Highlights:

  • Although many organizations recognize the benefits of SASE, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to implementation. Each enterprise has distinct security and network needs.
  • With SASE, enterprises can upgrade from legacy infrastructure to cloud-based services, enabling quicker and more secure connections between branch locations.

No matter where you begin your SASE project (networking, security, or combination), the technology you select must work for everyone who is included.

SASE is a huge project that requires input from various teams (IT, security, networking, and DevOps). The technology you choose should be flexible enough to manage what each team needs now and in the future.

Many businesses see the value of SASE but aren’t sure how to start. Every company’s SASE journey is different. This blog will help you to:

  • Sort out what you want to obtain first with SASE.
  • Create a step-by-step approach that can be modified as needed.
  • Ask the right questions to know vendor offerings.
  • Compare various SASE solutions on the basis of key features.

While many organizations see the power of SASE, there’s no sole blueprint for implementation. Every enterprise faces unique security and network concerns.

To assist you in steering this intricate landscape, this SASE use cases blog will help you to:

  • Highlight your specific goal of SASE and other primary steps.
  • Prioritize projects based on your organization’s requirements.
  • Assess SASE vendors efficiently.
  • Know the key features of various SASE platforms.

Priority Single-vendor SASE Use Cases: Key Considerations

Gartner identifies three single-vendor SASE use cases to help prioritize:

  • Basic SASE: For midsize enterprises securing public and private applications.
  • Network-driven SASE: For enterprises prioritizing advanced network functionalities.
  • SASE with advanced security: For organizations focused on top-tier security over ease of use.

Many organizations prefer starting with smaller, scoped projects to clarify short- and long-term goals. This approach can prove effectiveness, build momentum, and increase stakeholder support for larger initiatives.

Identify your starting point by considering key decision factors, including:

  • Flexibility: Begin with a tightly scoped pilot project, such as with the security team.
  • Implementation speed: Target areas like contractors with limited access needs for quick security improvements.
  • High-risk users or applications: Focus on protecting developers, executives, or critical systems.
  • Employee feedback: Tackle internal workflows that could boost productivity.
  • Contract timing: Sync upcoming renewals with relevant use cases to upgrade legacy systems.

Use case 1: Streamline branch connectivity/transition from MPLS or traditional SD-WAN

Conventional network solutions like MPLS and SD-WAN fight to connect branch offices effectively. They can be expensive, hard to control, and pose security challenges.

In such a scenario, SASE provides a more optimized approach. Combining network and security functions eases branch connectivity, lowers costs, and boosts performance.

With SASE, enterprises can replace legacy infrastructure with cloud-based services, making faster and more secure connections between branch locations.

Use Case 2: Minimize or eliminate the DMZ

DMZs (demilitarized zone networks) were used earlier to separate public or private applications from the main enterprise network through a partitioned firewall.

Nevertheless, the relevance of the DMZ is eroding as advanced alternatives enable secure application hosting without exposure. By exposing modern applications and network services, organizations can change DMZ security to the cloud and delete the need for DMZs (and VPNs).

Finally, a zero-trust approach provides simple, secure access without inbound traffic, majorly reducing the attack surface and boosting visibility into access without the need for comprehensive firewall audits.

Use case 3: Omit elevated trust on the LAN

Earlier, it was not hard to grant office users broad access to data center resources. However, this elevated trust can enable lateral movement within the network.

However, today, many enterprises are accepting Zero Trust principles, specifically in environments like shared workspaces.

Hence, boost your security by treating your local area network (LAN) with the same level of scrutiny as guest networks or public Wi-Fi. Employ a granular, identity-centric approach to control access to applications.

Use case 4: Speed up connectivity for M and A–

Past IT challenges during mergers and acquisitions consist:

  • Manual, time-consuming due diligence
  • Compatibility and scalability concerns
  • Possibility of introducing new vulnerabilities

In such a case, ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) behaves as a secure aggregation layer for users and applications across both companies, promising business continuity throughout the M and A process.

Hence, by employing Zero Trust rules on a per-app basis rather than relying on traditional network-based access, enterprises can potentially neglect a network merge altogether.

With ZTNA provided through a SASE platform, you can speedily enable secure access to authorized resources for all users from the beginning.

Moving Beyond Feature Checklists for SASE Vendor Selection

Comparing SASE vendors is important before finalizing a vendor. Therefore, focus on the underlying technology and the vendor’s experience.

  • Know your priorities: Determine what’s most important for your business.
  • Test claims: Understand how vendor features will benefit you.
  • Dig deeper: Discuss architecture, long-term plans, and how they align with your goals.

Single-vendor SASE Consolidation

Many enterprises adopt SASE gradually, frequently using services from various vendors. Nevertheless, consolidating SASE components with a single provider can majorly simplify deployment and management.

By lowering complexity, eliminating security gaps, and neglecting integration challenges, a unified SASE solution provides a more streamlined and secure network infrastructure. This can result in lower costs and better adaptability to transforming business needs.

In the end, the particular path may vary; a single-vendor SASE strategy can assist companies in achieving the full power of SASE: a simplified, efficient, and highly secure network that links with advanced digital demands.

Final Considerations

The journey to employ SASE will differ for each organization based on unique requirements and priorities.

Whether considering networking, security, or both, it’s essential to choose a flexible solution that tackles existing and future needs across all teams.

While many businesses may begin with smaller, particular use cases, consolidating SASE components with a single vendor provides long-term benefits like minimized complexity, boosted security, and better adaptability.

Thus, by embracing a unified SASE strategy, enterprises can uncover the full potential of a secure, streamlined, and cost-effective network that links with the rising demands of the digital landscape.

Enhance your expertise by accessing a range of valuable security-related whitepapers in our resource center.