Fortinet and Arista Networks announced a joint Secure AI Data Center solution on December 17, 2025, combining Fortinet’s next‑generation firewall and threat‑intelligence capabilities with Arista’s high‑performance Ethernet switching and EOS software to deliver a low‑latency, secure network fabric for AI workloads.
The solution embeds Fortinet’s ASIC‑based HTTPS/TLS offload directly into Arista’s switching platforms, delivering up to 33‑fold performance improvement and sub‑single‑microsecond latency, freeing CPU cycles for AI inference and training. Zero‑touch provisioning can accelerate deployments by up to 80%, reducing the time to production for GPU clusters.
The partnership positions both companies in the AI networking market, projected to grow from $15.28 billion in 2025 to $192.42 billion by 2034 at a 32.51% CAGR. It also gives Arista a more complete security offering, challenging incumbents such as Cisco and HPE, while expanding Fortinet’s reach into AI‑specific data‑center security.
Arista reported Q3 2025 revenue of $2.308 billion, up 27.5% year‑over‑year, and non‑GAAP EPS of $0.75, driven by strong demand for high‑performance networking in hyperscale data centers. Fortinet posted Q3 2025 revenue of $1.72 billion, up 14% YoY, and adjusted EPS of $0.74, supported by disciplined cost management and robust AI infrastructure sales. Both companies beat earnings expectations, but their Q4 guidance fell short of consensus, reflecting cautious outlook amid macro uncertainty.
Fortinet’s Nirav Shah said the alliance delivers a secure AI data‑center architecture that brings security, performance, and operational simplicity together from day one. Arista’s Ed Chapman highlighted the synergy between cybersecurity and high‑speed networking for AI workloads, emphasizing the joint solution’s ability to reduce attack surface and simplify compliance for hyperscale customers.
While the announcement itself did not trigger a sharp market move, analysts noted that Arista’s modest Q4 revenue guidance and Fortinet’s slightly lower than expected guidance tempered enthusiasm, underscoring the importance of forward guidance in investor sentiment.
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