As businesses increasingly adopt cloud-based technologies and undergo digital transformation, there is a growing need for a secure and flexible networking solution that matches. This is where SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) comes into play, as it offers various advantages over conventional network solutions including:; simplified network and security management, improved security, scalability, and a better user experience.  

SASE can also offer significant commercial benefits such as reduced costs, increased productivity, improved agility,  enhanced security, and improved compliance.  

In this article, we will delve deeper into SASE covering; what it is, its benefits, and its commercial impact on businesses. 

SASE is a network architecture model that combines networking and security services into a single cloud-based solution. It aims to simplify the way organisations manage and secure their networks by providing a single, integrated solution that is used by all staff, on every device, from every location.  

SASE includes services such as secure web gateways, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), virtual private networks (VPNs), and more.  

It also incorporates the concept of “zero trust” security; access to resources are granted on a need-to-know basis and verified every time access is requested. This approach minimises the risk of unauthorised access and data breaches.  

SASE is designed to provide organisations with a flexible and scalable way to manage their networks and security, while reducing complexity and improving the organisation’s overall security posture. 

What are the benefits of SASE? 

After reading the above definition and explanation, you may already have an idea of the numerous benefits that Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) provides. Here, we break down the benefits in more detail. 

Simplified Network and Security Management 

SASE should offer a simplified network and security management platform, enabling organisations to manage their entire network and security service through a single cloud-based platform.  

By consolidating network and security services into a single platform, SASE can reduce complexity and eliminate the need for multiple tools and platforms. This approach simplifies the management of the network and security services and reduces the risk of errors or misconfigurations. Having all network and security services in one place provides better visibility into the overall security position of the organisation. 

A SASE cloud-based platform provides a centralised management console that can be accessed from anywhere, making it easier to manage network and security policies across the entire organisation. This allows organisations to implement consistent policies and controls, regardless of the location or type of device being used to access resources. Furthermore, a SASE platform should provide real-time monitoring and analytics, enabling organisations to identify and respond quickly to security threats or incidents.  

SASE also simplifies the deployment of new network and security services by enabling organisations to quickly and easily add or remove services as required. This makes it easier to scale services up or down, and to adapt to changing business requirements or emerging threats. 

Improved Security 

By incorporating the concept of “zero trust” security, SASE ensures that access to resources is granted only to those who need it and verified every time it is requested. This reduces the risk of unauthorised access and data breaches, as the network is more segmented any attempt to access resources is scrutinised and authenticated before access is granted. 

SASE also utilises advanced threat detection and response mechanisms, including real-time monitoring, analytics, and machine learning, to identify and respond to potential security threats quickly. This helps to prevent and mitigate security incidents before they can cause significant damage. 

Scalability 

SASE offerings are highly scalable, a feature that is critical for organisations that need to adapt quickly to changing business needs. SASE’s ability to scale is due to its cloud-native architecture, which enables organisations to easily add or remove services as required, without having to invest in additional infrastructure or hardware. 

One of the key benefits of SASE’s scalability is that it can help organisations to optimise their costs by allowing them to pay only for the services that they need. This means that organisations can avoid investing in expensive hardware or software that may not be required, and instead, focus their resources on the specific services that are most critical to their business. 

SASE’s scalability also means that it can easily support distributed workforces and remote workers, who need to access resources from different locations and devices. SASE’s cloud-native architecture enables it to provide consistent and reliable connectivity, regardless of the location or type of device being used. 

Another advantage of SASE’s scalability is that it can help organisations to future-proof their infrastructure, by enabling them to quickly adapt to new business requirements and emerging technologies. As the needs of the organisation change, SASE can easily be scaled up or down, allowing organisations to stay agile and responsive to changing business conditions. 

Improved User Experience 

SASE can significantly improve the user experience for employees by providing a consistent and seamless experience across all locations and devices. This means that employees can access the resources they need from anywhere, without experiencing any delays or interruptions. 

SASE’s cloud-based architecture enables employees to access resources from any location, using any device or network. This means that employees can work from home, on the go, or from remote locations, without having to worry about network connectivity or security issues.  

SASE’s focus on user experience extends beyond just connectivity. SASE also provides advanced security features that are designed to be transparent to the user. This means that employees can access resources without having to navigate complex security protocols or authentication processes. Furthermore, SASE provide a centralised management console that enables employees to manage their own devices and applications, making it easier for them to access the resources they need, when they need them. 

Improved Compliance 

With SASE, organisations can ensure that their sensitive data is handled appropriately, and in compliance with regulatory standards, by implementing robust access controls, encryption protocols, and other security measures. By adopting the zero-trust security model described above, SASE ensures that access to sensitive data is granted only to authorised users and that all access requests are verified and authenticated before access is granted. 

Furthermore, SASE provides a centralised security platform that can help organisations to streamline compliance with various regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. This can be achieved by implementing standardised security policies and controls that are enforced across the entire network, regardless of the location or type of device being used to access data. 

SASE’s integrated approach to security and compliance also provides organisations with greater visibility and control over their data, enabling them to identify and respond quickly to security incidents or breaches. This can help to reduce the risk of data loss or theft a key factor in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. 

SASE for Construction, Infrastructure & Utilities 

Secure Access Service Edge (SASEE) can offer significant benefits for companies in the construction, infrastructure, and utilities industries. These industries often face unique challenges, such as managing multiple sites, collaborating with remote teams and multiple sub-contractors, and protecting sensitive project data. SASE can help companies address these challenges and improve their overall security posture. 

One of the key benefits of SASE for construction, infrastructure, and utility companies is its ability to manage all network and security services through a single cloud-based platform. This can help companies deploy and manage network and security policies across multiple sites, making collaboration and productivity easier. With SASE, companies can ensure that all employees have secure access to the resources they need to complete their work, regardless of location or device. 

SASE’s granular access control features can also help companies meet regulatory requirements and ensure that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive project information. This is especially important in industries where data privacy and security are critical, such as construction and infrastructure. 

In addition, SASE’s scalability makes it easier for companies to adapt to changing project requirements and manage their resources more effectively. With SASE, companies can easily add or remove services as needed, without having to invest in additional infrastructure or hardware. This means that companies can optimise their costs and focus their resources on the services that are most critical to their business. 

Beyond Technical Benefits

SASE isn’t just about the technical and operational benefits; it can also have a significant impact on the productivity and profitability of your business. By providing a more streamlined, scalable, and secure approach to network and security management, SASE can help businesses increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance overall profitability. 

Increased Productivity 

SASE provides a secure and seamless way for employees to access the resources they need from anywhere, at any time. This can significantly improve employee productivity and efficiency, by eliminating the need for employees to be physically present in the office or on a particular network to access critical resources, without impacting the security of these services. 

Improved Agility 

SASE’s highly scalable design is a key advantage for organisations looking to stay agile and competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment. SASE’s cloud-native architecture enables organisations to easily add or remove services as their needs change, without having to invest in additional hardware or infrastructure. 

This means that organisations can quickly adapt to changing business requirements, such as expanding into new markets, launching new products or services, or supporting a growing remote workforce. By leveraging SASE’s scalability, organisations can stay agile and respond quickly to changing business conditions, without being constrained by their network or security infrastructure. 

Reduced Costs 

SASE’s scalability also enables organisations to optimise their costs by paying only for the services they need, rather than investing in expensive hardware or software that may not be required. Businesses can use native internet-based circuits rather than paying for expensive private links such as VPLS or MPLS services.  By consolidating all services into a single SASE platform, organisations can reduce complexity and eliminate the need for multiple tools and platforms and potentially reduce the number of staff needed to manage and support the network. This simplification can free up valuable technical resources to focus on more strategic initiatives. 

Get Started with SASE 

SASE is designed to make network and security management easier for businesses by providing a single, integrated solution that can be accessed from anywhere. 

SASE has some significant benefits, including making it easier for businesses to manage their network and security services, improving security by using granular access control, and optimising network traffic to enhance application performance. It also scales easily, making it simple for organizations to add or remove services as their needs change. 

The commercial benefits of SASE are impressive as well. It can help businesses increase productivity, improve agility, reduce costs, and improve security and compliance. By consolidating network and security services into a single platform, businesses can also provide a consistent user experience across all locations and devices. 

In summary, SASE is a great solution for businesses looking for a more flexible, scalable, and secure approach to managing their network and security services. With SASE, organisations can stay competitive, reduce complexity, and improve overall security preparedness, resilience and robustness.