Key Points
- Intel to help Fortinet design and manufacture its next-generation SP6 security processor
- Partnership aims to reduce Fortinet's reliance on single-source chip suppliers
- Companies to explore deeper collaboration across semiconductor and cybersecurity infrastructure
Intel Corporation and Fortinet have announced a strategic partnership under which Intel will help design, package and manufacture Fortinet’s next-generation Security Processor 6 (SP6), a custom chip that powers the cybersecurity company’s firewall and network security appliances.
The collaboration, announced on Tuesday (21 July), expands an existing relationship between the two companies. It combines Fortinet’s two-decade expertise in building purpose-built security processors — known as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) — with Intel’s semiconductor fabrication and advanced packaging capabilities.
ASICs are custom chips designed for a single function, unlike general-purpose processors. In Fortinet’s case, these processors handle the computationally intensive work of inspecting network traffic for threats, enabling higher throughput than software running on standard hardware.
Supply chain diversification a key driver
Beyond technical collaboration, the partnership addresses supply chain concerns. Fortinet, like many hardware companies, seeks to reduce dependence on any single chip supplier or manufacturing region. Intel’s global fabrication network offers an alternative production pathway.
“This collaboration demonstrates how Intel’s semiconductor leadership and advanced design, packaging, and manufacturing capabilities can help cybersecurity leaders like Fortinet accelerate the development of critical security technologies while building a more resilient and diversified global supply chain,” said Lip-Bu Tan, chief executive officer, Intel.
For Intel, the deal represents a win for its contract manufacturing business, Intel Foundry Services, which the company has been expanding to compete with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Samsung in making chips for other firms.
Fortinet’s ASIC strategy central to its business
Fortinet has built its competitive position around custom silicon since its founding in 2000. The company’s security processors — now in their sixth generation with SP6 — allow its FortiGate firewalls to inspect encrypted traffic and run multiple security functions simultaneously without the performance penalties that affect software-based competitors.
“Fortinet’s purpose-built ASICs have been a key differentiator for more than two decades, enabling us to deliver the security effectiveness, performance, and efficiency our customers demand,” said Ken Xie, founder, chairman and chief executive officer, Fortinet.
Xie added that Intel’s manufacturing expertise and global supply chain capabilities would help Fortinet “accelerate and strengthen” its ASIC roadmap while supporting customers worldwide.
The companies said they would explore additional opportunities beyond SP6, including collaboration across semiconductor technology, manufacturing processes and the infrastructure supporting future cybersecurity products.
The partnership is expected to advance Fortinet’s long-term chip development plans and deliver processors capable of supporting increasingly sophisticated security services. Neither company disclosed financial terms, specific production timelines or which Intel fabrication facilities would be involved.
Intel’s involvement brings what the companies described as a “broad portfolio of ecosystem IP” — referring to the library of pre-designed circuit components and design tools that Intel licenses to chip designers — along with expertise in disaggregated semiconductor design. Disaggregated design refers to building chips from smaller, separately manufactured components called chiplets rather than as a single monolithic piece of silicon, an approach that can improve yields and reduce costs.
The announcement comes as both companies navigate challenging market conditions. Intel has been restructuring under Tan, who took over as chief executive in March 2025, while Fortinet faces competition from cloud-native security providers that do not rely on dedicated hardware.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the Intel-Fortinet partnership about?
Intel will help design, package and manufacture Fortinet's next-generation Security Processor 6 (SP6), a custom chip used in Fortinet's firewall and network security products. The collaboration aims to accelerate SP6 development and diversify Fortinet's chip supply chain.
What is Fortinet's SP6 security processor?
SP6 is the sixth generation of Fortinet's purpose-built application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). These custom chips handle the computationally intensive work of inspecting network traffic for security threats, enabling higher performance than software-based alternatives.
Why is Fortinet partnering with Intel for chip manufacturing?
The partnership addresses supply chain diversification concerns while leveraging Intel's advanced semiconductor fabrication and packaging capabilities. Intel's global manufacturing network offers Fortinet an alternative production pathway to reduce dependence on single suppliers.
What does Intel gain from this partnership?
The deal represents a customer win for Intel Foundry Services, Intel's contract manufacturing business that competes with TSMC and Samsung. It demonstrates Intel's capability to manufacture specialised chips for cybersecurity applications.
