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FortiCloud Premium: Navigating Fortinet's Unified Security Platform and Licensing

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FortiCloud serves as Fortinet comprehensive cloud-based platform for delivering security and security management as a service. It provides a unified gateway to connect, protect, and deliver data and applications across both on-premise and cloud environments. At its core, FortiCloud is a suite of cloud portals and services, accessible through a single sign-on, that enables customers and partners to manage a vast array of Fortinet solutions from one easily accessible location.

The platform is designed to save time and resources by offering an intuitive single-pane-of-glass dashboard for managing network access, assets, and services. It helps organizations gain complete visibility into their security posture by providing a centralized listing of assets—by serial number, contract, or license—and detailed product and threat information. Furthermore, FortiCloud extends the Fortinet Security Fabric by delivering unified zero-day threat updates and real-time analytics across the entire network.

Key Components and Use Cases

FortiCloud's structure is built around three primary pillars: Assets and Accounts, Cloud Management, and Cloud Services. This structure supports a wide range of organizational needs, from small businesses to global managed service providers (MSPs).

Primary Use Cases:

  • Cloud-Based Application Protection: Securing cloud-native applications and SaaS tools (like Microsoft 365 and Salesforce) with services such as FortiWeb Cloud, FortiMail Cloud, and FortiCASB.
  • Centralized Security Management: Simplifying the management and analytics of FortiGate firewalls, FortiAPs, and FortiSwitches through cloud-based tools like FortiGate Cloud, FortiManager Cloud, and FortiAnalyzer Cloud.
  • Enhanced On-Premises Security: Augmenting existing infrastructure with cloud-delivered threat intelligence, sandboxing (FortiSandbox Cloud), and advanced analytics.
  • Managed Service Provider (MSP) Operations: Providing a multi-tenant platform for MSPs to deploy, configure, and manage security services for multiple customers from a single console.
  • Small and Medium Business (SMB) Simplification: Offering an affordable, easy-to-use management plane that eliminates the need for expensive on-premises management hardware.

Understanding FortiCloud Premium: Features and Licensing

A key point of clarification within the ecosystem is the distinction between the broader FortiCloud platform and the specific FortiCloud Premium license.

Historically, FortiCloud Premium (SKU: FC-15-CLDPS-219-02-xx) was a per-account, annual license that provided eligibility, access, and trials for various advanced cloud services. According to a 2022 data sheet, it was required alongside product-specific licenses for services like FortiSandbox Cloud and FortiSOAR Cloud. It also granted access to trial licenses for other services like FortiClient Cloud, FortiCNP, and FortiPhish.

Important Licensing Update

A critical update from a 2025 Fortinet data sheet states: "The FortiCloud Premium SKU (FC-15-CLDPS-219-02-DD) is End of Life." This indicates that the standalone FortiCloud Premium account license has been discontinued.

The functionality for multi-tenancy and organizational management has moved. The document clarifies that "FortiCloud Organization features are now available without requiring a FortiCloud Premium license." Standard accounts can access the Organization Portal with limited capabilities, while full functionality requires the Root Account to have a basic Fortinet Developer Network (FNDN) subscription.

FortiGate Cloud and Its Premium Subscription

A central component within FortiCloud is FortiGate Cloud, a dedicated service for managing FortiGate next-generation firewalls and their connected Fabric devices (FortiAP, FortiSwitch, FortiExtender).

FortiGate Cloud itself operates on a freemium model, with a Free Subscription and a Premium Subscription. The Premium Subscription is licensed per FortiGate device (not per account) and unlocks the platform's full power.

FortiGate Cloud Premium Subscription Capabilities:

  • Unrestricted Configuration Management: Full read/write access for configuring firewall policies, SD-WAN, and all security settings.
  • Extended Log Retention: One year of hosted log retention, compared to 7 days in the free tier.
  • Advanced Automation & Management: Firmware upgrades, configuration backups, CLI scripts, and event automation handlers.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Access to multiple pre-defined, schedulable reports for compliance and analytics.
  • Full Fabric Management: Complete management of connected FortiAP, FortiSwitch, and FortiExtender devices through the FortiGate.

This per-device "FortiGate Cloud Premium" subscription (with SKUs like FC-10-00XXX-131-02-DD) is distinct from the now End-of-Life "FortiCloud Premium" account license. This distinction has been a common point of confusion, as noted in community discussions where users questioned the difference between the two.

Purchasing and Deployment

Licenses for FortiGate Cloud Premium and other FortiCloud services are typically purchased through Fortinet partners or authorized resellers. Subscription terms are commonly available in one, three, and five-year durations.

  • Example Pricing: A 3-year renewal license for FortiCloud Premium (FC-15-CLDPS-219-02-36) was listed at a retail price of $3,000.00.
  • Deployment: Getting started requires a free FortiCloud account. To activate FortiGate Cloud Premium for a device, the FortiGate must be registered on the Fortinet Support site and have a valid FortiGate Cloud Management, Analysis, and Log Retention license applied. The FortiGate operating system must also meet minimum version requirements (e.g., FortiOS 7.0.2 or later for the latest FortiGate Cloud Premium portal).

Conclusion: A Streamlined Path to Cloud Security Management

FortiCloud represents Fortinet's strategic vision for unified, cloud-delivered security management. The platform successfully consolidates access to dozens of critical security services, reducing complexity for administrators. The recent licensing evolution, phasing out the standalone FortiCloud Premium account license in favor of more direct product-based subscriptions and FNDN benefits, aims to simplify the purchasing model.

For most organizations, the relevant decision point is whether to leverage the free tiers of various services or invest in the per-device FortiGate Cloud Premium subscription to unlock full configuration control, extended logging, and robust automation. For MSPs and large enterprises, leveraging the FortiCloud Organizations feature with an FNDN subscription provides the multi-tenancy framework needed for scalable operations.

By understanding this structure, businesses can effectively navigate the FortiCloud ecosystem to select the right combination of services and licenses that balance cost, control, and comprehensive security coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between FortiCloud and FortiGate Cloud?

FortiCloud is the overarching platform and single sign-on portal that provides access to all of Fortinet's cloud services (like FortiAnalyzer Cloud, FortiMail Cloud, FortiCASB). FortiGate Cloud is one specific service within that platform, focused solely on the management, analytics, and reporting of FortiGate firewalls and their directly connected Fabric devices.

Is FortiCloud Premium still available for purchase?

The specific FortiCloud Premium Account License (SKU FC-15-CLDPS-219-02-DD) has been declared End of Life (EOL). The advanced account features it provided, particularly for multi-tenancy, are now accessible through FortiCloud Organizations, which may require a Fortinet Developer Network (FNDN) subscription for full functionality.

What does a FortiGate Cloud Premium subscription give me?

Licensed per FortiGate device, the FortiGate Cloud Premium subscription upgrades from the free tier to provide: Full read/write configuration management, 1-year log retention (vs. 7 days), advanced schedulable reports, automation via CLI scripts and event handlers, and remote firmware upgrade capabilities.

I'm an MSP managing multiple clients. What do I need from FortiCloud?

You should utilize the FortiCloud Organizations feature to create a hierarchical tenant structure. You will also need individual FortiGate Cloud Premium subscriptions for each customer device you intend to manage fully. The FortiGate Cloud service itself is built from the ground up to support secure, multi-tenant management.

Can I try FortiCloud services before purchasing?

Yes. Having a free FortiCloud account has always provided access to basic management and trials. Previously, the FortiCloud Premium license included specific trial grants. Now, trial availability for various services (like FortiClient Cloud or FortiCNP) is typically managed through your Fortinet account representative or partner.

Disclaimer: Product information, features, and licensing are subject to change by Fortinet. The pricing mentioned is for illustrative purposes only. For the most current specifications, licensing requirements, and official pricing, please consult Fortinet's official resources or an authorized partner.