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Question: 1
Examine the screenshot shown in the exhibit.
Which two statements regarding the configuration are true? (Choose two.)
A. All guest accounts created using the account registration feature will be placed under the Guest_Portal_Users group
B. All accounts registered through the guest portal must be validated through email
C. Guest users must fill in all the fields on the registration form
D. Guest user account will expire after eight hours Answer: A,B
Explanation:
The screenshot shows that the account registration feature is enabled for the guest portal and that the guest group is set
to Guest_Portal_Users. This means that all guest accounts created using this feature will be placed under that group1.
The screenshot also shows that email validation is enabled for the guest portal and that the email validation link expires
after 24 hours. This means that all accounts registered through the guest portal must be validated through email within
that time frame1.
Reference: 1 https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/guest-
management#account-registration Question: 2
An administrator is integrating FortiAuthenticator with an existing RADIUS server with the intent of eventually
replacing the RADIUS server with FortiAuthenticator.
How can FortiAuthenticator help facilitate this process?
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A. By configuring the RADIUS accounting proxy
B. By enabling automatic REST API calls from the RADIUS server
C. By enabling learning mode in the RADIUS server configuration
D. By importing the RADIUS user records Answer: C
Explanation:
FortiAuthenticator can help facilitate the process of replacing an existing RADIUS server by enabling learning mode
in the RADIUS server configuration. This allows FortiAuthenticator to learn user credentials from the existing
RADIUS server and store them locally for future authentication requests2. This way, FortiAuthenticator can gradually
take over the role of the RADIUS server without disrupting the user experience.
Reference: 2 https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/radius-
service#learning-mode Question: 3
You are an administrator for a large enterprise and you want to delegate the creation and management of guest users to
a group of sponsors.
How would you associate the guest accounts with individual sponsors?
A. As an administrator, you can assign guest groups to individual sponsors.
B. Guest accounts are associated with the sponsor that creates the guest account.
C. You can automatically add guest accounts to groups associated with specific sponsors.
D. Select the sponsor on the guest portal, during registration. Answer: B
Explanation:
Guest accounts are associated with the sponsor that creates the guest account. A sponsor is a user who has permission
to create and manage guest accounts on behalf of other users3. A sponsor can create guest accounts using the sponsor
portal or the REST API3. The sponsorâs username is recorded as a field in the guest accountâs profile3.
Reference: 3 https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/guest-
management#sponsors Question: 4
You are a Wi-Fi provider and host multiple domains.
How do you delegate user accounts, user groups and permissions per domain when they are authenticating on a single
FortiAuthenticator device?
A. Create realms.
B. Create user groups
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C. Create multiple directory trees on FortiAuthenticator
D. Automatically import hosts from each domain as they authenticate. Answer: A
Explanation:
Realms are a way to delegate user accounts, user groups and permissions per domain when they are authenticating on a
single FortiAuthenticator device. A realm is a logical grouping of users and groups based on a common attribute, such
as a domain name or an IP address range. Realms allow administrators to apply different authentication policies and
settings to different groups of users based on their realm membership.
Reference: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/user-
management#realms Question: 5
You have implemented two-factor authentication to enhance security to sensitive enterprise systems.
How could you bypass the need for two-factor authentication for users accessing form specific secured networks?
A. Create an admin realm in the authentication policy
B. Specify the appropriate RADIUS clients in the authentication policy
C. Enable Adaptive Authentication in the portal policy
D. Enable the Resolve user geolocation from their IP address option in the authentication policy. Answer: C
Explanation:
Adaptive Authentication is a feature that allows administrators to bypass the need for two-factor authentication for
users accessing from specific secured networks. Adaptive Authentication uses geolocation information from IP
addresses to determine whether a user is accessing from a trusted network or not. If the user is accessing from a
trusted network, FortiAuthenticator can skip the second factor of authentication and grant access based on the first
factor only.
Reference: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/authentication-
policies#adaptive-authentication Question: 6
Which network configuration is required when deploying FortiAuthenticator for portal services?
A. FortiAuthenticator must have the REST API access enable on port1
B. One of the DNS servers must be a FortiGuard DNS server
C. Fortigate must be setup as default gateway for FortiAuthenticator
D. Policies must have specific ports open between FortiAuthenticator and the authentication clients Answer: D
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Explanation:
When deploying FortiAuthenticator for portal services, such as guest portal, sponsor portal, user portal or FortiToken
activation portal, the network configuration must allow specific ports to be open between FortiAuthenticator and the
authentication clients.
These ports are:
TCP 80 for HTTP access
TCP 443 for HTTPS access
TCP 389 for LDAP access
TCP 636 for LDAPS access
UDP 1812 for RADIUS authentication
UDP 1813 for RADIUS accounting
Reference: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/portal-
services#network-configuration Question: 7
You are a FortiAuthenticator administrator for a large organization. Users who are configured to use FortiToken 200
for two-factor authentication can no longer authenticate. You have verified that only the users with two-factor
authentication are experiencing the issue.
What can cause this issue?
A. FortiToken 200 license has expired
B. One of the FortiAuthenticator devices in the active-active cluster has failed
C. Time drift between FortiAuthenticator and hardware tokens
D. FortiAuthenticator has lost contact with the FortiToken Cloud servers Answer: C
Explanation:
One possible cause of the issue is time drift between FortiAuthenticator and hardware tokens. Time drift occurs when
the internal clocks of FortiAuthenticator and hardware tokens are not synchronized. This can result in mismatched
one-time passwords (OTPs) generated by the hardware tokens and expected by FortiAuthenticator. To prevent this
issue, FortiAuthenticator provides a time drift tolerance option that allows a certain number of seconds of difference
between the clocks.
Reference: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/two-factor-
authentication#time-drift-tolerance Question: 8
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Why would you configure an OCSP responder URL in an end-entity certificate?
A. To designate the SCEP server to use for CRL updates for that certificate
B. To identify the end point that a certificate has been assigned to
C. To designate a server for certificate status checking
D. To provide the CRL location for the certificate Answer: C
Explanation:
An OCSP responder URL in an end-entity certificate is used to designate a server for certificate status checking.
OCSP stands for Online Certificate Status Protocol, which is a method of verifying whether a certificate is valid or
revoked in real time. An OCSP responder is a server that responds to OCSP requests from clients with the status of the
certificate in question. The OCSP responder URL in an end-entity certificate points to the location of the OCSP
responder that can provide the status of that certificate.
Reference: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/certificate-
management#ocsp-responder Question: 9
An administrator wants to keep local CA cryptographic keys stored in a central location.
Which FortiAuthenticator feature would provide this functionality?
A. SCEP support
B. REST API
C. Network HSM
D. SFTP server Answer: C
Explanation:
Network HSM is a feature that allows FortiAuthenticator to keep local CA cryptographic keys stored in a central
location. HSM stands for Hardware Security Module, which is a physical device that provides secure storage and
generation of cryptographic keys. Network HSM allows FortiAuthenticator to use an external HSM device to store and
manage the private keys of its local CAs, instead of storing them locally on the FortiAuthenticator device.
Reference: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/certificate-
management#network-hsm Question: 10
Which option correctly describes an SP-initiated SSO SAML packet flow for a host without a SAML assertion?
A. Service provider contacts idendity provider, idendity provider validates principal for service provider, service
provider establishes communication with principal
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B. Principal contacts idendity provider and is redirected to service provider, principal establishes connection with
service provider, service provider validates authentication with identify provider
C. Principal contacts service provider, service provider redirects principal to idendity provider, after succesfull
authentication identify provider redirects principal to service provider
D. Principal contacts idendity provider and authenticates, identity provider relays principal to service provider after
valid authentication Answer: C
Explanation:
SP-initiated SSO SAML packet flow for a host without a SAML assertion is as follows:
Principal contacts service provider, requesting access to a protected resource.
Service provider redirects principal to identity provider, sending a SAML authentication request.
Principal authenticates with identity provider using their credentials.
After successful authentication, identity provider redirects principal back to service provider, sending a SAML
response with a SAML assertion containing the principalâs attributes.
Service provider validates the SAML response and assertion, and grants access to the principal.
Reference: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/saml-service-
provider#sp-initiated-sso Question: 11
Which two types of digital certificates can you create in Fortiauthenticator? (Choose two)
A. User certificate
B. Organization validation certificate
C. Third-party root certificate
D. Local service certificate Answer: A,D
Explanation:
FortiAuthenticator can create two types of digital certificates: user certificates and local service certificates. User
certificates are issued to users or devices for authentication purposes, such as VPN, wireless, or web access. Local
service certificates are issued to FortiAuthenticator itself for securing its own services, such as HTTPS, RADIUS, or
LDAP.
Reference: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/certificate-
management#certificate-types Question: 12
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Which EAP method is known as the outer authentication method?
A. PEAP
B. EAP-GTC
C. EAP-TLS
D. MSCHAPV2 Answer: A
Explanation:
PEAP is known as the outer authentication method because it establishes a secure tunnel between the client and the
server using TLS. The inner authentication method, such as EAP-GTC, EAP-TLS, or MSCHAPV2, is then used to
authenticate the client within the tunnel.
Reference: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/wireless-802-1x-
authentication#peap Question: 13
You want to monitor FortiAuthenticator system information and receive FortiAuthenticator traps through SNMP.
Which two configurations must be performed after enabling SNMP access on the FortiAuthenticator interface?
(Choose two)
A. Enable logging services
B. Set the tresholds to trigger SNMP traps
C. Upload management information base (MIB) files to SNMP server
D. Associate an ASN, 1 mapping rule to the receiving host Answer: A,B,C
Explanation:
To monitor FortiAuthenticator system information and receive FortiAuthenticator traps through SNMP, two
configurations must be performed after enabling SNMP access on the FortiAuthenticator interface:
Set the thresholds to trigger SNMP traps for various system events, such as CPU usage, disk usage, memory usage, or
temperature.
Upload management information base (MIB) files to SNMP server to enable the server to interpret the SNMP traps
sent by FortiAuthenticator.
Reference: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/system-
settings#snmp Question: 14
Which two features of FortiAuthenticator are used for EAP deployment? (Choose two)
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A. Certificate authority
B. LDAP server
C. MAC authentication bypass
D. RADIUS server Answer: A,D
Explanation:
Two features of FortiAuthenticator that are used for EAP deployment are certificate authority and RADIUS server.
Certificate authority allows FortiAuthenticator to issue and manage digital certificates for EAP methods that require
certificate-based authentication, such as EAP-TLS or PEAP-EAP-TLS. RADIUS server allows FortiAuthenticator to
act as an authentication server for EAP methods that use RADIUS as a transport protocol, such as EAP-GTC or
PEAP-MSCHAPV2.
Reference: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/wireless-802-1x-
authentication Question: 15
How can a SAML metada file be used?
A. To defined a list of trusted user names
B. To import the required IDP configuration
C. To correlate the IDP address to its hostname
D. To resolve the IDP realm for authentication Answer: B
Explanation:
A SAML metadata file can be used to import the required IDP configuration for SAML service provider mode. A
SAML metadata file is an XML file that contains information about the identity provider (IDP) and the service
provider (SP), such as their entity IDs, endpoints, certificates, and attributes. By importing a SAML metadata file from
the IDP, FortiAuthenticator can automatically configure the necessary settings for SAML service provider mode.
Reference: https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiauthenticator/6.4.0/administration-guide/906179/saml-service-
provider#saml-metadata
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https://killexams.com/exam_list/FortinetFortinet: A Nice Way To Surf A Macro Trend
A good way to minimize errors in investment is to align it with macrotrends. Cybersecurity is one such trend as it deals with protecting the vast amount of data generated globally on a daily basis. Fortinet (NASDAQ:FTNT) is a good way to gain exposure to this sector as it combines several aspects I appreciate in a high-quality business: a founder at the helm who is aligned, competitive advantages, strong margins and returns, and low debt. Despite the technical challenges in the sector, I believe we can approach the investment in Fortinet from a less technical and more qualitative perspective.
Business Model
Fortinet, Inc. is one of the leading companies in the cybersecurity sector. It is a technically challenging industry with constant disruption and change. The company provides multiple solutions in the form of software and hardware for its clients. In Q3, the management announced its sales segmentation into Secure Networking, Secure Operations, and Universal SASE. They indicated their intention to expedite the transition of the business to the latter two, as they are cloud-based components. To achieve this, Fortinet has invested significantly in Point of Presence (POPs) infrastructure. A POP is a physical location in a network where devices, users, or services can connect to access other points in the network. According toBarclays Global Technology, Media & Telecommunications Conference, over the past two years, Fortinet has built 30 POPs (with another 35 in progress). Through a partnership with Google, they now have access to 180 new POPs, enabling them to catch up with competitors who typically have between 100 and 200. POPs often refer to facilities that include data centers. Nevertheless, Fortinet's strategy of building their own POPs is beneficial for future cost savings and greater vertical integration, despite the higher current capital expenditure. Additionally, Fortinet manufactures its own ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), chips created exclusively for Fortinet's hardware and software. This in-house production enhances performance and, in the long run, reduces costs.
Market
Fortinet's Total Addressable Market is enormous, standing at $125 billion. The company's billings in 2023 are projected to reach around $5.3 billion, indicating that Fortinet currently holds only a 4% market share. This is within a highly fragmented market that is experiencing annual growth rates of 10%.
Fortinet combines a business model that sells both software and hardware. Although the hardware segment experiences slower growth and lower margins, it contributes to building an ecosystem. Once a device is installed at a customer's site, cross-selling becomes much easier. They anticipate double-digit growth for the hardware segment in the coming years. Fortinet attributes this expected growth to their superior product in this area, positioning them to gain market share when it's time for competitors' hardware replacements, as they are the largest player in this domain. However, it is highly likely that the services segment will grow at a faster rate, and since it has higher margins, we can anticipate future operational leverage for the company. Within the subscription services, there is the AI product, along with customer support, training, and repairs services.
The slowdown experienced in the Secure Networking segment (which constitutes 70% of sales), especially in the Hardware division, follows an absolute boom post-COVID, during which customers made substantial purchases. Currently, customers are more cautious about their buying decisions, leading to inventory accumulation. However, there is an expectation that inventories will return to normal levels, allowing for the satisfaction of future demand. Given the technological nature of this product, the extent of obsolescence during inventory holding is uncertain. It's worth noting that this segment has still achieved a solid 9% growth, though it previously grew at a rapid pace of 40%. Despite facing a challenging comparison base, the company has managed to maintain a commendable growth rate.
Moreover, it's essential to consider that these cycles typically last two years, implying that we might be at the midpoint of the cycle, and the market could soon start factoring in its conclusion. As illustrated, sales are a lagging indicator, and attention should be directed towards Billings for a more timely assessment.
Management and Capital Allocation
If management by itself is one of the most important aspects of a company, in a sector as disruptive as cybersecurity, investing in a management team we can trust is extremely important. The founders, Ken Xie and Michael Xie, have been with the company since the year 2000, and together they control more than 15% of the outstanding shares. Their interests are fully aligned with the shareholders. Their extensive knowledge of the sector is significant, and their capital allocation strategy has been very effective.
The Net Income to Free Cash Flow conversion is over 100%, thanks to it being a subscription-based business. Most of the free cash flow has been allocated to share buybacks (reducing outstanding shares by -10% over the last 7 years) and some small acquisitions. Stock options represent 5% of sales and 14% of Operating Cash Flow, with a decreasing trend. This is quite favorable for a technology company. The company operates without debt and S&P Global rates Fortinet's credit category as BBB+. 90% of the capital allocated to "innovation" has been invested in research and development, with the remaining portion dedicated to merger and acquisition activities.
Competitive Advantages
In my opinion, the key strength of this company lies in its unified platform, FortiOS (Fortinet Investor Relations Presentation, slide 31), which integrates various products and services rather than creating standalone solutions that are difficult to integrate. This not only generates a network effect but also presents high switching costs for customers, potentially leading to pricing power. The ecosystem created by the company makes it indispensable for the customer.
Financials
Fortinet's financials are impeccable. It has experienced very high double-digit growth in all its figures. For example, sales have grown at a rate of 23.5% (6-year CAGR), while FCF/share has grown at a rate of 63.5% (6-year CAGR), driven by operational leverage and share buybacks. This operational leverage has been due to a significant expansion of margins; for instance, the EBIT margin has increased from 7% in 2017 to an estimated 27% for the fiscal year 2023, although I will provide further commentary on this below. The returns are impressive, with average ROICs exceeding 100% in recent years. They also maintain a net cash position, with only around $1 billion in debt. Lastly, they follow an asset-light business model, where maintenance CAPEX ranges from 2% to 3% of sales.
In the Barclays Conference, management also discussed something about the margins. In the long term, their target is 25%, but the senior vice president mentioned that he wanted the flexibility to invest in marketing, R&D, or whatever was necessary to grow the business without being constrained by the margin. In their models, a 25% margin is feasible, especially as the services segment is expected to grow more than hardware. The 27% margin from last year was attributed to the strength of the dollar, as they invoiced in dollars but paid 70% of their staff in their local currencies (which were depreciated at that time). I always appreciate a management team focused on the long-term sustainability of the business, even if it means impacting current accounting with investments that enhance their competitive advantages.
Valuation
To evaluate Fortinet, I will use a discounted cash flow model, incorporating a discount rate of 10%, a terminal growth rate of 3%, and a free cash flow growth of 15% (historically, it has been 60% CAGR in recent years). With these assumptions, the calculated fair value for Fortinet is $60 per share. If we consider a scenario with higher growth, such as 20%, the fair value would be $85 per share. However, to account for this increased growth, it might be more appropriate to raise the discount rate to 12%, in which case the fair value would be $63. In any case, I believe that Fortinet's stock is undervalued, and that's why I rate the stock as a buy.
Risks
It is worth noting that 57% of total sales come from only three distributors. In the FY21 annual report, it's mentioned that the Exclusive distributor accounted for 31% of sales. This significant concentration not only poses a risk in itself but also raises the consideration that these distributors might resell products from competitors and could be incentivized to favor these competitors in the future, potentially at the expense of Fortinet. Nevertheless, the risk of these distributors severing ties with Fortinet, one of the top companies in the sector, seems remote. It's akin to a sports channel specializing in football, breaking agreements with the Premier League and ceasing to broadcast it. Clearly, it's a lose-lose situation for both parties. Furthermore, another major client would likely seek to absorb this new volume and gain an advantage over others. The situation appears unlikely, despite the increasing customer concentration, as these dynamics are inherent to the sector. For example, Palo Alto Networks also has 50% of its sales with three clients (cybersecurity application providers).
Inventory Risks: The accumulation of hardware devices in inventories may not always be favorable. While it enables the company to meet growing demand when the cycle changes, there is a risk of obsolescence in a rapidly evolving sector. Furthermore, 88% of their hardware is produced in Taiwan, which could be impacted in the event of a future conflict with China. However, the company likely has contingency plans in place to address this potential issue if it arises.
Disruption Risk: Given the rapid emergence and evolution of new threats today, Fortinet has a dedicated department responsible for identifying these emerging threats. They investigate these threats using AI and subsequently develop corresponding mitigations to distribute to subscribed customers. It's noteworthy that customers pay for subscriptions to benefit from these services for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years. Furthermore, thanks to its scale, Fortinet has a very high R&D budget in absolute terms, as well as an extensive customer distribution. All of this is complemented by founders at the helm with deep knowledge of the industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe Fortinet is a great company for having exposure to the cybersecurity sector. The lack of expertise can be mitigated by placing trust in a well-aligned management team with expertise in the field. Additionally, the fantastic fundamentals and scale provide protection against disruptive threats. The company can also defend itself through the ecosystem it creates by combining software and hardware, even as it increasingly focuses on the more profitable segments of services. Overall, I find the price attractive, and I anticipate satisfactory long-term results.
Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:40:00 -0600entext/htmlhttps://seekingalpha.com/article/4661330-fortinet-a-nice-way-to-surf-a-macro-trendThe Ultimate Guide To Team Synergy
Image by bikeriderlondon / Shutterstock.com
The modern concept of synergy was proposed by chemists. They discovered that every time they separated atoms or molecules from a complex compound, the behavior of the separate parts could never explain the behavior of all of them interconnected. For example, the chemical behaviors of isolated hydrogen (H2) and isolated oxygen (O2) do not offer any kind of information about the chemical behavior of water (H2O). Chemist called this principles synergy, a form of collective transmutation that allowed for endless research and innovation in chemistry.
By the same token, Synergy is actually a systemic principle that explains how a team's collective performance is unpredictable based solely on its member’s individual performances. Therefore, a team’s collective performance can be either better or worse than the sum of its members’ individual performances. This introduces a level of risk that is widely overlooked by most authors and that holds the key to understanding organizational success versus organizational failure. This is why we must talk about positive synergy versus negative synergy and how to pursue the former while avoiding the latter.
Positive synergy vs. negative synergy
Going back to chemistry for just a moment, we know that if we add sulfur (S8) to a controlled environment already containing water (H2O), given the right temperature and pressure conditions we can turn said water into sulfuric acid (H2SO4). In other words, we can transform a life-giving substance, water, into a destructive one, sulfuric acid. This is a metaphor to show how positive synergy can be turned into negative synergy by adding the “wrong” element. In teamwork, the same can happen.
In this regard, introducing the “wrong” person into a team can have devastating effects on performance. Achieving and sustaining positive synergy is a very complex task, and it starts with hiring the right people. Of course, positive synergy depends also on good leadership and other ongoing people-management processes. However, anyone who has ever had real team leadership responsibilities knows that hiring the wrong person is far worse than not hiring the right person. Figuratively speaking, it is a lot more difficult to turn a piece of carbon into a diamond than to continue to mine for actual diamonds. The question is, then, what should organizations do to achieve positive synergy?
The chemistry of teamwork
I have found that, just as the numbers of protons, neutrons, and electrons define the potential for chemical synergy, Let us explore each of these factors further.
Common interests. When people share common interests, they align their individual efforts toward the same goal. More specifically, they find personal affinities that help them work together, seek opportunities to leverage each other’s talents, and measure the results of their collective efforts with respect to their common goal.
Common values. When people share common values, they can forge strong, long-lasting alliances. More specifically, I have found that people who share the values of humility, honesty, trust, and discipline achieve the highest synergies.
Humility is the capacity to acknowledge one’s own truth. This allows every team member to have a clear image of the self and address all personal growth and professional development needs in a timely fashion.
Honesty is the capacity to share one’s own truth with others. This allows team members to know each other more closely, develop trust, help each other, and carry out team improvement initiatives with further reach.
Trust is the ability to focus on one’s task while letting others focus on theirs, thus optimizing efforts. Equally, trust also allows for team members to check up on each other to make sure all tasks remain aligned with the common goal. Likewise, trust leads naturally to loyalty and solidarity.
Discipline is the ability to continue to work toward a goal regardless of the circumstances. Discipline requires commitment, courage, resilience, and drive.
Complementary talents. When people have complementary talents, they can overcome adversity, stay focused, and achieve success more efficiently. In my professional opinion, every team’s ideal portfolio of talents is masterfully summarized in Dr. Ichak Adizes’s famous PAEI model. PAEI stands for Producer, Administrator, Entrepreneur, and Integrator. Not one person will have all four talents. Even the so-called Renaissance men or women, known for being multi-talented, will hardly be able to develop and apply all talents successfully within a team. Everyone needs help and teamwork is based on team members helping each other. Below, each talent in detail.
Producers focus on the end result and make sure the final product or service meets all customer or client expectations. Producers are ultimately responsible for quality facing the market so they will make sure all other team members understand the importance thereof.
Administrators focus on how the tasks are completed and make sure all other team members are in compliance with current policies, procedures, mandates, and guidelines. They are ultimately responsible for the overall sustainability, effectiveness, and efficiency of the organizational system.
Entrepreneurs focus on envisioning and creating the future. They are inspired and inspiring. They often come up with new ideas about products, services, and ways to do everyday task. They are essentially behind every major innovation and are ultimately responsible for helping organizations stay current, move forward, and introduce market- disruptive innovations.
Integrators focus on bringing people together and helping build personal and functional bridges among all team members. They are ultimately responsible for creating an organizational culture based on the vision and values shared by all team members.
When all the aforementioned factors are in synch, team synergy will most likely be positive. However, when they are out of synch, team synergy will most likely be negative. Consequently, in order to achieve positive synergy, organizational leaders must make sure their organization’s vision, values, and talent portfolio are aligned with each other and with market needs. Furthermore, organizational leaders must make sure their recruiting and leadership practices support such alignment.
What do you think?
Have you ever been part of a synergic relationship? Have you ever achieved positive synergy with your work team? What do the 11 laws of systems thinking have to do with seeking, achieving, and sustaining positive synergy? Have you ever experienced negative synergy? In your experience, what are the main obstacles to achieving positive synergy?
Luis E. Romero is an MIT-trained Economist, certified coach, professional speaker and published author. Follow him on Forbes, Twitter and LinkedIn, and visit his website here.
Also on Forbes:
Tue, 01 Dec 2015 01:50:00 -0600Luis E. Romeroentext/htmlhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/luisromero/2015/12/01/the-ultimate-guide-to-team-synergy/The Guide
The Guide is a guidebook developed to facilitate faculty advancement based on the scholarship of engagement at Purdue University and beyond. Inside, you will learn about the evolution of engagement at Purdue and receive tips for framing your engagement narrative in your promotion documents. The Guide also includes a series of example vignettes that highlight engagement excellence at Purdue.
To track the utility and impact of the Guide on advancing the Scholarship of Engagement, the Office of Engagement may reach out to you in the future. Please contact us directly if you have any questions.
Mon, 08 Aug 2022 08:58:00 -0500en-UStext/htmlhttps://www.purdue.edu/engagement/scholarship-of-engagement/guide/Meet Fortinet Advisor, a Generative AI Assistant that Accelerates Threat Investigation and Remediation
Fortinet harnesses more than a decade of AI innovation and deep threat expertise to empower customers with a cutting-edge GenAI tool that upskills cybersecurity teams
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today added Fortinet Advisor, a generative AI (GenAI) assistant, to its portfolio of more than 40 AI-powered offerings. AI has served as the backbone of the Fortinet Security Fabric and FortiGuard Labs threat intelligence and security services for more than a decade, and the implementation of GenAI is Fortinet’s latest innovation designed to protect customers and keep business operations online. The initial release of Fortinet Advisor will help support and guide security operations (SecOps) teams so they can investigate and remediate threats faster than ever before.
“Fortinet has pioneered artificial intelligence innovation within cybersecurity, and to date, we’ve delivered more than 40 AI-powered offerings that put the transformative power of this technology into customers’ hands,” said Michael Xie, Founder, President, and Chief Technology Officer at Fortinet. “We’re excited to build on our legacy as a leader in AI cybersecurity innovation with Fortinet Advisor, which combines Fortinet’s vast intelligence network with the benefits of GenAI to increase security team productivity and accelerate threat detection and mitigation.”
Fortinet Advisor Empowers SecOps Teams Today, Fortinet Advisor is available within FortiSIEM, Fortinet’s security information and event management solution, and FortiSOAR, Fortinet’s security orchestration, automation, and response offering.
Fortinet Security Operations Solutions already enable customers to slash the time needed to identify and contain threats from more than 20 days to less than an hour and condense investigation and remediation timelines from more than 18 hours to 15 minutes or less.1 By providing contextually aware incident analysis, remediation guidance, and playbook templates, Fortinet Advisor delivers critical information in natural language within seconds so SecOps teams can further reduce the mean time to detect and respond as well as improve their organizations’ overall risk posture.
Specific benefits of Fortinet Advisor for SecOps teams include:
Interprets security incidents: Fortinet Advisor rapidly analyzes alerts to generate easy-to-understand incident summaries within seconds, including context and potential impact.
Builds complex investigation queries: Fortinet Advisor helps security analysts generate productive queries to aid investigations. Analysts enter their desired insights—in natural language—into Fortinet Advisor, which creates precise syntax to return useful results.
Creates remediation plans: Fortinet Advisor aids in rapid threat response by suggesting threat remediation plans. It can also refine suggested response plans based on real-time analyst feedback.
Augments playbook creation: Security architects can consult Fortinet Advisor to generate playbook templates, translating processes into actionable plans quickly.
Fortinet Advisor is continuously updated and refined by Fortinet AI and product specialists. Fortinet experts regularly refresh the assistant’s knowledge base with the latest threat information and optimize its interactions and results.
More than a Decade of AI-Powered Threat Research, Prevention, Detection, and Response Fortinet has been on the bleeding edge of AI innovation for more than a decade, and more than 700,000 customers already benefit from AI-powered offerings, including FortiGuard AI-Powered Security Services, FortiAIOps, FortiEDR, and FortiAnalyzer. The use of AI across the Fortinet Security Fabric aids in zero-day threat detection, helps remediate today’s most sophisticated attacks, and enables IT teams to refine and resolve networking and security issues before they impact the organization.
An Industry-Leading Cybersecurity Platform The Fortinet Security Operations portfolio is a part of Fortinet’s cybersecurity platform—the Fortinet Security Fabric—and because of this tight integration, organizations can move from a reactive to a proactive security posture and quickly detect and disrupt cyberthreats. Fortinet Security Operations Solutions utilize AI and advanced analytics to identify sophisticated threats early in the kill chain and automate response activity across the Fortinet Security Fabric to speed investigation and remediation.
“GenAI has the power to make security teams smarter, more efficient, and more productive. Fortinet Advisor, which is backed by Fortinet’s long history of AI innovation and deep threat expertise, can help organizations improve business operations and harden themselves against attack, especially for those struggling with the cybersecurity skills gap.” – Jon Oltsik, Distinguished Analyst and Fellow at Enterprise Strategy Group.
Additional Resources
1. ESG, ESG Economic Validation: The Quantified Benefits of Fortinet Security Operations Solutions, August 1, 2023
About Fortinet
Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere you need it with the most extensive integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet's solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organization, develops and utilizes leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs.
Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0600en-UStext/htmlhttps://finance.yahoo.com/news/meet-fortinet-advisor-generative-ai-140000029.htmlFortinet to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial ResultsNo result found, try new keyword!News Summary Fortinet ® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, announced that it will hold a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter ...Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:16:00 -0600en-UStext/htmlhttps://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2024/01/02/9939311.htmA Snob's Guide to Cruising
At its best, cruising might just be the grandest way to travel—watery vistas, rousing breezes, the promise of parts (and ports) unknown, and the pleasure, of course, of seeing the world while having to unpack only once. And there have never been more and better ways to sail, and to more places, than now.
If you’re thinking of the Med for next summer, try it by small ship: The crowds of last summer are here to stay, and this is how to avoid them. Also, the vessels we recommend can anchor in charming little ports where the larger ones cannot venture, and are so sleek the locals won’t hate you for spoiling their view. If the excitement of approaching new and unfamiliar islands is what you’re after (isn’t that at least partly why Odysseus stayed away from home so long?), we know just the ships to take you stylishly around archipelagos in the Caribbean, Indonesia, South Pacific, and Seychelles (yes, it is possible to live on a different island each day). Travel to the poles is the ultimate frontier—and all the rage. We parse the options: Which ships are the best match for your interests, should you go first to the Arctic or the Antarctic, and what’s the difference, anyway? And listen up, all you secret sybarites: there’s a new crop of ultra-luxe vessels whose onboard coddling—think uniform butlers, state-of-the-art spas, celebrity chefs, formal dress dinners, and caviar by the pool—are reason enough to set sail (and proof, as T.S. Eliot once said, that the journey can be as important as the destination). Lastly, river cruising. It may have once had a staid reputation but it’s a beautiful and ancient pastime (think pharaohs on the Nile) and there are new and refurbished river ships on which to sail—on the Nile, of course, but also the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, Danube, and Chobe, that wildlife-rich tributary of the mighty Zambezi.
There literally are no better ways to watch the world float by.
If Shackleton could only see how we sail in his footsteps these days...
SilverseaMon, 18 Dec 2023 00:02:00 -0600en-UStext/htmlhttps://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/travel-guide/a46078620/best-luxury-cruises-guide/Gift GuideNo result found, try new keyword!The Most Outlandish Items from Goop's Gift Guide, Including a $15K Vibrator and a $2,170 Margarita Clutch 10 Under-$50 Gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week That Are All Educator-Approved Celebrate ...Wed, 01 Jun 2022 13:19:00 -0500entext/htmlhttps://people.com/tag/gift-guide/The best electric bikes of 2024
It's a new year, and if you're looking to get more active, then one of the best electric bikes could be the answer. Rather than driving your car or calling an Uber, an electric bike can get you where you want to go, and give you a little bit of exercise in the process.
Electric power-assisted bikes have exploded in popularity, because they make it easier to travel, as it doesn't require as much effort on your part to pedal. And, they're now available in all shapes and sizes — from folding models that you can carry in one hand, to large cargo bikes that can haul all your groceries and kids around town.Â
Because electric bikes are so hot, there are thousands of models available — but that also means that there are a lot of duds out there, too. That's why we've tested a number of the top models across all types of electric bikes to give you the best recommendations for your needs.Â
We test the bikes by riding them around, to see how responsive their electric motors are when going up hills and getting started from a dead stop. We also gauge the comfort of the bikes over long miles, and note the ease with which we can use their various features, such as an accompanying smartphone app. And, we also test the bikes' battery life; while endurance is affected by many factors, such as terrain and temperature, we try to the best of our ability to see how the bikes live up to the company's estimates.
While many of the best electric bikes are expensive — upwards of $2,000 — they're coming down in price; in fact, we also have a list of the best budget electric bikes under $1,500. And before you do any riding, be sure to pick up one of the best bike helmets to keep your head safe, and one of the best bike locks to keep your ride secure.Â
It's not the flashiest, but the RadCity 5 Plus will more than fit the needs of most riders. It's comfortable, offers plenty of power, and can be outfitted with lots of accessories.Â
This affordable ebike has a neat feature: Its handlebars can turn sideways, so it'll take up less room when you have to store it in a hallway or some other cramped space.
A truly versatile ebike that can be configured with dozens of accessories. It's also compact, powerful, very comfortable to ride, and one of the most affordable cargo bikes around.
If you're looking for an ebike that can go anywhere, look no further. This bike is responsive, stable in all conditions, including snow, has both lights and turn signals, and even comes with fenders.
This futuristic-looking ebike is made from carbon fiber, which keeps its weight to just 36 pounds. It has a speedy electronic shifter, responsive and powerful motor, and a great range for something this small. It ain't cheap, though.
This bike sports an ultra-light carbon fiber frame, a fingerprint sensor to lock it, Apple Find My, turn signals that light up the road, and voice-control. It's also lots of fun to ride.
For the vast majority of riders, the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus will be the best electric bike. It has a comfortable design, plenty of power, and a multitude of mounting points for things such as baskets and child seats. Plus, it comes with a rear rack and mudguards. Its 7-speed shifter, combined with three levels of pedal assistance and a twist throttle is more than enough to get you up even the steepest of hills.
Rad Power says that the RadCity5 should get upwards of 50+ miles on a charge; in our testing, it came fairly close — about 40 miles.
We really enjoyed pedaling around on this bike, which is offered in both step-through and step-over models. Its battery, while not fully integrated into the downtube, provides plenty of range, and can also be used to charge your phone (with the right adapter). At a starting price of $1,999, it's reasonably affordable, but you should check out our Rad Power Bikes promo codes for the latest discounts.Â
Max estimated range:46 miles, depending on assist setting
Max assisted speed:20 mph
Motor:36V, 350W brushless rear hub motor with torque sensor
Gearing:7-speed Shimano
Weight:41 pounds
Reasons to buy
+
Great price
+
Impressive comfort
+
Easy to read head unit
+
Turn signals
Reasons to avoid
-
Motor feels underpowered
The Aventon Soltera.2 is the successor to our previous top pick among the best budget electric bikes. This modestly priced model costs less than $1,500, yet sacrifices very little in the name of economy. In our tests, we found it very comfortable to ride, and it looks great, too. We also liked that it has features you won't find on other budget electric bikes — namely, the built-in turn signals, which are a real help when riding in traffic.Â
Aventon says that the Soltera.2's battery should get up to 46 miles per charge, a claim we found to be fairly accurate in our testing. However, the Soltera's rear hub motor does feel a little underpowered, especially on hills, but thanks to a torque sensor, it's a lot more responsive than the original Aventon Soltera. If you're looking for a low-cost electric bike to get you around town, this is definitely the model to pick up. Be sure to check out the best budget electric bikes for more picks.
If you plan on commuting to work, Charge Bikes City may well be the best ebike for you. Not only does it come with features like full-fenders to keep the mud off and a rear rack for a pack or bag, but it does everything well for a very reasonable price. The Charge City has a five level power assist, as well as a full-power throttle button, should the need or hill arise.Â
The biggest reason why we think this bike is best for commuters is that its handle bars fold flat, so you can more easily store it in an apartment or a cubicle at work. It comes with all the necessary bells and whistles a commuter is going to want, including the bell (actually a superior and very loud electronic horn). The bike is available in both step-over and step through, and in a few color options, too.
The City's electric assist is so smooth you'll think you're doing all the work yourself. At night, the bike's lights sufficiently lit up the road and the throttle helped us zip around potential trouble when we felt out of gas. Its advertised range of 50 miles held up, too; we found we only had to recharge the bike every three days using it on our regular commute.
Founded by folks from biking icon Cannondale, Charge's sui generis feature is that even newbies can assemble the bike right out of the box in 10 minutes or less. All you basically have to do is put the front wheel on.Â
Throttle adds assist over your pedaling assist when needed
Reasons to avoid
-
Could use a center stand rather than kickstand
How's this for an endorsement? Our reviewer loved this bike so much that he decided to buy one for himself.Â
While it can't haul as heavy loads as some other larger (and much more expensive) cargo bikes, the RadPower RadRunner 3 Plus is more than capable of carrying you, your kids, and plenty of groceries wherever you need to go. We loved its responsive 750W motor, its comfortable ride, and its low center of gravity, thanks to its 3.3-inch thick, 20-inch tires.
However, we found it to be fairly heavy, tipping the scales at 75 pounds, so you're not going to want to try pedal it without any power assist. But we found its advertised 45-mile range to be pretty accurate, so long as we didn't go too heavy on the throttle.
Aside from its performance, what made the RadRunner 3 Plus stand out so much to us was its versatility: You can outfit the bike with any number of combinations of racks, seats, bags, and other accessories to truly customize it for your needs. And, its relatively low price for a cargo bike makes it a real bargain for those looking to replace their car with an electric bike.
This fat tire ebike will get you anywhere you need to go
Specifications
Battery:48V, 15Ah (removable)
Max estimated range:60 miles
Max assisted speed:28 mph
Motor:750 watts, 48V, rear hub motor
Gearing:Shimano Acera 8-speed rear derailleur
Wheel diameter:26 inches
Weight:77 pounds
Reasons to buy
+
Very fun ride with excellent pedaling assist response
+
Stable and capable in all conditions, including snow
+
Has both lights and turn signals
Reasons to avoid
-
Very heavy bike
-
Suspension fork is unnecessary
If you're looking for a fat-tire electric bike that's less than $2,000, the Aventon Aventure.2 is hard to beat. It's as good off-road as it is on pavement, has a beefy battery and a clear color display, as well as fenders that'll save your clothes from getting too muddy. Other niceties include a brake-activated rear light and turn signals.
The Aventure.2 has both pedal-assist and throttle modes, and the battery and wires are neatly integrated into the frame. What's more, the battery can be removed for charging. The battery lasted nearly the advertised 60 miles on a charge, but, as with other ebikes, we drained it much faster when we relied on the throttle.
While not as capable as a dedicated mountain bike, the Aventure.2 was able to get us up and over hilly terrain, and its torque sensor was quick to translate our pedaling into power.Â
Our only real critiques were the bike's 77-pound weight and its front suspension fork, which felt unnecessary. Otherwise, it's an excellent bike for the price.
The Gocycle G4i+ looks like something a supercar designer would build, which isn't surprising given that it was conceived by former McLaren sports car engineer Richard Thorpe. Not only is this bike's unique wheels-on-one-side and tapered body eye-catching, but we were able to fold it up in less than a minute into a size small enough to get us on and off a train, and past our security and into our office elevator. At 36 pounds, it's one of the lightest folding electric bikes out there, too.Â
Despite that, this bike was a real pleasure to ride. Its electric shifter responded near instantly, as did the pedal assist and throttle. However, while the G4i+ has daytime running lights, you'll have to pay extra for a legit headlight, as well as mudguards. Also, the G4i+ has a great smartphone app, but one of the flimsiest methods of holding your phone on the bike itself — a cheap solution for a bike that costs $7,000.Â
If you're looking for something slightly more affordable, GoCycle also sells the G4i ($5,999) and the G4 ($4,799). A 2022 version of the G4 has an injection molded composite mid-frame. Still too much for your wallet? Then you should check out the Brompton Electric C-Line Explore, which starts around $3,000.Â
The Yuba Supercargo CL can haul an astounding 500 pounds, making it one of the heftiest electric cargo bikes in its class. Yet, it offers a surprisingly stable ride, thanks to its low center of gravity. Its cargo area is very customizable, letting you convert it from a place to carry groceries to a space to tote your tots to soccer practice. Â
Magna hydraulic brakes and a Bosch mid-drive motor were very responsive, though the relatively small 20-inch tires and lack of suspension did make bumps feel a bit jarring. The Supercargo CL starts at around $6,000, but is incredibly customizable; you can select from a range of accessories to adapt the cargo area to suit your needs.Â
If you're looking for a cargo bike that can haul more than the Rad Power RadRunner 3 Plus, this is the model to consider.
Motor:1300W (Peak) 750W (Sustained), Rear Hub Motor
Gearing:Single speed
Weight:66 pounds
Max advertised range:55 miles
Max advertised assist speed:28 mph
Reasons to buy
+
Powerful pedal assist with a full-throttle mode
+
Maneuverable
+
Competitively priced
Reasons to avoid
-
No shocks
-
Single speed
The Juiced Ripracer is a lot more fun than it should be, for a lot less than you might think. It's one of the more affordable offroad ebikes we've tested, and it can go just about anywhere. This fat-tire ride has a 40.3-inch wheelbase and 20-inch wheels designed for trails and other unpaved surfaces, though its lack of shock absorbers means a rougher ride than with so-equipped e-bikes.Â
This bike has some serious pep, and it flew just about everywhere we wanted it to go. We really liked its low-end torque, which made it great for getting up hills. However, it has a cadence, rather than a torque sensor, so it takes a rotation or two of the pedals for the assist to kick in. As it's a BMX-style bike, the Ripracer is a lot smaller than other mountain e-bikes, which also makes it easier to maneuver around tight spaces.Â
If you're going to ride the next generation of transportation, why not make it as high-tech as possible? That's what the folks at Urtopia did with the Carbon 1S. First, it has a carbon fiber frame, which makes it extremely light — just 33 pounds. Some of the best electric scooters we've tested weigh more.Â
But it doesn't stop there: The bike also has a fingerprint sensor, voice control, turn signals, an anti-theft alarm and GPS tracking — no one wants to lose their $2,000 ride. The fingerprint sensor was handy - we just pressed our thumb to a small pad on the right handlebar, and the bike turned on. Try someone else's fingerprint, and you get a nasty-looking face on the bike's display. If someone tries to make off with the bike, a really loud and obnoxious siren goes off, and if that still doesn't deter them, you can track the bike using its built in GPS tracking and 4G eSIM. (After the first year, this feature will set you back $39).Â
The bike even has its own voice control, which lets you change its assist levels, activate the turn signals, and more. However, it felt a bit like a gimmick, and was more distracting than helpful.Â
On the go, the Carbon S1 was a delight to ride. While its 350W motor isn't the most powerful among the other electric bikes we've tested, it was more than enough to get us around town and up some pretty steep roads. Urtopia says that you should get between 25 to 60 miles on a charge from its battery, which was accurate. Using the max assist setting, we came pretty close to hitting the 25-mile mark.
There are more practical electric bikes on the market (and on this list), but what sets the Carbon S1 apart is its light weight and neat safety features. It's also a lot of fun to ride.
Deep step-through design is great for riders of varying heights
Reasons to avoid
-
Could use more gears in the drivetrain
-
Heavy for a bike in this category
One compromise you have to make with many electric bikes — budget or not — is their range. The more pedal assist you use, the quicker you're going to drain its battery. The NIU BQi-C3 Pro is the best budget electric bike for those who have range anxiety, as it packs two batteries that can provide you as much as 90 miles before they run out of juice. And, in our testing, that claim looks pretty accurate, too.
Aside from its endurance, there are a lot of other niceties we found on this bike for the price. For starters, it has a carbon belt drive, which is not only quieter, but lasts longer and is easier to maintain. Then there's the mechanical disc brakes, front and rear lights, and a built-in rear rack. The bike's step-through design made it easy for both a 5' 11" rider and a 5' 3" rider to hop on and off.Â
The biggest knock against the bike is its weight — 70.5 pounds — most likely owing to its two batteries. Fortunately, we found the pedal assist from its 500W motor to be more than up to the task of getting us going wherever we wanted.
Pedal-assist or throttle? All electric bikes have what's called pedal-assist; you start pedaling, and the bike's motor kicks in to make your ride a little easier. But you need to put in at least some work: you won't go anywhere unless you pedal. Most electric bikes will also let you set the level of assistance, so you can decide how hard you want to pedal.
However, some electric bikes will also have a throttle. Press a button or push a lever, and the bike will do all the work for you — no pedaling needed! Using a throttle will quickly eat up the battery life on the bike, so you'll get far less of a range if you don't want to pedal at all.
Motor type Less expensive electric bikes traditionally use a rear hub motor. Mid-drive motors located in the center pedal crank shaft tend to be more expensive but offer better overall balance and smoother shifting.Â
Motors are also rated based on their power, measured in Watts. Typically, the least powerful motor will be 250 Watts, but unless you're a very large person or planning to go up really steep hills, the motor size shouldn’t be a major determining factor for your purchase. More important,  there is no industry standard for measuring Watts (is it continuous or peak and if peak, for how long?). So in general, a motor’s Watt rating isn’t a reliable indication of power.
Battery size Consider where you live. If you're in San Francisco you're going to want more help than if you're cruising around Austin. Watt hours (Wh) is the most important figure for comparison—it takes into account battery output and battery life to give you a better sense of available power. Higher Wh translates into more range.Â
Many electric bike makers will also include an estimated range (usually about 40 miles) that you can get off a single charge. You should take this figure with a large grain of salt, as that number is usually determined under ideal circumstances: A fairly lightweight person riding on flat terrain with no wind, and at the perfect ambient temperature for the battery. Range is also dependent on the level of power assist being used, whether full-throttle has been applied and for how long, and your average speed. As they say, your mileage may vary.
Removable or built-in battery? Most bike batteries will handle rides of about 40 miles and need to be plugged in for at least a couple of hours to get to 80 percent of capacity. So if you have a more demanding commute, consider a model that lets you swap out the battery rather than a bike with an integrated battery.Â
Also, if you live in a place where you can't bring your bike inside or get close to a wall outlet (such as if you live in a walk-up apartment), definitely look for a bike with a removable battery. It will make your life a lot easier.
Step-over or Step-through? Many electric bike makers will offer their bikes in two configurations: Step-over (which has a top bar that runs parallel to the ground) and Step-through (the bar is angled downwards). Once upon a time, step-through models were traditionally thought of as women's bikes, but that perception is changing. It's generally easier to get on and off a step-through bike, as you don't have to lift your leg over a bar.Â
Safety features If you're planning to ride your electric bike in traffic or in low-light conditions (such as dawn and dusk), it's worth looking for an electric bike with built-in head and taillights. While increasingly common, it's not a standard feature on all models.Â
Electric bike FAQ
What are the different types of electric bike?
Generally speaking, electric bikes fall into the same categories as non-electric bikes. Here's a quick summary of some of the kinds of electric bikes you'll find.
Road bike: These are meant solely for riding on roads, and are designed for speed. They will have thinner tires and curved handlebars, so that the rider will be crouched forward. Higher-end models may also be made out of carbon fiber, so as to make the bike as light as possible.
Mountain bike: Designed for off-road use, mountain bikes will have thick, knobby tires, full suspension, and a burlier frame to better absorb bumps and jumps.Â
Fat tire bikes: Similar to mountain bikes, fat tire bikes are meant to be ridden off-road, usually on very soft ground, such as mud, sand, and snow. As their name suggests, these bikes have very wide tires — as much as four inches — which helps keep a grip on unsteadier terrain.
City/Commuter bike: Made for urban dwellers who need to get around town, a commuter bike will have tires that are somewhere in between a road and a mountain bike. Generally, the bikes will be configured so that the rider's back is vertical when seated, which gives them a better view of their surroundings.
Cargo bike: These bikes are made for carrying heavy loads, and will have a cargo area either in the front or rear of the bike. Because of the payload area, these bikes often tend to me much longer and heavier — and more expensive — than a typical bike. Â
What is a good speed for an electric bike?
In the U.S., electric bikes are limited to 20 miles per hour; that is, they can only provide you with power — either through pedal-assist or with a throttle — until the bike hits 20 MPH. While you can easily go faster than 20 MPH on an electric bike, the rest of that power will have to be provided by you — or gravity.Â
How much does an electric bike cost?
Electric bikes range widely in price. Some of the best cheap electric bikes start at around $1,000; you can certainly find models for less, but quality will be less.Â
The bulk of electric bikes cost anywhere from $1,500 to around $2,500, and there are hundreds of models in this price range. Â
Higher-end and specialized electric bikes — such as cargo bikes — will cost upwards of $3,000, and can easily reach $6,000 to $8,000, which is a sizable investment.Â
rules and regulations
There has been a lot of confusion about ebikes (pedal assist versus throttle bikes) and where you can legally ride them. Some municipalities have banned ebikes from bicycle paths, for example. Many places classify ebikes depending on whether they can go full throttle and have a maximum speed of 20 or 28 mph. There are three official classifications:
Class 1: Ebikes that only assist while you pedal, with a top speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: Ebikes with a throttle that don't require you to pedal but have a top speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: Ebikes that only assist while you pedal, with a top speed of 28 mph.
So check your local regulations before you buy. And always wear a helmet.
Meet our testers
Dan Cavallari is the former technical editor for VeloNews Magazine, who currently reviews electric bikes, the best bike lights, best bike locks, and other bike accessories for Tom's Guide. In addition to VeloNews, his work has appeared in Triathlete Magazine, Rouleur Magazine, CyclingTips.com, Road Bike Action, Mountain Bike Action, CycleVolta.com, Tomsguide.com, and much more.Â
Dan also hosts two podcasts on his site, Slow Guy on the Fast Ride: One is about cycling and other outdoor activities, while the other looks at mental health issues. Most recently, Dan also covered the 2022 Tour de France. Dan lives outside of Denver, Colorado with his family.Â
John R. Quain has been reviewing and testing video and audio equipment for more than 20 years. For Tom's Guide, he has reviewed televisions, HDTV antennas, electric bikes, electric cars, as well as other outdoor equipment. He is currently a contributor to The New York Times and the CBS News television program. John has also written our guide to the best bike helmets.Â
how we test
All the bicycles in this feature were road (and in some cases, off-road) tested by Tom’s Guide reviewers and staff.Â
The testing process begins when we first receive the bike; as most come only partly assembled, we assess the difficulty with which we have to put the final pieces together. Typically, this involves attaching the front wheel, handlebars, and pedals, but some bikes are easier to put together than others.Â
Next, we take the bikes for a ride, evaluating their comfort, handling, responsiveness of their motors — some will be faster to apply power than others — as well as how they perform over a variety of terrain and conditions. For example, if we're testing a fat-tire bike, we'll take it off-roading; if we're testing a cargo bike, we'll load it with kids and grocery bags.Â
If a bike has headlights and/or taillights, we'll also check to see how bright they are in dimmer conditions. After all, you're not going to only ride it during the day. We'll also try out any other safety features, such as bells and horns.Â
We also evaluate the advertised battery range of an electric bike. Many companies will offer, shall we say, optimistic range estimates based on ideal riding conditions: A light rider using the lowest level of power assist, and traveling on a level road in 70-degree conditions.Â
But, that's not reflective of real-world use. While it's impossible to replicate the exact same conditions from one bike review to the next, we do our best to provide as much detail in our reviews as to how we rode the bike (terrain, pedal assist levels) to determine how close to accurate the companies' claims are.
Finally, if an electric bike comes with an app — as is becoming increasingly common— we'll test it out too, to see how easy it is to use, and how well it works with the bike itself.Â
Wed, 03 Jan 2024 12:34:00 -0600John R. Quainentext/htmlhttps://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-electric-bikesSportsman's Guide Coupons January 2024
Become a Member and Save
Gain exclusive perks when you enroll in the Buyer’s Club. Members get a 10% discount on all outdoor gear and 5% on guns and ammo.Â
They also get free shipping on any order of $49 or more, interest-free payment plan options on credit card offers of $150 or more, and exclusive discounts of up to 50% on select items.Â
The plan costs $14.99 for the first three months and then $59.99 annually afterward. If you shop regularly at Sportsman’s Guide, this can be a simple way to save money. Â
Shop the Rebate Center
Get money back as a prepaid Mastercard on select items at Sportsman’s Guide! Eligible items can be found in the rebate center, and you can click “rebate available” on individual product pages to learn about each offer's different terms and conditions. These rebates can help you save hundreds of dollars on a wide variety of products.
Guarantee Your Price
If you find a lower advertised price at an eligible competitor, Sportsman’s Guide will match the price or refund the difference, so long as you submit the claim within ten days of your purchase.Â
Restrictions apply, such as guns and ammo, and price matching is limited to select retailers, which you can find under the “Terms & Conditions” of the Lowest Price Guarantee on the company’s website. The guarantee does not cover sales from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday.Â
Purchase a Gift Card
If you’re stuck on what to buy that friend or family member, gift cards for Sportsman’s Guide are available in amounts between $10 and $500. Physical cards are shipped via USPS and come with a printed catalog.Â
E-gift cards can be customized with a recipient’s name and a personal message but will be emailed to the billing email address. Digitally delivered cards may take up to 24 hours to arrive in your inbox.
Understand Shipping Rates
Non-member customers of Sportsman’s Guide pay $14.99 on any order for standard ground shipping. Members of the Buyer’s Club pay between $4.99 and $11.99 for standard orders up to $48.99 and receive free standard shipping on orders of $49 or more.Â
Standard shipping takes between three and seven days to arrive. Faster forms of shipping are available to everyone for an extra fee between $5 and $20. Depending on which option you choose, you might benefit from applying a promo code or coupon to your purchase.
Make a Return
Customers have up to 90 days from the date of shipment to make a return to Sportsman’s Guide. They are also responsible for paying the return shipping fees, except on Sportsman’s Guide-branded items, which will receive free return shipping.Â
You can initiate a return using an online form, which will walk you through the process. Some items are excluded from return, including ammo and firearms. See the company’s website for additional restrictions.
Previous Sportsman's Guide Promo Codes
Discount Type
Discount Codes & Deals
Discount Amount
Status
Online Coupon
Sportsman's Guide $20 off coupon code
$20 Off
Ongoing
Online Coupon
Sportsman's Guide 10% off coupon on your purchase
10%Â Off
Ongoing
Online Coupon
Sportsman's Guide Coupon: $10 off orders over $50
$10 Off
Ongoing
Online Coupon
Club Members: 20% off your order with this Sportsman's Guide promo code
20% Off
Ongoing
Online Coupon
$15 off orders of $100 or more using this Sportsman's Guide coupon
$15 Off
Ongoing
Online Coupon
$50 off orders over $250 using this Sportsman's Guide promo code
$50 Off
Ongoing
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