How do you define SASE?

SASE, or Secure Access Service Edge, is a strategic enterprise networking model introduced by Gartner back in 2009 (but some vendors like Cato Networks were doing it before then!)

SASE converges comprehensive network security functions with wide-area networking (WAN) capabilities, primarily designed to support the dynamic, secure access needs of digitally-transforming organizations. This model incorporates technologies such as SD-WAN, cloud-native security components like Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Secure Web Gateways (SWG), all delivered through a unified, cloud-centric approach.

By integrating these components, SASE facilitates a shift from traditional, perimeter-based security models to a more distributed, identity-centric framework. This approach optimally positions enterprises to manage the increasing volume of remote users and cloud-based applications, enhancing agility, reducing complexity, and bolstering security at the network edge. SASE's architecture is uniquely poised to address the evolving challenges of modern enterprise networks, offering scalability, reduced latency, and streamlined policy enforcement across diverse environments

TL;DR?

SASE is the future of cloud networking and perimeter security ❤️

While there is no set industry standard for SASE yet (the term was coined by Gartner in 2019), in general terms SASE (Secure access service edge) it’s a cloud-based security model for your network. It’s a network architecture that combines WAN capabilities and cloud-native security functions and heavily relies on software defined networking.

SASE is provided as a service by the SASE vendors. As a customer, your network equipment is connected to a centralized cloud-based service. SASE can merge your existing network architecture with network security like SaaS or Zero Trust. The network traffic control is done on the cloud edge rather then in the data center/on prem.