OpenVPN Access Server vs. Fortinet Universal ZTNA

OpenVPN Access Server is a self-hosted Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution that runs inside your own environment — on-prem or your AWS, Azure, or GCP account — keeping tunnel traffic and configuration off any third-party network. Access is scoped to the application, not the IP or subnet: each user is routed only to the specific app they're authorized for, identified by domain name, with nothing else on the network visible to them. That makes lateral movement structurally impossible, not just restricted by policy. Access Server Link turns setup into a guided flow (hostname, cloud, region, password), with SSL certificates provisioned and renewed automatically, eliminating manual certificate handling as a source of risk. Because entitlements are bound to hostname rather than IP, they hold up through IP changes and autoscaling with no manual rework. Your instance remains entirely under your control, giving you the data ownership and audit trail needed for HIPAA, SOC 2, and GDPR — full control of the stack, delivered with SaaS-level ease. Administration happens through a browser-based portal instead of SSH: users, certificates, and access rules are managed without shell access, narrowing your attack surface. The Zero Trust App Broker routes each connection through a placeholder IP tied to a single authorized app — the real destination stays hidden, so a stolen credential offers no way to scan or reach other systems. Least privilege is built into the architecture, not left to policy that can drift. Native clients cover Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, keeping identity- and app-based controls consistent across every endpoint. Templated deployment on AWS, Azure, and GCP means security teams get standardized, auditable rollouts rather than one-off manual builds.

Fortinet's Universal ZTNA provides effortless and secure access to applications for users regardless of their location, a necessity that continues to grow as hybrid work models become more prevalent. In this shifting environment, it is essential for employees to have dependable access to their work applications from any setting. With Fortinet Universal ZTNA, users can securely connect to applications hosted in a variety of environments, whether they are working remotely or in the office. The Zero Trust framework underscores the need to authenticate both users and devices prior to granting access. To gain insights on how to ensure straightforward and automated secure remote access while validating the identities of those on the network, be sure to watch the accompanying video. Fortinet's ZTNA effectively upholds application security, no matter the user's location. Our unique methodology, which integrates Universal ZTNA into our operating system, delivers outstanding scalability and adaptability for both cloud and on-premises setups, ensuring all users are comprehensively supported. This cutting-edge solution not only boosts security but also optimizes the user experience across various work environments, further supporting the transition to flexible work arrangements. As organizations continue to adapt to these changes, the significance of reliable and secure application access cannot be overstated.