Comcast Business Enlists Fortinet, Equinix for New SASE Offering

Comcast Business is teaming up with Fortinet to deliver security service edge (SSE) and secure access service edge (SASE) offerings.

Comcast Business and Fortinet, which have already partnered to launch a managed SD-WAN solution, on Monday announced a new strategic partnership. The companies together are rolling out solutions that leverage Fortinet’s technology, Equinix Fabric cloud connection and Comcast Business secure gateways. The SASE version of offering brings Comcast Business’ SD-WAN to the SSE solution.

Comcast Business’ Amit Verma

“In today’s dynamic world, no two companies are alike and very few are the same as they were just two years ago. By expanding our relationship with Fortinet, we are offering our clients more choice and the flexibility to choose a solution that works for them – while providing some of the latest security solutions to help keep them ready for the day – today and tomorrow,” said Amit Verma, chief technology officer of enterprise solutions for Comcast Business.

A recent Foundry study commissioned by the companies concluded that 98% of enterprise leaders want to converge network and security. SASE brings together advanced security features, such as cloud access security broker and zero trust network access, with advanced networking features like SD-WAN. That convergence occurs on unified, cloud-based platform.

Fortinet’s John Maddison

“In order to enhance user experience, reduce complexity and improve their security posture against today’s most advanced and persistent threats, organizations must adopt solutions that converge networking and security,” said John Maddison, Fortinet’s executive vice president of products and chief marketing officer.

Equinix data centers host Comcast Business’ secure gateways. In addition, Equinix Fabric allows support from AWS, Azure, Google Cloud and other cloud providers.

Past Partnerships

The announcement deepens Comcast Business’ set of SASE offerings.

Comcast Business in March announced that it had added Palo Alto’s SASE offering as one of its virtual network functions (VNF) on its ActiveCore software-defined networking platform.

In addition, Fortinet and Comcast Business have partnered together on other fronts. Fortinet in April announced a managed SD-WAN service that it provided in concert with Masergy (which Comcast owns) and Ingram Micro. Fortinet provides the technology platform, and Masergy/Comcast provides the managed service. Furthermore, Ingram Micro distributes the offering.