What Is SASE?

‘What is SASE?’ is a question many people are asking, so we’ve explained why it’s a game-changer for business network needs.

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A Revolutionary Approach To Enterprise Networking

“We Answer the Question: What is SASE?”

With the surge in remote work, the proliferation of cloud-based services and the escalating threats to cybersecurity, the need for a comprehensive and adaptable networking solution has never been more critical. This is where Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) offers a revolutionary approach to enterprise networking.

According to a report by Security Magazine, as of mid-2021, 34% of businesses claimed to have already adopted SASE, with an additional 30% planning to do so in the next six to 12 months. This indicates 64% of businesses were either adopting or planning to adopt SASE within a year.

Additionally, a Gartner survey from 2022 indicated that 41.5% of organisations planned to have adopted SASE by the end of 2022.

SASE is not just a technological advancement; it’s a strategic solution to the growing demands for flexibility, security and efficiency in corporate networks. By converging network and security functions into a single, cloud-based platform, SASE addresses the challenges of traditional, rigid networking infrastructures, making it an ideal fit for today’s dynamic business environment.

The reason for this article is to demystify “What is SASE?” and explore its significance in the current digital context. We aim to provide clarity on how SASE works and why it’s becoming an essential component of modern enterprise networking. Whether you’re managing a sprawling global enterprise or a growing start-up, understanding SASE is key to ensuring your network is not only robust and secure but also agile enough to adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape.

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SASE is futureproofing business connectivity

At its core, SASE combines networking and security into a single, cloud-based platform. It is a comprehensive solution that integrates Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) with advanced security services. This integration includes Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB), Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and more. The aim of SASE is to streamline and secure network operations, which is increasingly important in our digital and remote-working world.

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How does SASE work?

To further understand what SASE is and how it functions, let’s break down its four key pillars:

Identity-Driven:

‍SASE focuses on who is using the network and what they need access to. It ensures the right people get the right level of access and experience, all based on a set of rules that your business defines.

Cloud-Native:

Being cloud-native means SASE is flexible, can fix itself when something goes wrong and stays up to date without much fuss. It’s designed to adapt quickly, making sure your network is always at its best, no matter where you or your team are.

Support for All Edges:

Whether it’s your main office, a branch, cloud services or team members working remotely, SASE works everywhere equally well. It’s about providing consistent and secure service across your entire business.

Globally Distributed:

‍SASE is designed to work worldwide. This means no matter where your team is, they can expect a fast, reliable and secure connection.  

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SASE: The Future of secure connectivity

The unique blend of flexibility, scalability and security that SASE offers makes it an indispensable tool for enterprises looking to thrive in a digital-first world. The adoption of SASE is expected to grow rapidly, becoming a standard for most businesses seeking to optimise their networking infrastructure while ensuring robust security.

Its ability to provide seamless, secure connectivity across diverse environments — from remote work locations to global offices — is paramount in an era where traditional network perimeters have all but disappeared. As cloud adoption accelerates and the workforce becomes increasingly mobile, SASE’s importance will only intensify, offering a unified approach to manage the complexities of distributed networking and security.

At Connected Networks, we are poised to play a pivotal role in this transformation. Our expertise in network architecture and security places us in a unique position to guide businesses through the intricacies of implementing SASE.  

We also understand that transitioning to a SASE framework is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about rethinking network strategies to align with evolving business objectives and threats. As such, our approach is holistic, ensuring SASE solutions are not only technically sound but also strategically aligned with each business’s specific needs.

With Connected Networks, your business can confidently navigate this transition, leveraging SASE to create a network that is not only prepared for the challenges of today but also adaptable for the uncertainties of tomorrow.  

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