Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

The term secure access service edge (SASE) was introduced by Gartner in 2019 to describe an approach that combines wide area network and security controls into a single, cloud-delivered service. A SASE solution enables organizations to access these integrated capabilities directly through the cloud rather than routing traffic through a central data center.

SASE’s rapid rise in popularity reflects the growth of mobile, edge, and cloud computing in the enterprise. As users, applications, and data move beyond the traditional data center to the cloud and network edge, organizations need a unified way to secure and connect them. A SASE solution addresses this shift by integrating networking and security into a single, cloud-based framework. The primary benefits of SASE solutions include reduced complexity, consistently secure access, improved performance, and greater cost efficiency.

While SD-WAN focuses on connecting branch locations to an organization’s central network, a SASE solution extends this capability by routing traffic through globally distributed points of presence — eliminating the need to backhaul data through a central data center. SASE solutions not only deliver the connectivity benefits of SD-WAN but also integrate advanced security controls, address SD-WAN’s limitations, and adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of modern cybersecurity.

A SASE solution combines SD-WAN capabilities with advanced network security functions, linking all endpoints to the edge of an organization’s network, where it securely connects with the internet. Security within a SASE solution is delivered as a cloud service, integrating technologies such as cloud access security broker (CASB), firewall as a service (FWaaS), and secure web gateway (SWG). Instead of forwarding traffic to a centralized control center for inspection, SASE solutions use globally distributed points of presence, enabling traffic to be processed at the nearest location and improving performance while balancing workloads.

A SASE solution enhances both efficiency and security for remote and mobile users. As organizations adopt cloud technologies, digital transformation, and edge computing, backhauling all traffic to a central data center has become inefficient and often unnecessary. SASE solutions deliver secure, direct connections from the service edge, verifying and routing traffic through nearby points of presence. This approach reduces latency, ensures consistent protection, and provides a seamless user experience across any location or device.

A SASE solution delivers multiple advantages for modern enterprises. Among the main benefits are workload distribution through enforcement points; virtual connectivity that replaces traditional virtual private networks (VPNs); and more cost-effective deployment options for branch locations, eliminating the need for agent-based software. SASE solutions also enable unified management of connectivity and security while improving support for edge computing and IoT devices. From an operational standpoint, a SASE solution provides both cost savings and efficiency gains through centralized visibility and cloud-based delivery.