Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), pronounced “sassy” supports secure branch office and remote worker access. SASE’s cloud-delivered set of services, including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) is driving rapid adoption. Gartner predicts that by 2024, at least 40% of enterprises will have explicit strategies to adopt SASE, up from less than 1% at the end of 2018.

More and more companies are evaluating their network connectivity in the new world, post-pandemic, and the importance of encompassing secure network technologies as part of their digital strategy.

Recently Oreta, together with VMware, hosted a dynamic technology roundtable discussion that mainly focused on the future of SD-WAN and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).

Moderated by Oreta ’s MD, Sachin Verma, several insights and tips were shared during the conversation, including;

Key Insights

• SD-WAN is not a question of if, but when. SD-WAN is hardwired; driven more by a cloud strategy than a network strategy.
• SD-WAN overcomes the challenge faced with less than agile Telcos assisting with speed to market.
• SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is not a bolt-on. It has to be part of your network strategy when deploying SD-WAN.  It provides greater convenience, however, with convenience comes a price.  
• A company’s security posture depends on what network platform a business uses. More companies are moving towards a user-based security architecture.

Key Takeaway

• COVID was an eye-opener to many companies regarding the influence technology has on business outcomes. IT needs to take decision-makers (e.g. IT procurement and finance) on the journey from awareness, education, and adoption, and bridge the knowledge gap that exists within some organisations.

Moving Forward – Customer and Partner Expectations

The conversation extended its focus to the importance of developing a healthy working relationship between a customer and their technology partner when resolving connectivity issues and upgrading from a legacy WAN to secure SD-WAN.

There are three fundamental components customers look for when appointing a technology partner. They include;

• Technology partners must have a proactive outcome-based approach to advising/guiding customers on emerging technologies and trends. Don’t just promote the next ‘shiny’ offer,
• Technology partners should have a genuine willingness to solve a problem – no matter what the issues may be,
• Customers want to purchase an outcome and not be tied down with issues, so that they can concentrate on more strategic aspects of the business.

There are three fundamental components a technology partner looks for when working with a customer, including;

• Customers want to have trust in the value of the advice and service provided,
• Customers want to adopt a collaborative approach with their chosen technology partner, and work together to develop a successful outcome,
• Customers want their technology partner to be readily available to work with them to resolve issues as and when they arise.

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