A 2021 report by Gartner forecasted that by 2025 more than 50% of organisations would have a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) adoption strategy. This was a significant leap, considering only 5% had a strategy in 2020.
What drove this change? The need to provide secure and fast digital experiences to distributed workforces is high on the list. SASE, when used alongside SD-WAN, improves network performance and security. SD-WAN provides high-quality connectivity across geographically dispersed sites. SASE delivers a robust security layer by integrating security measures directly into the network infrastructure, ensuring secure access to network resources regardless of the user’s location.
Here are the six key benefits SD-WAN and SASE create for today’s organisations.
1. Enhances network security
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) offers a modern approach to network security by integrating with SD-WAN, which usually includes some security features but requires a third-party solution to complete it. SASE addresses this gap by merging networking and security into a single solution.
SD-WAN and SASE ensure secure access to corporate resources, embedding essential security features directly within the network infrastructure. SASE consolidates security services such as secure web gateways, Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), and zero trust network access (ZTNA) into a unified platform. This facilitates easier management of security policies and ensures consistency across the entire network.
2. Delivers a high-performing network
SD-WAN enhances network performance by intelligently directing data along the most efficient routes. Critical applications receive the bandwidth and speed necessary for optimal function, regardless of the user’s geographic location. SD-WAN analyses network conditions to deliver resources in the shortest time possible, significantly improving network operations and minimising potential delays. This is particularly relevant in today’s digital workplace, where, according to a 2023 survey by Adobe, 87% of Australian knowledge workers agreed that poor technology negatively impacts their productivity.
SASE further accelerates network performance through its cloud-oriented architecture. This design enables direct and secure connections to cloud services. The result is a faster, more streamlined path for data to reach its destination. SASE and SD-WAN reduce latency, optimise traffic flow and speed, and deliver a superior user experience.
3. Scales with your business
SD-WAN and SASE’s scalability makes them excellent solutions for growing businesses. These technologies allow for the straightforward addition of new sites and users without substantial investment in physical infrastructure. The organisation can scale without the traditional hardware complexities and costs associated with network expansion.
SD-WAN and SASE also offer flexibility, empowering businesses to adapt to evolving network demands and configurations. This adaptability is crucial in organisations requiring rapid deployment of network resources to new locations or adjustments to existing setups. With SD-WAN and SASE, companies can modify their network infrastructure quickly and efficiently, ensuring that their operations remain resilient and responsive to change.
4. Optimises network and security costs
SD-WAN and SASE can help businesses reduce and optimise costs. Traditional WAN technologies usually cost more and are harder to maintain. SD-WAN and SASE include security in the network itself, reducing the need for additional solutions. As such, deploying the network and keeping running costs low is much easier.
SD-WAN and SASE’s easy-to-manage design and central control also help optimise costs. These technologies put everything into one place for managing networks and security, eliminating the need for different systems and the complicated task of making them work together. Having one spot to manage everything makes changing settings, applying rules, and keeping an eye on the network’s health easier.
5. Secures your global network
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of SD-WAN and SASE is securing networks that support global workforces. SD-WAN and SASE allow data to move safely across long distances, linking offices and remote workers worldwide. This setup ensures that everyone in the company can securely access what they need when they need it.
6. Simplifies management
SD-WAN and SASE provide a ‘single-pane-of-glass’ to manage networks and security. Your organisation can monitor all activities, ensure everything runs smoothly, and quickly fix any problems.
With SD-WAN, network configuration and provisioning are centralised through a controller, streamlining the deployment and management of network resources. SASE extends this centralisation to include networking and security management within a single console, further simplifying the administrative process. Moreover, SASE introduces automation into these functions, reducing the manual workload on IT staff.
The remote management capabilities of SASE and SD-WAN empower network administrators to manage and optimise the network from any location. This flexibility supports consistent maintenance of policies and configurations across the entire network infrastructure, regardless of geographical boundaries.
Conclusion
SD-WAN and SASE provide a comprehensive solution for improving network infrastructure. They enhance security and performance by providing critical applications to various locations. Furthermore, SD-WAN and SASE’s scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness are crucial for modern businesses, supporting growth without significant investment. Simplified network management eases IT burdens by providing one place to manage network security.
Why choose Wyntec for your SASE and SD-WAN solution?
We have partnered with Cato Networks to enhance our customers’ network security and performance. With our two decades of experience in data analytics and management, we are dedicated to improving network capabilities for mid to enterprise-level businesses in sectors such as Financial Services, Mining and Construction, and Retail.
Our partnership with Cato Networks underscores our commitment to providing reliable and efficient network security solutions. For more information, please visit our Cato Network Security page.
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