Cyber security firms Symantec and Fortinet have announced an expansive partnership that aims to deliver comprehensive security services across endpoint, network and cloud environments.

As part of the deal, Fortinet’s FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) will be integrated into Symantec’s cloud-delivered Web Security Service (WSS), resulting in “the most comprehensive set of cloud-delivered threat prevention capabilities in a single service on the market”, according to the companies.

Symantec’s endpoint protection will also be combined with the Fortinet Security Fabric platform to provide customers with real-time, actionable threat intelligence and automated response to tackle exploit-driven attacks and advanced malware.

“As the first step in this technology partnership, we plan to deliver best-of-breed security through the combination of enterprise-class advanced firewall controls to Symantec’s industry-leading network security service,” said Art Gilliland, EVP and GM of enterprise products at Symantec.

“Through this partnership, we hope to provide joint customers the power of Symantec’s Integrated Cyber Defense Platform bolstered by Fortinet’s leading NGFW in an integrated solution that’s easy to use and deploy.”

Interoperability between Fortinet’s SD-WAN technology will also be certified to work with Symantec’s WSS through the latter’s Technology Integration Partner Program (TIPP), while the agreement will also see both firms engage in joint go-to-market activities.

“Upon completion of the integration, Symantec cloud web gateway customers will be able to benefit from Fortinet’s enterprise-class advanced firewall controls, and for the first time ever, Fortinet customers will be able to purchase the industry-leading FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall via FWaaS,” said John Maddison, SVP of products and solutions at Fortinet.

“With the addition of Symantec as a Fortinet Fabric-Ready Partner, Symantec’s endpoint security solution will be validated to seamlessly integrate with the Fortinet Security Fabric platform to provide more consistent and effective protection for joint customers.”

Some elements of the Fortinet Security Fabric have already been integrated with Symantec Endpoint Protection and the companies are planning to explore further possibilities in the future. The cloud firewall service and WSS integration is expected to be available during the first half of 2019.