Traditional network security models are breaking down in the face of hybrid workforces, cloud application adoption, and distributed user bases. These shifts create blind spots that hardware-based firewalls and VPNs can’t address. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solves this challenge with a cloud-native architecture that unifies networking and security to deliver secure access from anywhere.
Instead of relying on hardware perimeters that create bottlenecks in modern environments, SASE integrates Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), secure web gateways, and cloud security brokers into a single cloud-based framework. The result is agile, secure connectivity regardless of where your workforce or customers are located.
What Is SASE and How Does It Work?
SASE is a cloud-delivered framework that combines SD-WAN with security functionality like ZTNA, Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), and Secure Web Gateways (SWGs). Rather than routing network traffic through centralized data centers or managing separate security appliances, SASE benefits enterprises by delivering security via distributed points of presence (PoPs). When a user connects, SASE verifies identity, checks device credentials, and applies context-sensitive policies before granting secure access.
10 Benefits of SASE
Enterprises choose SASE for its myriad advantages, chief among them centralized security, ease of management, reduced complexity, and optimized performance across distributed environments. Here are 10 more benefits adopting SASE can bring to your organization.
1. Unified Security and Networking Architecture
SASE eliminates siloed tools by combining network and security into one cloud-native platform easily monitored via a single pane of glass. Traditional network environments require separate management for each solution: SD-WAN, Firewalls, VPNs, and cloud security. One integrated platform means consistent policy enforcement, unified visibility, and simplified operations.
2. Zero Trust Access Everywhere
SASE enforces Zero Trust by verifying every access request based on identity, device health status, and context. Unlike a traditional VPN, which grants broad access, ZTNA implements least-privilege controls that limit users to bare minimum, role-based access to applications and services. Continuous validation prevents lateral movement within your network should credentials become compromised. SASE is purpose-built for distributed workforces. Because SASE brings security to the user rather than requiring backhauling through data centers, remote and hybrid workers get consistent security policies regardless of location or device.
3. Scalable, Cloud-Native Performance
Being cloud-native means SASE architecture scales automatically without requiring additional hardware. That means you can deploy to new sites or add users in minutes saving time and money. And distributed PoPs ensure security inspection happens close to users, reducing the latency common when security infrastructure is located at a single data center.
4. Simplified IT Operations
Consolidating dozens of point solutions into one unified platform reduces administrative overhead and lightens the load on your IT teams. Policies defined once apply consistently everywhere, and to every user, while automatic updates and threat intelligence eliminate manual maintenance tasks.
5. Cost Optimization and Reduced CapEx
SASE eliminates expensive hardware appliances and shifts to a single predictable subscription cost, allowing organizations to better plan expenses and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). These savings come from reduced hardware needs, lower operating costs, and fewer Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) connections.
6. Enhanced Threat Detection and Prevention
With artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for real-time threat detection, SASE can include behavioral analysis to identify anomalies and respond automatically to emerging threats. This centralized security means threat intelligence can protect all users simultaneously, further lowering overhead and freeing resources.
7. Improved User Experience
SASE optimizes application performance through intelligent routing and reduced latency. The distributed PoPs help eliminate delays and latency caused by backhauling, while SD-WAN ensures consistent performance for all users by selecting the optimal gateway for network traffic based on real-time conditions.
8. Granular Visibility and Policy Control
By providing comprehensive visibility into users, devices, applications, and data flows, SASE enables IT teams to track who is accessing what resources without changing between dashboards. That same single pane of glass allows administrators to enact granular policies that apply controls based on identity, device health status, location, and context instantly.
9. Rapid Deployment and Global Reach
Onboarding new branches or remote workers takes minutes by connecting them to the nearest SASE PoP. Global PoP networks ensure consistent security and performance regardless of location and scale.
10. Future-Proof Security Architecture
Because it adapts instantly to emerging threats, new applications, and evolving workforce needs, SASE is perfectly positioned to support your organization’s growth plans. SASE also integrates with 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) deployments for next-generation connectivity across the board.
Challenges of SASE
While SASE has benefits over traditional network architectures, the transition requires planning and setting realistic expectations. Organizations moving from traditional to cloud-native SASE face integration hurdles, operational adjustments, and temporary performance re-tuning needs. Understanding these challenges upfront will help you prepare effectively and avoid common pitfalls during migration.
Integration With Existing Infrastructure
Blending SASE with legacy firewalls, MPLS networks, and on-premises systems presents one of the biggest hurdles to implementation. Common friction points include routing conflicts, policy translation, and maintaining business continuity during cutover. The solution involves establishing hybrid architectures that allow for a gradual transition. Working with an experienced partner helps navigate these complexities and ensure interoperability between the old and the new while maintaining your existing security posture and business continuity.
Operational Complexity During Transition
Migrating to SASE requires organizational transformation. Policy consolidation presents challenges as your teams navigate rules that evolve differently across various tools, locations, and architectures. Additionally, many teams lack specific SASE experience, creating learning curves that can slow deployment. The answer lies in phased implementation with clear milestones, comprehensive training programs, and either building internal expertise or partnering with a managed service provider who has a proven track record in SASE deployments.
User Experience
Ultimately, SASE will greatly improve your organization’s user experience. However, the transition period can introduce temporary challenges that impact productivity. Users will have to adjust from direct network access or VPNs to new authentication methods and ZTNA. Other common friction points include perceived slowdowns during rollout, more frequent identity verification prompts, and adjustments to new access patterns.
Being proactive with communication during the pre-deployment and early rollout phases is crucial to overcoming these hurdles with minimal pushback. Monitoring digital experience metrics, tuning configurations based on real-world data, and ensuring sufficient PoP presence and bandwidth will go a long way toward easing the transition for your users.
Implementing SASE with MetTel
MetTel simplifies SASE transformation with our deep expertise in managed networks and seamless integration support. Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-most migration, we design implementations around your timeline, budget, and operational landscape. MetTel delivers SASE as a fully managed service on our global private backbone with diverse multi-carrier last-mile access. MetTel has a unique network integration that provides both secure and QOS optimized internet service with 20 worldwide PoPs, 3 U.S. NOCs, and a single enterprise portal for visibility, control and expense management. We also handle integration complexity with existing systems, manage hybrid architectures during transition, and provide 24/7 monitoring and expert support. We unite access, security, and operations under one SLA and one bill. Our team helps you and your organization modernize legacy infrastructure, consolidate vendors, and optimize costs while improving your security posture. Our execution is validated as a five-time Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Managed Network Services.
Get started with MetTel today.
FAQs on SASE Benefits
Can SASE replace VPN?
Yes, SASE can replace traditional VPNs with superior security and performance. SASE’s Zero Trust Network Access provides more granular control than legacy VPNs. SASE also eliminates performance bottlenecks by routing through a network of distributed points of presence (PoPs) rather than backhauling traffic through centralized data centers.
What is the main purpose of implementing SASE?
The main purpose of implementing SASE is to provide fast, secure connectivity for all users, regardless of their location or what resources they need access to. SASE benefits organizations by addressing high cloud adoption rates, remote or hybrid workforces, and modern threat landscapes while simplifying management by delivering networking and security from the cloud.