What is SASE and what does it mean for modern networking architecture?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a modern network architecture that abstracts network and security appliances and delivers them from the cloud edge. It securely connects users, systems and devices to cloud applications anywhere in the world. It refers to the entire framework, not one single technology.

Think of SASE as a cloud-based cyber security service offering WAN capabilities. This supports an enterprise’s need for dynamic and secure access to networks and digital platforms. Do not confuse SASE with security service edge (SSE), which is a subset of SASE that purely focuses on cyber security services from a cloud platform.

SEACOM Business offers enterprises in South Africa both SASE and SSE network architectures. These modern solutions leverage zero-trust security principles to improve an organisation’s security posture, improve the user experience, increase network visibility and reduce the complexity of IT systems.

How does SASE work?

A SASE architecture is a purpose-built, cloud-native solution that secures uses to the internet, cloud services, software as a service (SaaS) and private applications, regardless of location. In essence, SASE is the convergence of security and network appliances, delivered from the cloud.

This is different to traditional network architecture, where security resides within an organisation’s network. SEACOM Business offers SASE with multiple cyber security services, such as anti-malware and cloud access security brokers. This improves the overall security of network traffic.

SASE is suitable for all businesses with remote workers. Legacy architectures, such as multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), will send remote traffic through a firewall to a data centre and then all the way back again. This creates delays and reduces productivity, as well as impacts the user experience.

SASE, however, is both secure and direct; all traffic is inspected at a nearby point of presence before being sent directly to the destination from there. This is far more efficient and reduces network delays. SASE is much better at protecting users right down to the endpoint.

SASE architecture for enterprises

This network architecture is designed for performance, security and scalability. SASE addresses the core challenges relating to mobile work, the cloud, security and digital transformation. As businesses adopt software, infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and other cloud-delivered applications, an organisation’s data starts to exist outside the walls of their on-premises data centres.

Partnered with this, the number of remote and mobile users are increasing, connecting from anywhere, over any connection to their data and cloud apps. It ensures that employees have instant access to business apps and services, through a secure network model, no matter where they are in the world. It offers optimal routing and superior reliability, which makes it an ideal solution for modern networking.

Being cloud-based, SASE is highly scalable and can grow in line with the business. As the networking needs increase, the service can be expanded to deliver optimal performance, reliability, security and connectivity. It is ideal for a mobile-first world, where an increasing number of remote workers and network traffic access the system through mobile devices.

With apps moving to the cloud and Internet of Things (IoT) devices becoming ubiquitous, legacy network architectures can no longer meet the fundamental needs of enterprises and their cyber security challenges. SASE reduces network complexity and costs while meeting the modern requirements for cloud networking and security.

SASE reduces the risk of new cyber threats, improves the user experience and makes an enterprise more efficient. For more information or to get a quote for our SASE networking architecture services, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

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