Multi-Device FortiGate License Renewal Management (FortiManager)

Multi-device FortiGate license renewal management covers centrally tracking and planning renewals for many devices with different expiry dates. FortiManager and the support-portal inventory prevent missed renewals and surprise back-coverage costs.

The Challenge of a Multi-Device Environment

The challenge of a multi-device environment is that each FortiGate may have a different purchase and thus a different expiry date; this fragmentation leads to missed renewals and back-coverage cost.

In an environment of dozens or hundreds of devices, manually tracking each one's expiry date is impractical. Even a single missed renewal creates a security gap and a retroactive-charge risk.

We covered renewal steps for a single device in our license renewal steps article; this article focuses on fleet-scale management.

The Role of FortiManager

FortiManager is the platform that centrally manages many FortiGates; it makes it easier to see the device inventory, statuses, and license/contract info in one console, supporting renewal planning.

Beyond managing a distributed fleet from one place, FortiManager makes the overall device state visible. This visibility lets you spot early which devices are nearing renewal and which are at risk.

We cover the place of central management in the overall architecture in our comprehensive license renewal guide.

Asset and Contract Tracking

Asset tracking is done via asset management on the Fortinet support portal; all devices' serial numbers, active contracts, and expiry dates are seen centrally there.

The asset management section of the support portal is the final source of fleet-wide contracts. By grouping devices, filtering upcoming expiry dates, and reporting, you can prioritize renewals.

• Inventory all devices by serial number.
• List active contracts and expiry dates centrally.
• Prioritize by upcoming expiry dates.
• Group devices by location/role.
• Generate regular inventory reports.

Aligning Expiry Dates (Co-Term)

Date alignment (co-term) is bringing the contracts of devices with different expiry dates to a common date; this reduces the renewal operation to a single cycle per year.

The co-term approach renews the entire fleet in the same period instead of renewing each device separately. This reduces both operational burden and the risk of missing a device. Alignment can be planned with a partner.

We cover the cost and budget impact of aligned renewal in our license renewal costs and budgeting article.

Standardizing the Renewal Process

Process standardization is turning renewal into a predictable routine with a consistent inventory, a defined renewal calendar, responsibility assignments, and automatic reminders.

A standard process removes renewal from being person-dependent. When the renewal calendar, responsible team, and budget-approval steps are predefined, misses and last-minute scrambles disappear.

We cover automatic reminders and scheduling in detail in our renewal automation and reminders article.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I track licenses for many FortiGates?

Via asset management on the Fortinet support portal, you can centrally track all devices' serial numbers, active contracts, and expiry dates. FortiManager also supports fleet visibility.

Does FortiManager renew licenses automatically?

FortiManager primarily provides central device/policy management and visibility. The license renewal purchase runs through a partner and the support portal; FortiManager offers visibility to plan that process.

What is co-term (date alignment)?

Co-term is bringing the contracts of devices with different expiry dates to a common date. The entire fleet then renews in the same period, reducing operational burden and the risk of misses.

Why are different expiry dates a problem?

Each device expiring on a different date makes tracking harder and raises the risk of misses. Even a single missed renewal can create a security gap and back-coverage cost.

How often should I update the inventory?

When a device is added or removed, and at regular intervals. A current inventory is the basis for seeing upcoming renewals early and prioritizing.

How do I standardize the process?

With a consistent inventory, a defined renewal calendar, responsibility assignments, and automatic reminders. This turns renewal from person-dependent into a predictable routine.

Conclusion

License management in multi-device FortiGate environments becomes predictable with a central inventory, FortiManager visibility, date alignment, and a standard process. This approach eliminates missed renewals and back-coverage surprises.

To set up fleet-scale license management, talk to the Sora Yazılım team.