate ownership. By placing FortiGate at our co-location, we give SMEs the ability to leverage high-end security without owning the hardware. Here’s how it benefits you:
 

1. Centralized Security at Lower Costs: We own and maintain the FortiGate device, allowing multiple clients to access its secure network environment through their own dedicated tunnels. Clients gain access to industry-leading security without the massive upfront investment.

2. Flexible Access for Remote Employees: FortiGate can be configured to protect remote employees effectively, providing a secure VPN access through a MikroTik device we supply. This setup securely routes traffic through the centralized FortiGate, maintaining full compliance and security standards.
3. No Capital Investment or Ownership Hassles: Traditional FortiGate purchases mean SMEs bear all the financial risk upfront. With our model, customers pay a monthly fee rather than buying the hardware outright. If they no longer need the service, we can stop access without any financial penalties – and the hardware is instantly repurposed for other clients.

MikroTik: The Affordable Edge for Secure Connectivity


Incorporating a MikroTik router as the edge device, we make connectivity simple, secure, and affordable. Unlike Cisco Meraki or other high-cost VPN solutions, MikroTik offers an incredible value. With MikroTik’s powerful, compact devices, SMEs get a secure VPN back to our co-location FortiGate at no additional hardware cost.
For clients connected to our network, deploying secure access is even easier. But even for those on external networks, we offer a MikroTik router pre-configured to connect seamlessly to our FortiGate service. This level of affordability and accessibility makes our solution unique.

Built for Businesses – Scalable, Flexible, and Affordable


Our centralized FortiGate service doesn’t just save you money; it offers unparalleled flexibility:

 

 Access to the Latest Hardware and Software: Just as Mac Stadium refreshes their Macs, we continually upgrade our FortiGate devices, so you’re always protected by the latest security technology without paying for hardware replacements.

 Expand or Scale Down as Needed: As your business grows, our FortiGate service can grow with you. We offer various service tiers to match your current needs, allowing you to adjust as your business evolves.

 Full Support and Maintenance: With the hardware hosted at our co-location, we handle all maintenance, support, and updates, freeing you from the complexities of managing in-house security infrastructure.

Get Started with a Solution Built for SMEs


If you’re a business owner struggling with security costs or looking for a better way to protect your remote teams, our centralized FortiGate solution might be just what you need. We’re here to make top-tier network security accessible for all – without the need for upfront capital investment.
Take the leap and secure your business with high-end FortiGate protection. Contact us today to learn more about how our solution can work for you.