Is SASE Right for you? How to Navigate the SASE Landscape

Published 15/07/24 under:

SASE stands for “Secure Access Service Edge.” It’s a cloud-based security solution that provides secure access to applications, data, and networks from anywhere and on any device.

SASE combines wide area networking, zero-trust security and cloud-native architecture to deliver a holistic security framework. Done right, SASE is a powerful solution for supercharging your security, offering a range of benefits including:

• Simplified security management: SASE solutions offer a single, unified platform for managing security across multiple locations, devices, and applications.
• Scalability and flexibility: SASE solutions are highly scalable, allowing organizations to quickly add new users or locations without the need for additional hardware or software.
• Improved visibility: SASE solutions provide real-time visibility into network traffic and user activity, helping organizations detect and respond to security threats more quickly.
• Cost savings: SASE solutions can reduce the cost of managing security by consolidating multiple security functions into a single platform.
• Enhanced user experience: SASE solutions offer a seamless user experience by providing secure access to applications and data from anywhere, on any device.

At Kerv Connect we’re huge proponents of SASE. However, we often speak to clients who come to us with misconceptions about what SASE is or how it works. In this blog post, we’ll explain where these misunderstandings can stem from, and how to navigate the SASEE landscape effectively to make the right decisions for your business.

SASE is not a standalone product

Vendor marketing around SASE can be confusing. While SASE is often referred to as a security solution, it is not a standalone product.

SASE refers to a combination of services and technologies that work together to provide a comprehensive security framework for businesses. However, because SASE has become something of a buzzword, vendors do sometimes label propositions as SASE even though they don’t cover all the technology requirements.

As a result, it’s important to be cautious about products labelled “SASE”. By taking the phrase at face value, it’s possible to end up with a solution that is labelled as SASE but only covers a portion of a business’s actual security needs, leading to additional costs for integrating additional technologies or services to fill the gaps.

SASE is not all or nothing

It’s important to note that not all businesses will require SASE as their primary security strategy. While SASE can be beneficial in many scenarios, it may not be the best fit for every use case.

There are a range of factors that customers should consider when determining whether SASE is an appropriate choice for their infrastructure, including the size and complexity of their network infrastructure, the types of applications and services that they are running on their network, the security requirements of their business, such as compliance with industry regulations or the need to protect sensitive data, and the budget and resources available for implementing and maintaining a SASE solution.

SASE does not guarantee cost savings

SASE’s cost structure and infrastructure requirements can be very different to the architecture it replaces, so while there are potential cost savings available, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the associated costs and their benefits.

For example, adopting Zero-Trust Network Architecture typically means moving to a per-user, per-year pricing model, which can be a significant uplift in cost from a VPN, even though there could be other savings available which outweigh it.

Like so many things, there are cost savings to be made, but the process of achieving them depends on your individual circumstances.

Start your SASE journey with Kerv

At Kerv Connect we know that when it comes to SASE architecture, one size definitely does not fit all. We work closely with you to understand your existing infrastructure and requirements before recommending an approach, including a full network health check to identify your current challenges, key areas for improvement and the tangible benefits available. With a proven track record and our ‘Customer First’ ethos, we’re perfectly placed to help you navigate the SASE landscape with confidence.