Fusion Connect Picks Fortinet as SD-WAN Partner

Another service provider has selected Fortinet as an SD-WAN partner.

Fusion Connect on Wednesday said it will build a new service offering around the Fortinet Secure SD-WAN solution. Fusion, the self-identified managed service provider, said the addition improves network functionality and security while simplifying network design. The Fortinet solution features a built-in next-generation firewall, web filtering and an intrusion prevention system.

Maro DeRiggi, Fusion Connect’s chief revenue officer, said all customer sizes and verticals will benefit from the new offer.

Fusion Connect’s Mario DeRiggi

“We are excited to expand our capabilities on top of our already comprehensive set of foundational products and services like broadband, fiber and wireless,” DeRiggi said. “The Fortinet SD-WAN technology complements our other offerings, creating even more choice to enable tailored networks at compelling price points for our customer needs of today and tomorrow.”

Fusion Connect already offers an SD-WAN solution powered by VMware VeloCloud. Fusion began partnering with VeloCloud (which VMware later bought) back in 2017.

Fortinet’s Momentum Continues

Fortinet has emerged as a popular partner for service providers. Windstream, which also uses VMware SD-WAN, teamed up with Fortinet last year to add a second SD-WAN service. GTT Communications also added Fortinet to a networking portfolio that already featured VMware.

John Maddison, Fortinet’s executive vice president of of products and chief marketing officer, praised the new partnership.

Fortinet’s John Maddison

“Fortinet Secure SD-WAN delivers self-healing SD-WAN capabilities, advanced routing and advanced security in a single solution,” Maddison said. “This unique approach will enable Fusion to further differentiate and grow their business.”

Fusion Connect scored in the challenger tier for Vertical Systems Group’s latest Carrier Managed SD-WAN Services Leaderboard.

The company emerged from chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year. See our recent Q&A with new CEO Brian Crotty. Crotty, as well as Mario DeRiggi, previously worked at Broadview Networks.