04 March 2020

The offering that uses Fortinet technology includes integrated next generation firewall and unified threat management functionality combined with an SD-WAN edge device and router

GTT Communications has expanded out its SD-WAN options with the addition of Fortinet Secure SD-WAN.

The offering that uses Fortinet technology includes integrated next generation firewall and unified threat management functionality combined with an SD-WAN edge device and router.

GTT said this provides “an attractive return on investment” with robust security features.

The GTT SD-WAN service offering with Fortinet is also said to be particularly suitable for distributed enterprises and branch networking applications in industries such as retail, quick service restaurants, hospitality and financial services.

“Clients rely on GTT to securely connect their locations across the world and to every application in the cloud,” said Rick Calder, GTT president and chief executive officer (CEO). “Our broad portfolio of SD-WAN service options, that now includes Fortinet, ensures that clients can run their applications with superior security, performance and reliability to support their business goals.”

Fortinet SVP of products and chief marketing officer (CMO) John Maddison  added: “Fortinet Secure SD-WAN allows GTT to build a smart connectivity platform that delivers additional value to customers through security, analytics and cloud-acceleration services. The combination of GTT’s Tier 1 global IP network and Fortinet Secure SD-WAN enables high-performing and differentiated services for GTT clients worldwide. We’re pleased to partner with GTT to deliver our carrier-grade secure SD-WAN solution to global enterprise organisations.”

Mike Sapien, vice president & chief analyst US for enterprise services at Ovum, said that by adding Fortinet as another vendor platform, GTT has enhanced and broadened its SD-WAN service to offer enterprises even greater networking agility and integrated security capabilities. “The integration of SD-WAN technology with GTT’s Tier 1 IP network offers performance and efficiency advantages when leveraging the core network for internet traffic destined for the cloud,” he added.

GTT has been a Fortinet customer since 2007, but this new deal gives it a third-option for offering GTT's network-based, managed SD-WAN services.