What is not SASE?
Jan Willem Behrens explains
The adoption of SASE continues to build momentum; a Gartner® survey identified that “39% of respondents said that they had deployed or will deploy SASE within 24 months. However, a SASE deployment is not a simple rip and replace; performing it correctly requires a carefully phased transition.
Many “SASE vendors” claim to provide solutions that meet the expectations of SASE, but they often fail to provide a comprehensive network security package. Here we’ll explore what features set true SASE apart from its imposters so businesses can identify which genuinely offer value in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
SD-WAN is not SASE
SASE and SD-WAN are not just superficially similar; they both offer organizations the ability to enhance agility, merge resources, provide unified routing features, and abstract away from the physical infrastructure. Given these shared characteristics, it is understandable that they are often compared. However, a deeper exploration into SASE reveals additional layers of complexity and benefits that set it apart.
Cloud-based security is not SASE
SASE offerings are enhanced with an extensive array of sophisticated security functionalities, including IPS (intrusion prevention system) and NGFW (next-generation firewall) for blocking intrusions, along with SWG (secure web gateway) for safeguarding web gateway access. It is critical to implement an identity-centric security approach and a cloud-native framework as part of SASE. However, a feature-packed cloud firewall alone is insufficient – Security represents just a portion of the solution, with Global WAN optimization and routing features equally crucial for realizing authentic SASE architecture on a large scale.
Multiple disparate appliances patched together is not SASE
SASE enables organizations to merge the benefits of SD-WAN’s agile routing with extensive security capabilities. Yet, the true value emerges only when these features are expertly configured and seamlessly integrated. Simply assembling disparate components from different “SASE providers” fails to unlock their collective potential.
By integrating network and security appliances with cloud technologies, organizations can achieve enhanced agility, visibility, simplicity, and performance that standalone solutions cannot match. Trying to piece together various products to achieve these goals typically leads to increased expenses and the creation of complicated networks that cannot be maintained effectively at scale. Although outsourcing may initially appear advantageous, it often results in greater costs and diminished quality.
Virtual appliances on edge devices is not SASE
Virtual appliances offer an easier method for leveraging resources at the edge, yet they do not lower operational expenses. SASE technology advances resource efficiency further by delivering functions via cloud-native platforms and having them managed by providers, which removes the need for physical appliance forms and the burden of their management for customers. So, what is SASE precisely?
SASE represents the fusion of networking and security that boosts performance, reduces operational complexity, and strengthens security posture on a worldwide level. For a solution to be considered genuinely SASE, it must exhibit the following traits:
- Support for all edges: Mobile, cloud, WAN, and edge locations must all be supported without sacrificing performance or functionality. Many virtual and physical appliances struggle to meet this criterion. This is because security appliances are often inherently tied to a specific location.
- Identity-driven security: The SASE security model is built around granular identification of resources. SASE requires that every app, person, and device can be accounted for, and data flows can be analyzed in-depth. Doing so enables full-network visibility and contextual awareness to help mitigate threats.
- Cloud native architecture: To simplify management complexity and deliver elasticity, resilience, and self-maintenance that make SASE performant and scalable for the enterprise, multi-tenant cloud-native architecture is a must.
- Globally distributed network connectivity: A globally distributed cloud platform ensures that all the features of SASE are available no matter where enterprise network edges are located geographically. This means that SASE PoPs (points of presence) need to go beyond public cloud data centers and ensure low-latency connectivity for all WAN endpoints.
Businesses aiming to enhance their digital operations ought to delve into SASE. Our complimentary eBook, “The Network for the Digital Business Starts with the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE),” uncovers how Secure Access Service Edge can empower businesses to remain ahead in the constantly changing market landscape.
Why Horizon Telecom
Horizon Telecom is the premium MSP partner for organizations seeking to implement SASE solutions that enhance their security posture, improve operational complexity, and boost performance. With Horizon Telecom, companies can optimize their digital businesses and stay competitive in today’s ever-evolving marketplace.
Contact us today or sign up for a demo to experience firsthand how Horizon Telecom can help you stay competitive in today’s ever-evolving marketplace. With Horizon Telecom as your partner, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your network is secure and optimized for success.
Why do I have to embrace Sase?
As the IT Director of a worldwide corporate entity, you are intimately familiar with the hurdles of deploying robust network security measures. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) has emerged as a leading strategy for network security, emphasizing the need to discern genuine SASE offerings from those that do not measure up. Many providers might profess to deliver SASE, yet fall short of providing the all-encompassing security suite, cloud-first architecture, global network access, and identity-centric security integral to authentic SASE solutions. Horizon Telecom recognizes the critical role of SASE in enhancing digital business operations and maintaining a competitive edge in the fluid market landscape. Partnering with Horizon Telecom ensures that your network is not only secure but also primed for success. Reach out to us now to unlock the full potential of SASE for your organization.