Secure access service edge (SASE) platforms deliver converged network and security-as-a-service capabilities, such as software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) and secure access to the web, cloud services and private applications regardless of the user’s location, the device used or where that application is hosted. These offerings primarily use a cloud-centric architecture delivered as a platform by one vendor.
SASE securely connects users and devices with applications, services and other users. It supports branch office and remote worker connectivity and on-premises general internet security, private application access and public cloud service provider access use cases.
Cato SASE Cloud is a software platform that integrates networking and security capabilities using a cloud-native architecture. The software combines secure access service edge functions such as SD-WAN, firewall as a service, secure web gateway, cloud access security broker, and zero trust network access. It enables organizations to connect physical locations, cloud resources, and remote users to a unified, secure global network. By providing centralized management and visibility, the software helps address challenges related to complex network infrastructure, security policy enforcement, and remote connectivity. It is designed to support digital transformation initiatives and simplify both connectivity and security management across distributed environments.
Versa SASE with Versa Secure SD-WAN is a software that integrates secure access service edge and software defined wide area networking capabilities to support enterprise connectivity and security needs. The software delivers functions such as secure connectivity, threat protection, application optimization, and network segmentation. It supports multi-cloud and hybrid environments by enabling consistent security and policy enforcement across distributed sites and remote users. Versa SASE with Versa Secure SD-WAN addresses challenges related to network complexity, branch connectivity, secure remote access, and centralized management by combining secure networking and advanced security services in one solution.
Cloudflare One is a software that integrates network security and connectivity features to provide unified access control, threat protection, and traffic management across distributed enterprise environments. It combines Cloudflare Magic WAN to deliver secure and efficient routing of network traffic through a global infrastructure, replacing traditional wide area networking with cloud-native capabilities. The software enables secure access to internal and external resources for users regardless of location, supports identity-based policies, and reduces complexity by centralizing security and network services. Cloudflare One addresses business challenges related to remote work, branch connectivity, and consistent policy enforcement by consolidating secure network access, threat prevention, and traffic optimization into a single platform.
Check Point Harmony SASE with Quantum SD-WAN is a software designed to deliver secure access service edge solutions by integrating networking and security functions. The software facilitates remote and branch connectivity through cloud-native architecture, combining secure web gateway, zero trust network access, and advanced threat prevention features. It addresses business challenges related to secure and reliable connections for distributed workforces, enabling organizations to protect users, applications, and data in public and private environments. The software provides centralized management and visibility, offering tools for optimizing network traffic, enforcing security policies, and increasing operational efficiency. It aims to streamline both security and networking operations within a unified platform to help organizations maintain compliance and minimize risks associated with remote access.
FortiSASE with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN is a software that integrates secure access service edge and software-defined wide area networking capabilities. It provides cloud-delivered security features such as firewall, secure web gateway, and zero trust network access, alongside application-aware traffic steering and WAN optimization. The software addresses business requirements for remote and hybrid workforce connectivity, secure access to distributed applications, and consistent security enforcement across multiple environments. FortiSASE with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN helps organizations manage network performance, reliability, and security by consolidating networking and security functions into a unified solution. Its centralized management enables visibility and control over users, devices, and applications while supporting policy consistency and operational efficiency.
Prisma SASE with Prisma SD-WAN is a software designed to integrate secure access service edge capabilities with software-defined wide area networking for organizations. The software offers centralized management of networking and security policies, providing secure connectivity for branch offices, remote users, and data centers. It enables dynamic traffic steering based on application requirements and network conditions while applying consistent security controls across distributed environments. The software aims to address the challenges of managing security and networking for distributed workforces and cloud applications, supporting scalability and flexibility for business operations. It features cloud-delivered security, network optimization, application visibility, and automated operations to support digital transformation and hybrid work models by unifying networking and security services.
Forcepoint ONE with FlexEdgeSD-WAN is a software platform designed to support secure connectivity and cloud-delivered security for distributed enterprises. The software integrates security features such as cloud access security broker, secure web gateway, and data loss prevention with networking capabilities through the FlexEdgeSD-WAN component. It enables organizations to protect users, devices, and data across remote locations by inspecting web, cloud, and private app traffic while managing network reliability, application performance, and centralized policy controls. The software aims to address challenges related to managing security posture and network performance for hybrid and remote workforces, offering unified visibility and control to help organizations facilitate secure access and data protection within dynamic environments.
Netskope One SASE is a software designed to provide secure access service edge capabilities by integrating network security functions with wide-area networking. The software includes features such as cloud-delivered security, zero-trust network access, secure web gateway, and firewall, enabling organizations to protect data and manage user access across distributed environments. Netskope One SD-WAN, included within the software, enhances network connectivity by optimizing traffic and improving performance for branch offices and remote locations. Through unified policy management and visibility, the software addresses business challenges related to securing remote workforces, protecting cloud applications, and managing network complexity while enabling scalable and reliable connection to cloud resources and on-premises data centers.
Cisco Secure Access with Cisco SD-WAN is software designed to provide secure connectivity and access management across distributed networks. The software integrates security features with wide area network management, enabling organizations to securely connect users to applications and resources regardless of location. It addresses business challenges related to secure remote access, policy enforcement, and network visibility. Features include centralized management of security policies, threat prevention, and dynamic optimization of traffic paths. The software facilitates secure access to cloud and on-premises environments, supports application performance, and provides coordinated security controls, helping organizations reduce risks associated with distributed workforces and cloud adoption.
Zscaler Zero Trust SASE is a software designed to provide secure access to applications and data across distributed environments by integrating secure access service edge (SASE) capabilities with a zero trust security model. The software offers features such as secure web gateway, cloud firewall, zero trust network access, and cloud data protection to address risks associated with remote work, cloud adoption, and unmanaged devices. Zscaler Zero Trust SASE enables organizations to authenticate users and devices, apply granular access controls, and monitor network traffic without backhauling data through traditional data centers. This software helps businesses reduce the attack surface, enforce policy compliance, and enhance visibility into application usage and user activity across networks, supporting organizations in managing security challenges in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
HPE Aruba Networking Unified SASE with HPE EdgeConnect SD-WAN is a software that combines Secure Access Service Edge architecture with software-defined wide area networking capabilities. The software integrates advanced security features such as zero trust network access and threat protection with connectivity optimization for branch, cloud, and remote users. It provides centralized management, dynamic path selection, and policy enforcement to enhance network visibility and control while enabling secure connectivity across distributed environments. The software addresses business challenges related to securing remote access and managing network traffic efficiently, supporting organizations in achieving scalable and secure digital transformation.
iboss Zero Trust SASE software provides secure network access by implementing zero trust principles and cloud-based security services. The software delivers connectivity and protection for users regardless of location by inspecting traffic and enforcing access policies. It includes features such as secure web gateway, cloud firewall, data loss prevention, malware protection, and network visibility. The software addresses the business problem of safeguarding organizational resources and data while enabling remote work and cloud adoption. It reduces risks associated with unauthorized access and helps maintain compliance with security standards in distributed environments. The software is designed to integrate with identity systems and offers flexible deployment options to adapt to various network architectures.
Cisco Secure Access with Meraki SD-WAN is a software solution designed to integrate network security with cloud-managed wide area networking. The software provides secure connectivity for remote users and branch locations, utilizing zero trust network access and identity-based controls to manage access to resources. It combines cloud-scale security services and SD-WAN technologies to optimize application performance, enforce security policies, and simplify network management. The software addresses business challenges related to secure remote access, centralized management, and coordination between distributed network environments. It enables organizations to protect data, control traffic, and reduce complexity in securing hybrid and multi-cloud architectures.
Cisco Secure Connect with Cisco Meraki SD-WAN is a software solution designed to streamline secure connectivity and network management for organizations. The software integrates cloud-delivered security features with SD-WAN capabilities, enabling centralized access control, traffic optimization, and automated policy enforcement across distributed environments. It provides secure access to applications and resources by leveraging identity-based user authentication and advanced threat protection. The software addresses challenges related to secure remote work, branch connectivity, and cloud application access by simplifying deployment and management through a unified interface. It supports configuration and monitoring for multiple sites and helps reduce complexity in operations while maintaining consistent security standards.
NordLayer is a software designed to provide network security solutions for businesses by offering secure remote access to company resources, enabling management of network permissions, and safeguarding sensitive data through encryption. The software supports flexible integration with existing infrastructure, allowing administrators to monitor and control user activity, configure dedicated servers, and apply custom security policies. NordLayer helps organizations address the need for secure connections among distributed teams, protection against unauthorized access, and centralized oversight of network traffic, supporting business continuity and compliance requirements across various environments.
Aryaka Unified SASE is a software designed to integrate network and security features into a single cloud-delivered platform. The software offers capabilities such as secure access service edge, SD-WAN, network firewall, zero trust network access, and secure web gateway. It aims to simplify network architecture for organizations by combining connectivity and security, enabling policy management, traffic optimization, and threat protection across dispersed locations. The software helps businesses address challenges related to secure remote access, streamlined branch connectivity, and centralized security policy enforcement, supporting both cloud and on-premises applications with consistent performance and visibility.
Barracuda’s cloud-first SASE platform enables businesses to control access to data from any device, anytime, anywhere, and allows security inspection and policy enforcement in the cloud, at the branch, or on the device. Barracuda SecureEdge delivers enterprise-grade security including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Firewall-as-a-Service, web security, and fully integrated office connectivity with Secure SD-WAN.
Cisco Secure Access with FTD SD-WAN is a software that integrates firewall threat defense and software-defined wide area network technologies to help organizations secure and manage their network traffic. The software combines features for advanced threat protection, intrusion prevention, traffic inspection, and policy enforcement with tools for optimizing network paths across multiple locations. It provides centralized management for network security and routing, allowing organizations to address evolving security threats while improving connectivity between branch offices, data centers, and cloud resources. The software addresses challenges related to secure connectivity, protection against network threats, and simplified operations through unified security and SD-WAN management.
Centralized management that covers all of the above capabilities of the offering (with both GUI and API) enabling visibility, troubleshooting, reporting and enables granular configuration and policy changes
Identity-, context- and policy-based secure remote access to private applications
In-line SaaS visibility and access controls
A branch appliance that supports dynamic traffic steering out of multiple physical, locally attached WAN interfaces, with steering based on applications (not just IPs/ports)
Firewalling to secure traffic bidirectionally across networks
Peer Lessons Learned for SASE Platforms
Published January 2025
These lessons focuses on the responses to the questions: “If you could start over, what would your organization do differently?” and “What one piece of advice would you give other prospective customers?”