IndiGo deploys Fortinet solutions to improve security, connectivity

Gurugram-headquartered airline IndiGo has deployed multiple solutions from American cybersecurity solutions provider Fortinet to bolster security and connectivity in its business processes.

IndiGo has leveraged Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN (software defined-wide area network) solution across branch offices to bolster network security and bring about more efficiency in network operations.

In addition to the network connectivity solutions, IndiGo has also deployed firewall applications developed by Fortinet at 54 airport counters and in its data centres to improve network security.

For data management and analytics, IndiGo has decided to leverage Fortinet’s other solutions such as FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer.

By harnessing Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN solution, IndiGo aims to make its operations more efficient and responsive while saving costs, said an official statement issued by Fortinet.

Growing passenger traffic coupled with lacklustre network and internet quality resulted in delays at airport counters, flight status checking, processing of booking applications and call centre operations, the statement said.

The networking solution will help IndiGo monitor the quality of the connections between its 54 branches across the country. IndiGo will also be able to scale operations due to the capacity of adding new SD-WAN branches to its existing network.

In order to avoid delays in business processes, IndiGo has adopted Fortinet’s WAN connectivity solutions, which will be able to distribute traffic over a variety of internet services such as broadband and leased lines.

The SD-WAN solution also claims to integrate optimisation and security capabilities within a single interface. The single interface would help the airline in its allocation of IT-specific resources, thereby reducing costs, the statement added.

“Many customers are currently forced to use multiple point products and management consoles to achieve a secure SD-WAN connection. This separation of network and security operations is not only labour-intensive but also makes performance and security a bottleneck to move towards direct internet access,” said Rajesh Maurya, regional vice president, India and SAARC, Fortinet.

Operated by InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo connects 58 domestic and 19 international destinations, operating over 1,300 flights every day. With a fleet size of 222, IndiGo claims to be the largest Asian low-cost carrier in terms of passengers carried and fleet size.

Fortinet was founded in 2000 by Ken and Michael Xie. The company develops and markets solutions such as firewalls, anti-virus software and security applications for IT-driven enterprises.

In August, Fortinet launched three firewall offerings to support networking and cloud capabilities. The new offerings will facilitate the storage of data across networks and storage centres.

In June, the company extended the range of its security-as-a-service cloud offerings by rolling out FortiCloud Services.

In March, Maurya, in an interview with TechCircle, said demand for its products has increased as Indian companies have doubled their cybersecurity budgets.

Last year, Fortinet introduced machine learning capabilities in its firewall services.