How to choose a flexible unified SASE solution

SASE is at the top of all CIOs’ minds, and for good reason. When deployed properly, SASE, which combines SD-WAN with cloud-delivered security via SSE, enables all users and devices, regardless of location, to securely access an organization’s hybrid network.

Flexibility is an oft-overlooked but critical component of any SASE solution. Because SASE connects and protects the entire hybrid network, most organizations don’t deploy the entire solution at once; instead, they start with a use case, like introducing zero trust or securing internet access, and build from there.

Because SASE is often deployed in stages, it is important to choose a solution with flexible deployment options for seamless expansion at a pace that works best for your unique environment. This will ensure you don’t run into any expensive or complicated snags down the road.

How to assess the flexibility of a SASE solution

Here are some key areas to understand and consider when assessing the flexibility of a SASE solution:

• SD-WAN: This one goes without saying, since SD-WAN is a key component of SASE. However, it’s still important to assess how well SD-WAN and SSE are connected within a SASE solution. Many vendors claim they offer a unified solution when they are packaging up fragmented offerings that require multiple management and visibility tools.

• Zero-trust enforcement: It is crucial to have zero-trust enforcement in a SASE solution because it authorizes and verifies every user and device trying to access resources. It ensures that only the correct entities gain access, regardless of their location or network.
• Unified agent: Deploying zero trust across the network is among the most popular SASE use cases. But looking for a SASE offering with a unified agent that includes functionality beyond Universal ZTNA, such as network architecture, cloud-delivered security, and endpoint protection is important. Doing so simplifies expanding your SASE deployment and ensures you won’t have to use multiple agents.
• Access points: Many organizations have small microbranch or temporary pop-up locations with connected or IoT devices. Installing a firewall at these locations could be cost-prohibitive, and most IoT devices don’t support agents, making security challenging. The best SASE solutions can extend security protections to the microbranch via access points (APs). APs can route the microbranch traffic to a SASE point of presence (POP) for inspection.
• Flexibility of security: An excellent SASE solution will give an organization a choice to be on-premises or in the cloud, depending on the application. This flexibility is important because it allows organizations to adopt a hybrid approach, placing some applications on premises and others in the cloud based on their specific security and performance requirements.
• Sovereign SASE: Some enterprises require more control over their data and traffic. This is especially true for organizations operating in highly regulated verticals with sensitive data like finance, government, and healthcare. Sovereign SASE is a delivery option allowing businesses to route data to their location and ensure a vendor’s full security stack protects the traffic in that location. This approach ensures robust data privacy and compliance while offering enhanced security and flexibility.

Fortinet Unified SASE: The most flexible SASE solution on the market

Fortinet Unified SASE delivers unparalleled flexibility in connectivity options. This is powered by FortiOS, Fortinet’s unified operating system, and its seamless integration with the Fortinet Security Fabric platform. No matter what an organization needs, they can connect to Fortinet Unified SASE to get the most out of the solution. And Fortinet Sovereign SASE provides yet another method for enterprises requiring control over their data and traffic to take advantage of SASE.

Learn more about Fortinet Unified SASE, the most flexible SASE solution on the market.