What is SASE, and how can it enhance the user experience?

Gartner coined the term “secure access service edge,” or SASE, to describe a shift in the way organizations manage connectivity. Even before COVID-19, companies were beginning to embrace hybrid work models in which employees split time between remote locations and the office. Hybrid work environments demanded a different kind of connectivity that included enhanced security, and SASE met this need.

In its 2022 Strategic Roadmap for SASE Convergence Report, Gartner predicted that by 2025, 80% of enterprises will have adopted a strategy to combine web, cloud services and private application access using architecture designed with SASE and security service edge, or SSE, solutions—an increase from 20% in 2021. The report also estimated that by 2025, 65% of enterprises will have consolidated individual SASE components into one or two explicitly partnered SASE vendors, up from 15% in 2021.

While Gartner is forecasting a rise in SASE adoption, some companies may still be wondering what it is. Like the cloud, SASE isn’t a product you can purchase as much as it is a framework. By bringing the components of SASE together, companies combine network and security solutions to create a better and safer user experience in today’s workplaces.

Defining SASE

SASE emerged out of businesses’ desire to improve the user experience through better connectivity. The shift to hybrid workplaces created a need for network connectivity that would also provide enhanced security for remote workers.

This shift occurred at the same time as a push to adopt software as a service (SaaS) applications, causing companies to ask if it made sense for remote workers to connect back to the headquarters and the internet.

As with SaaS, SASE connectivity is achieved in the cloud. SASE is comprised of cloud-based components. For example, Cisco provides different applications, such as Cisco Umbrella, Cisco Duo and Cisco Meraki SD-WAN. When combined, these components allow organizations to build a comprehensive SASE framework.

Why your business should consider SASE

Adopting SASE provides companies with many benefits, including reducing cost and complexity through the use of cloud-based applications.

Companies with on-premises connectivity and security solutions often face management challenges. Typically, on-premises solutions come from different vendors, and it is difficult to get separate systems to work together. By using Cisco Umbrella, companies get the components they need from a single vendor.

Moving to SASE gives companies the cost and management benefits of a cloud-based solution. The subscription model allows the company to transition from CapEx to OpEx for a more economical approach. In addition, SASE eliminates the need for manual updates. Instead, the vendor performs upgrades and reviews security policies as threats evolve.

SASE also improves security by centralizing management. Companies can set consistent security policies for workers, monitor them from wherever they are working and make necessary changes when needed. A company can tighten security policies while still allowing authorized user access, and employees who work from home can go directly to applications in a secure manner.

Most companies have some form of SASE but don’t realize it. To tap the full potential of SASE, a company needs to formalize the process to reduce complexity while gaining security features for an enhanced user experience.

How to get started with SASE

To move forward with SASE, your company first needs to understand your current connectivity and security status. You should assess which systems are in place and which systems are completing which functions. Evaluate where you have gaps, weaknesses and pain points related to connectivity and security.

Uncovering your issues will help you develop priorities for what you want to accomplish so you can build out a migration plan. Once you have a plan in place, you can start to execute your strategy for adopting SASE.

Your company should be looking for a solution that provides all the necessary components of SASE. For example, Cisco Umbrella serves as the linchpin for SASE by providing cloud security, functioning as a:

• Cloud access security broker
• Secure web gateway
• Web proxy
• Cloud firewall

Solution sets

• Umbrella users can block ports to eliminate risk and benefit from domain name system (DNS) security.
• Cisco Talos provides threat intelligence that can be incorporated with other Cisco products.
• Cisco Duo controls user access, ensuring that connected devices are what they say they are.
• Cisco Meraki SD-WAN seamlessly provides the network component of SASE needed for connectivity. With Meraki, connectivity easily integrates into the security component with just a few clicks.

Support for your SASE journey

Adopting SASE can be daunting. SASE solutions are not easy to design, even if they are easy to implement. You may not know or understand what components you have and need.

That’s why it’s important to work with an advisor who understands SASE. An advisor experienced with SASE solutions can help you move forward faster by tackling the more complicated pieces of the adoption process.

RSM can work with your company as you progress in your journey toward SASE. As a member of the Cisco Partner Program, our knowledge and experience enable our team to design and implement effective SASE solutions with all the necessary components, including Cisco Umbrella, Duo, Talos and Meraki. We have a track record of building security solutions for companies in even the most highly regulated industries.