Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a revolutionary network architecture that merges security and networking capabilities into a single cloud platform. Created by Gartner in 2019, SASE addresses the growing need for flexibility, scalability, and security for modern enterprises, combining security services such as SD-WAN, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), and Secure Web Gateway (SWG) into a single solution. This provides secure access from anywhere to any resource, both in the cloud and on-premises.

The emergence of SASE was not accidental. As businesses have become more decentralized and remote work has grown, traditional security solutions have become obsolete. Enterprise networks used to focus on corporate perimeters, but with the expansion of cloud and remote work, the perimeter has blurred. In this context, SASE has emerged as the solution that can integrate security and performance regardless of the location of users.

• Before the Cloud: Defined perimeters, physical firewalls, traditional VPNs.
• Transition to the Cloud: More remote access, increased vulnerabilities.
• SASE: Cloud security integrated with global networks and distributed access.

Why migrate to SASE? Compared to traditional approaches, where multiple security and network services were managed separately, SASE integrates everything under a cloud-based architecture, providing:

• Global scalability: Businesses can expand without the need to invest in additional hardware.
• Dynamic Security: Security policies updated in real-time based on user and application context.
• Optimized Performance: Traffic flows efficiently, eliminating bottlenecks in on-premises data centers.

Traditional	SASE
Fixed perimeter with physical firewalls	Distributed security from the cloud
VPNs for Remote Access	Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Manual management of various security solutions	Security built into a single system
High hardware and maintenance costs	Lower cloud consumption costs

While SASE is an emerging technology, there are competing solutions in certain areas, such as SD-WAN and Zero Trust. However, none offer the same full integration that SASE provides. Among the most notable competitors are Zscaler, Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access and Cisco Umbrella, which have adapted their solutions to compete in this new landscape.

Competitor	Key Features	Disadvantages
Zscaler	Advanced cloud-based security, scalability	Less control over personalization
Palo Alto Prisma Access	Strong integration capacity with existing infrastructures	Higher costs
Cisco Umbrella	Reliability and experience	Steeper learning curve

SASE offers a combination of technologies that strengthen the protection of our modern infrastructures:

• SD-WAN: Traffic optimization and secure access to applications.
• Zero Trust: You don’t trust any entity without constant verification, which reduces insider attacks.
• Secure Web Gateway: Controls and filters malicious web traffic.
• FWaaS: Protects access points with a firewall from the cloud, without the need for additional hardware.

Like any technology, SASE has its advantages and challenges. Here we explore them:

Pros:

• Simplification: Unifies security and network, reducing complexity.
• Secure Remote Access: Ideal for distributed workforces.
• Scalability: Adapts to business growth without complications.
• Lower hardware costs: Because it’s cloud-based, it doesn’t require large upfront investments.

Cons:

• Vendor lock-in: It can be difficult to switch vendors or integrate additional solutions.
• Latency: In some cases, performance can be affected if the provider’s servers are distant.
• Learning curve: Implementing SASE requires a shift in mindset, which can be challenging for teams accustomed to traditional models.

At the installation level, implementing SASE is often a relatively straightforward process compared to traditional solutions. Common steps include:

1. Needs assessment: Determine which components of SASE (SD-WAN, ZTNA, etc.) are prioritized.
2. Vendor selection: Choose a vendor that meets scalability, performance, and support requirements.
3. Integration: Connect existing systems to the SASE platform and configure security policies.
4. Monitoring: Use cloud monitoring tools to evaluate performance and adjust policies as needed.

SASE use cases are varied, but they excel in distributed environments with a high need for secure remote access:

• Massive remote work: Companies with employees distributed in different parts of the world benefit from secure access without the need for traditional VPNs.
• Cloud migrations: Companies that are moving their operations to the cloud can use SASE to secure their transition and operate securely from multiple environments.
• Multi-site connectivity: Companies with multiple offices around the world can unify their networks and security policies under a single platform.

Implementing SASE in your enterprise is an important step toward modernizing your security and network. Here are the steps to follow for a successful implementation and some of the providers that can help you in this process.

1. Needs Assessment and Planning Before you get started, it’s crucial that you define your business needs. This includes:
   • Identify how many locations you have (physical, remote, etc.).
   • Assess the number of users and devices that will need access.
   • Define which SASE services you need: SD-WAN, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), etc.
   • Analyze current traffic and the applications you use, both in the cloud and in data centers.

Outcome: A clear blueprint of the requirements and capabilities you expect from a SASE solution.

2. Choosing a suitable supplier is one of the most critical steps. Consider providers that can offer a comprehensive solution or that are tailored to your specific needs. Some factors to evaluate are:
   • Security capabilities: Do they offer all the features of SASE, such as FWaaS, ZTNA, SD-WAN, and SWG?
   • Global network: Make sure the provider has a global infrastructure that minimizes latency for your business.
   • Ease of integration: Does it easily integrate with your current systems (cloud, applications, security tools)?
   • Scalability: The solution must be able to grow with your company.
   • Costs: Make sure your cloud consumption costs are manageable.
3. Pilot Testing Implement a pilot test before making the full deployment. Choose a small part of your infrastructure (e.g., a headquarters or remote team) and test SASE capabilities. It evaluates factors such as:
   • Performance: Latency, response times, bandwidth.
   • Security: Review of access and protection policies.
   • Ease of management: Is it intuitive and easy for your IT team to use?
4. General Rollout Once the pilot has been successful, you can proceed to the general rollout across the enterprise. Steps include:
   • Configure connectivity of headquarters, remote users, and branch offices via SD-WAN.
   • Set security and access policies with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).
   • Implement firewall and traffic filtering services with FWaaS and SWGs.
   • Integrate the solution with the monitoring and auditing systems you already have.
5. Monitoring and Optimization After deployment, monitor the performance of the solution. Check regularly:
   • Connection latency and throughput.
   • User access and security policies.
   • Updates and improvements to the provider’s security infrastructure.

Take advantage of real-time monitoring tools  and make adjustments to security policies when necessary.

There are several market-leading vendors that offer SASE solutions, each with its own strengths. Here are some of the most recognized:

1. Zscaler
   • Features: Specializing in Zero Trust and cloud-based security, Zscaler offers secure access for users and devices, without the need for a traditional VPN.
   • Advantages: Wide global network, fast deployment.
   • Cons: Limited customization.
   • Best for: Businesses looking for rapid Zero Trust deployment  and need a 100% cloud-based solution.
2. Palo Alto Networks (Prisma Access)
   • Features: Palo Alto’s Prisma Access combines SD-WAN, Zero Trust,  and other security services into one comprehensive SASE solution.
   • Advantages: High integration with existing networks and systems, robust security management.
   • Cons: Higher costs than other competitors.
   • Best for: Businesses that require a high-end SASE solution with advanced security capabilities.
3. Cisco Umbrella
   • Features: Cisco Umbrella provides DNS-level security, FWaaS, and advanced threat protection.
   • Advantages: Extensive experience and confidence in the market, global network with low latency.
   • Cons: Setup and customization can be more complex for less experienced teams.
   • Ideal for: Large enterprises with a complex network infrastructure and already working with Cisco products.
4. Netskope
   • Features: Netskope is known for its focus on cloud data security (CASB), as well as offering SASE with ZTNA, FWaaS,  and SWG.
   • Pros: Strong focus on cloud data protection.
   • Cons: May not be as robust in SD-WAN as other vendors.
   • Best for: Businesses that handle large volumes of data in the cloud and need a robust data security solution.
5. Cato Networks
   • Features: Pioneering SASE provider, combining SD-WAN with a complete set of security services, from the cloud.
   • Pros: All-in-one solution, with a focus on simplicity.
   • Cons: Little flexibility in large customizations.
   • Best for: Midsize businesses looking for a simplified solution for managing both network and security.

SASE isn’t just a trend; It’s the natural evolution of security and the network in an increasingly connected and decentralized world. While it has its challenges, the advantages in terms of flexibility, scalability, and protection make it an almost essential solution for companies looking to adapt to the demands of today’s digital environment.

With the rapid adoption of multi-cloud environments and remote work, SASE offers the opportunity to simplify IT infrastructure, improve security, and future-proof the network in the modern era.