What's Happening?
Austrade, Australia's trade and investment development body, is set to replace its Cisco-based core network infrastructure at two data centers by late 2026. The current infrastructure includes Nexus 7000-series switches and Cisco ASA 5525 firewalls, which
will be replaced with FortiGate firewalls from Fortinet. The agency aims to purchase new equipment by March 2026 and implement it in the third or fourth quarter of the year. This move is part of a broader effort to upgrade networking solutions and improve connectivity.
Why It's Important?
The replacement of Cisco equipment with Fortinet solutions marks a significant shift in Austrade's network strategy, potentially impacting the agency's operational efficiency and security posture. This transition reflects the evolving landscape of network infrastructure and the need for modern, secure solutions to support digital transformation. The decision may influence other government agencies and organizations considering similar upgrades.
What's Next?
Austrade will continue to evaluate networking infrastructure solutions to guide resource planning and identify the best options for the Commonwealth. The agency's procurement process and implementation timeline will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and vendors.
Beyond the Headlines
The shift from Cisco to Fortinet could have implications for vendor relationships and procurement strategies within the Australian government. It may also signal broader trends in the adoption of SD-WAN and cloud connectivity solutions.