Fortinet, Inc. is a global cybersecurity company that established itself as a leading force in the digital security industry. Founded in 2000, Fortinet has its headquarters in Sunnyvale, California. The company is renowned for its innovative solutions that protect organizations from a wide range of cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats.
Fortinet’s flagship product is its FortiGate security appliance, a high-performance network security platform that provides robust firewall, VPN, and intrusion prevention capabilities. The company also offers a comprehensive suite of security services, including endpoint protection, email security, and cloud security solutions, designed to safeguard businesses in an increasingly interconnected world.
With a commitment to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity technology, Fortinet invests heavily in research and development. Its global network of threat intelligence labs constantly monitors and analyzes emerging threats, enabling the company to deliver timely updates and threat intelligence to its customers. Fortinet’s dedication to cybersecurity excellence has earned it a strong customer base, ranging from small businesses to large enterprises and service providers. As cyber threats evolve, Fortinet remains a trusted partner in securing digital assets and ensuring business continuity.
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founders | Ken Xie Michael Xie |
| Headquarters | Sunnyvale, California, United States |
| Type | Public [Traded as – Nasdaq: FTNT] |
| Industry | Cloud Security Cybersecurity Network Security |
| Products | Fortinet Security Fabric, FortiGate UTM, FortiGate enterprise, FortiGate carrier, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, FortiWeb, FortiSIEM, FortiSandbox, FortiClient, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiEDR |
| Services | Next generation firewalls, Antivirus programs, Intrusion-prevention system, Antispyware, Antispam, VPN, Wireless security, Application control, Web filtering, Security information and event management |
| Website | fortinet.com |
Inception and Early Years (2000-2005)
Fortinet, Inc. was founded in 2000 by brothers Ken and Michael Xie and their friend, Yan Ke. The trio shared a vision of creating innovative cybersecurity solutions to address the growing threats in the digital landscape. The company set up its headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, and wasted no time developing its first product.
In 2002, Fortinet introduced its flagship product, the FortiGate security appliance, marking its entry into the cybersecurity market. The FortiGate was a groundbreaking firewall and VPN device that provided robust protection against emerging threats. This innovative approach quickly gained the attention of organizations looking to bolster their network security.
Rapid Expansion and Diversification (2005-2010)
As cyber threats continued to evolve, Fortinet expanded its product offerings to meet the growing demands of its customers. The company introduced various security services, including intrusion prevention, antivirus, web filtering, and email security solutions. This diversification allowed Fortinet to provide comprehensive security packages to organizations of all sizes.
In 2009, Fortinet went public with its initial public offering (IPO), signaling its strong presence in the cybersecurity industry. The funds from the IPO enabled the company to invest further in research and development, driving innovation and maintaining its competitive edge.
Global Reach and Market Leadership (2010-Present)
Throughout the 2010s, Fortinet solidified its position as a global leader in cybersecurity. The company expanded its presence worldwide, establishing offices and partnerships in key regions. Its commitment to staying ahead of cyber threats was demonstrated through its extensive network of threat intelligence labs, which monitored and analyzed emerging threats in real time.
Fortinet continued innovating solutions tailored for cloud security and endpoint protection. As organizations increasingly embraced digital transformation, Fortinet’s cybersecurity offerings effectively adapted to secure cloud environments and remote workforces. In 2021, with cybersecurity becoming more critical than ever, Fortinet’s products and services remained at the forefront of safeguarding digital assets. The company’s dedication to excellence and ability to evolve with the changing threat landscape has made it a trusted partner for businesses, governments, and service providers worldwide.
