5-step Iterative Strategy for Successful SASE Transformation

Explore a strategic 5-step plan for SASE integration, maximizing your existing resources. Learn the how and why of harmonizing innovation with financial prudence, says Etay Maor, senior director of security strategy at Cato Networks.

With a USD 1.9 billionOpens a new window market value in 2023 and a projected CAGR of 25% until 2028, SASE (secure access service edge) is delivering on its promise in an evolving networking and security landscape. Naturally, the idea of a unified, cloud-based networking and security solution that extends the secure office perimeter to wherever the users and resources are resonates deeply with IT leadership. Yet, no matter how compelling SASE’s vision might be, its execution requires a leap of faith from the executive board and willingness to invest.

Unfortunately, doubts and reservations often eclipse SASE’s allure for key decision-makers and board members. They’re inherently more inclined to continue with the familiar ease of established technologies rather than experimenting with newer, disruptive approaches like SASE. For CIOs and CTOs, this implies an impossible struggle to bag the necessary approvals and funding.

One way to overcome the board’s hesitancy and fund scarcity is to approach SASE as an iterative journey instead of a single-shot initiative that demands rapid change and upfront investments. SASE adoption can align seamlessly with the different refresh cycles of the various disparate elements of today’s enterprise network and security stack —leading to their convergence and consolidation. 

SASE Doesn’t Require Ripping and Replacing

SASE represents a shift in how organizations approach networking and security; however, implementing SASE does not necessarily require a complete upheaval. Instead of approaching it as a massive, full-scale transformation, SASE adopters can embark on a more gradual SASE deployment. They can incrementally expand their SASE deployment as their existing contracts expire or new demands emerge. 

For instance, consider a situation where the networking equipment is due for an update, but the security systems still function optimally. The iterative approach allows the organization to embrace SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) to address immediate networking needs while deferring full-scale SASE implementation until the security refresh cycle aligns. 

Here are five common scenarios and opportunities where organizations can initiate SASE migration using the available or pre-allocated IT funds:

1. MPLS contract renewal: As MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) contracts near expiration, organizations can consider the move to secure SD-WAN, redirecting the pre-allocated (and substantial) MPLS funds. 
2. Appliance elimination: As networking and security devices reach end of life, organizations can start replacing them with individual SASE services. 
3. Work From Home (WFH) initiatives: Organizations planning to offer flexible and remote working opportunities must invest in secure network access for remote users. They can tap into SASE’s global reach and ubiquitous security in this scenario.
4. Cloud migration: Organizations planning to expand their cloud footprints must phase out their aging MPLS architecture. They need high-capacity, internet-based WAN and cloud-based security and mobile access solutions, all of which SASE can encompass. 
5. Business expansion: When businesses expand to newer sites without MPLS connectivity, SASE’s global networking backbone and cloud-based services can extend secure connectivity to new branches and users in days instead of weeks and months. Organizations can deploy SASE at their new sites while utilizing their MPLS infrastructure for the rest of the organization.  

As disparate infrastructure elements follow their timelines for updates and overhauls, the iterative approach allows organizations to modernize without creating undue strain on the budget. Organizations can tactically allocate resources by starting with SD-WAN, SSE (secure service edge), or ZTNA (zero trust network access) and progressing to full-spectrum SASE as they realize the value and benefits unfolding at each stage. 

See More: Top 5 Security Skills Needed for Success in the SASE World

The Five-step Strategic Plan for Harmonizing SASE with Existing Services

Once organizations have taken the initiative, they can gradually expand their SASE implementation. Below are five iterative steps to a seamless and disruption-free SASE migration. 

• Step 1: Deploy SASE’s SD-WAN to connect select sites to existing MPLS architecture and the internet. This step shouldn’t require any changes to the current infrastructure.
• Step 2: Deploy SASE to newer sites where MPLS is unavailable or too expensive to ensure optimal connectivity to corporate WAN.
• Step 3: Deploy SASE security functions, such as NGFW (next-generation firewall), SWG (secure web gateway), and IPS (intrusion prevention system) gradually as existing appliances reach the end of life or meet their scalability constraints. Alternatively, organizations can deploy SASE security functions only to secure new branch offices first. 
• Step 4: Deploy SASE for fast and reliable cloud access. Organizations can optimize performance for SaaS applications by routing traffic via SASE’s optimized network backbone instead of the internet. In some cases, SASE’s PoP (point of presence) may very well be located within the cloud data centers, resulting in LAN-like performance and connectivity. 
• Step 5: Eliminate VPNs instead of acquiring more servers or making upgrades. Instead, migrate remote and WFH users to the SASE cloud for optimal security and connectivity. 

SASE is a Strategy More than a Solution

SASE embodies more than just a technological solution; it’s a strategic approach capable of harmonizing innovation with financial prudence. It allows businesses to maximize any existing infrastructure and investments and ensure optimal resource utilization instead of an abrupt overhaul. 

SASE is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Instead, it’s a roadmap acknowledging real-world resource constraints and disruption aversion. Many organizations will terminate their MPLS contracts earlier to capitalize on SASE cloud’s reliability, cost-savings, performance, and ease of use as soon as possible. Yet, many others prefer future-proofing their network and security while maintaining their existing infrastructure and services. SASE allows this flexibility, proving that innovation and caution need not be at odds. 

What steps have you taken to transform your network seamlessly? Let us know on FacebookOpens a new window , XOpens a new window , and LinkedInOpens a new window . We’d love to hear from you!

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