We compared Cisco Identity Services Engine and Fortinet FortiNA (ISE)C based on our users’ reviews in four categories. After reading the collected data, you can find our conclusion below.
Comparison of Results: Based on the parameters we compared, Cisco ISE seems to be the slightly superior solution because of its expansive integration capabilities.
"The authorization and accounts inside of ISE are very useful for us."
"Assisting a larger number of users in gaining access and guiding them through the process of getting on Cisco ISE has been seamless."
"It is scalable because we use a network load balancer at the front of the PSN. It can be extended as we want to multiply. It's scalable to our environment. We have around 8,000 users and we are planning to expand it."
"Being able to authenticate wired users through 802.1X is valuable as it enhances our security."
"I like the guest access feature, which has been important for us."
"In terms of scalability, you need to factor in your licenses. With a virtual platform, the scalability is more than sufficient. We have over one thousand users."
"It does a good job of establishing trust for each access request, no matter the source. It's also very effective at helping with the distributed network and at securing access."
"The most valuable features are the ability to retrieve information about Active Directory user names, viewing the log files to see which MAC address tried to connect with the created SSIDs, portal designing for your company, hotspot tools, and creating network rules for WiFi access."
"It's a very good solution and one thing I have noted is its simplicity and the ease of the set-up process."
"The solution is good at giving a deep dive into each product. It tells you, for example, what is connected to the network. It gives us good reporting tools."
"The interface is good and simple to use."
"The features are more expandable."
"Fortinet FortiNAC is both scalable and stable."
"The most valuable features are usability and security."
"Compared to other NAC vendors, Fortinet’s user interface is more user-friendly."
"Provides good performance, is easy to use and configure."
"The price could be better. I would like to see more integration with third-party solutions in the next release. This is because many of my clients don't have Cisco."
"This product doesn't work in isolation."
"It does a good job of establishing trust for every access request. We have had a little bit of a challenge with profiling, but we are probably about 80% there."
"Deploying to a machine, as opposed to a dedicated appliance, can be a bit difficult."
"Cisco ISE can become quite complex, especially with policy sets, the entire authentication process, and everything involved."
"The software is a little bit complicated to understand in the beginning, meaning the implementation. It needs proper documentation so that we can understand the options more easily."
"ISE is a little clunky. The front-end feels like it is from the 1980s."
"The licensing documentation needs to be better."
"The product could be more user-friendly in terms of GUI."
"Keeping the hard disk on the one series will be easier for the distributor and will keep the prices lower for the customer."
"For our organization and our clients, the price is the main concern. They should work to make it more competitive."
"FortiNAC could be more scalable."
"Its technical support needs improvement."
"I would like to be able to compare the configuration backup before and after."
"The response and resolution time for technical support issues need to be improved."
"The technical support is bad. We've had to escalate to Tier 2 and Tier 3. My customer relationship manager on the other side of this has stopped returning phone calls and emails, because there has been such a constant back and forth."
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Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) is ranked 1st in Network Access Control (NAC) with 135 reviews while Fortinet FortiNAC is ranked 4th in Network Access Control (NAC) with 42 reviews. Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) is rated 8.2, while Fortinet FortiNAC is rated 7.6. The top reviewer of Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) writes "Gives us that extra ability to assist the end user and make sure that we are making them happy". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Fortinet FortiNAC writes "I like the solution's native integration with other devices from the same vendor". Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) is most compared with Aruba ClearPass, Forescout Platform, CyberArk Privileged Access Manager, Fortinet FortiAuthenticator and Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security, whereas Fortinet FortiNAC is most compared with Aruba ClearPass, Forescout Platform, Fortinet FortiAuthenticator, Fortinet FortiClient and Portnox CORE. See our Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) vs. Fortinet FortiNAC report.
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We monitor all Network Access Control (NAC) reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.