In the era of digital transformation, businesses are under increasing pressure to adopt faster, more agile, and more secure networking solutions to keep up with evolving technologies and operational models. Traditional infrastructure is often ill-equipped to handle the integration of new technologies and the growing number of remote and roaming identities. As a result, enterprises face complex architectures prone to new security vulnerabilities, along with rising costs associated with maintaining outdated systems. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) emerges as a promising solution to these challenges, unifying networking and security functions into a single framework. This results in enhanced security, performance, and scalability, suitable for dynamic business environments. Here, we outline five key steps to ensure a seamless and effective SASE rollout.
1. Establish Primary Goals
A successful SASE deployment begins with a clear definition of core objectives, with security and networking needs considered in tandem. Unfortunately, this fundamental step often receives insufficient attention. Project teams frequently fail to delve deeply into the specific requirements and intended outcomes from the outset, ultimately resulting in security gaps, poor performance, and increased costs to rectify problems. A well-anchored project is rooted in clear, business-driven objectives that align with broader digital transformation strategies. Factors such as the organization’s hybrid or remote work setup and cloud adoption plans must be considered, as these directly impact the SASE solution chosen.
Recent research findings highlight the critical need for aligning business strategies with IT security objectives before initiating a SASE rollout. According to Xalient’s global study, which surveyed 700 organizations that have implemented SASE solutions, addressing performance issues with business-critical SaaS applications, securing remote access for hybrid workers, and mitigating the rising costs of traditional network architectures were identified as key driving factors. Additionally, with 99 percent of organizations reporting security breaches within the past 12 months and 44 percent attributing these breaches to remote or hybrid work setups, it becomes evident that strong alignment between business strategies and IT security goals is crucial. This ensures the SASE implementation not only addresses current challenges but also fortifies the organization against future threats.
2. Evaluate Current Infrastructure and Pinpoint Deficiencies
Once primary goals are established, the next step is to conduct a thorough assessment of the existing IT infrastructure. This evaluation serves to identify any gaps or deficiencies that could hinder the successful implementation of a SASE solution. By understanding the current landscape, organizations can pinpoint areas where SASE can add significant value, enhancing both security and performance. An in-depth assessment includes reviewing existing security policies and taking into account any forthcoming regulations, such as NIS2 or DORA, that may impact the organization. This comprehensive understanding allows teams to tailor the SASE architecture to ensure compliance and best fit the organization’s specific needs.
Conducting an evaluation also involves examining the organization’s network topology, applications, and connectivity requirements. This holistic review provides a clear picture of what components need updating or replacing and highlights any interoperability challenges that may arise during the transition. Additionally, it equips the IT team with the necessary insights to optimize the SASE deployment, ensuring the solution integrates seamlessly with existing systems. By identifying infrastructure gaps early, organizations can address potential issues proactively, thereby minimizing disruptions during the implementation phase and ensuring a smooth transition to a secure, agile network environment.
3. Conduct a Trial with a Pilot Program
Before committing to a full-scale SASE deployment, it is prudent to test the solution through a small-scale pilot program. This involves selecting a limited number of sites, applications, or users to participate in the pilot. The proof of concept achieved through this trial run minimizes disruption and provides an opportunity to validate the effectiveness of the chosen SASE solution. The pilot phase is not only a technical feasibility test but also a chance to demonstrate the tangible benefits of SASE to key stakeholders, garnering their support and confidence in the broader deployment.
A pilot program also allows organizations to fine-tune their approach based on real-world feedback and performance metrics. Various benefits realized from the pilot phase can include improved performance of business-critical SaaS applications, updated threat protection without the need for hardware and software upgrades, and enhanced security with consistent policies. By recognizing these advantages early, organizations can showcase the pilot’s success to stakeholders and build momentum for a scaled rollout. This phased approach ensures that any issues identified during the trial can be addressed and optimized before extending the solution across the entire organization.
4. Expand SASE Across the Organization
After validating the pilot phase, the next step is to expand the SASE solution throughout the organization. This requires a deliberate, phased rollout to avoid operational disruptions and manage risks associated with the transition. Expanding SASE coverage involves integrating additional sites, applications, and users into the system, ensuring policies are consistently applied to maintain security and compliance across the entire network. By adopting a structured and phased approach, organizations can balance the pace of change with operational stability, mitigating potential disruptions and maintaining business continuity.
Scaling the SASE solution across the organization also entails continuous communication and coordination among various departments to ensure all stakeholders are aligned with the rollout plan. IT teams must work closely with end users, providing training and support to facilitate a smooth transition. Continuous monitoring and assessment during the rollout phase are crucial to identify and resolve any emerging issues promptly. By managing the expansion meticulously, organizations can achieve a seamless integration of the SASE solution, resulting in enhanced network performance and security across all operational areas.
5. Continuously Manage SASE
Once the SASE solution is deployed across the organization, the focus shifts to continuous management and optimization. This entails regular evaluation of performance metrics and security postures to ensure the solution remains effective and aligned with evolving business needs. Continuous monitoring helps identify any deviations from expected performance, allowing for prompt adjustments and improvements.
Organizations should also stay informed about new regulatory requirements and emerging threats to adapt the SASE framework accordingly. Regular training and updates for the IT team and end-users ensure that the organization remains resilient against new challenges and maintains a robust security posture. By managing SASE continuously, organizations can sustain an agile, secure, and high-performing network environment that supports their long-term business objectives.
