SASE providers

Choosing a SASE provider

Secure access service edge (SASE) is transforming the way that organizations manage and secure their networks and support work-from-anywhere employees. As users, data and applications become more distributed, the traditional network perimeter is quickly disappearing, creating challenges for IT teams as they seek to combat threats while making network resources available to users everywhere.

A SASE network combines software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) and several essential security technologies into a single, cloud-delivered service model. By delivering networking and security functions as services available throughout the IT ecosystem, SASE solutions enhance security, accelerate performance and ensure secure access for employees – regardless of their location and device.

While SASE architecture can deliver significant advantages, it can be time-consuming and complex to manage. Choosing the right SASE provider can help IT teams to streamline deployment and simplify management of a SASE platform. When considering SASE providers, IT teams can benefit from the superior technology and trusted expertise of solutions from Spectrum Enterprise.

Evaluating SASE providers

There are several essential criteria to consider when evaluating SASE providers.

• Breadth of offerings. Because there is no single definition of SASE architecture, SASE providers will differ in the services and technologies they offer. Every SASE provider will deliver the essential technologies – Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). Superior providers will offer additional technologies such as multifactor authentication (MFA), support for passport-less authentication, secure malware analytics, DNS layer security, inline data loss prevention and more.
• Technical expertise. Accomplished SASE providers will offer access to MEF-certified professionals with extensive experience solving difficult networking and security challenges.
• Managed services. SASE providers with managed services offerings enable IT teams to reduce management burden by offloading routine and/or highly technical tasks to experts.
• Access to support. Because the health of the network is business critical, SASE providers must ensure 24/7/365 support – ideally with local technicians who can accelerate remediation of any issues.

Spectrum Enterprise Cloud Security

As a leader in connectivity solutions for America’s largest businesses, Spectrum Enterprise is a highly reliable and trusted SASE provider. Spectrum Enterprise Cloud Security is a managed services offering that delivers the superior technology, expertise and support that IT teams need in a SASE platform. Combining proven, identity-centric security technologies and SD-WAN options, Cloud Security simplifies the task of ensuring secure access and protecting the organization from escalating cyberattacks.

As a leader among SASE providers, Spectrum Enterprise enables IT teams to:

• Simplify network and security management. Cloud Security provides IT teams with a single point of contact for managed WAN + cloud security, simplifying tasks around design, installation, billing, support, CPE maintenance and MACD activities.
• Improve visibility into users and devices. This Spectrum Enterprise solution provides full visibility and control into cloud data, usage and access. IT teams can easily enforce network compliance regulations and guidelines while enjoying visibility to endpoint devices and device activity.
• Enhance flexibility and lower TCO. Cloud Security offers flexible managed service options that give IT teams as much control as they want while offloading tasks to Spectrum Enterprise experts. Predictable operational costs, dynamic pricing options and access to premium tools enable organizations to avoid capital investment and lower total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Trust Spectrum Enterprise experts. As a premier SASE provider, Spectrum Enterprise provides access to the technology and expertise IT teams require. 1200+ MEF-certified Spectrum Enterprise professionals have decades of experience solving tough networking and security challenges, while dedicated Client Service Managers provide 24/7/365 support backed by local resources and technicians.

Features of Spectrum Enterprise’s SASE technology

Spectrum Enterprise Cloud Security converges network and security services into a cloud-based platform centered on the identity of users, devices and apps. Powered by Cisco, Cloud Security provides a wealth of features that enable IT teams to securely connect users and applications through secure access and device management.

With Spectrum Enterprise Cloud Security, IT teams can:

• Support the hybrid workforce and the work-from-anywhere model.
• Integrate SASE cybersecurity technologies with existing SD-WAN solutions or with Spectrum Enterprise’s SD-WAN options.
• Enhance traditional VPN approaches by adding secondary authentication to determine which devices can be trusted.
• Alleviate traditional bottlenecks caused by backhauling traffic through a central, on-premises hub to apply security policies.
• Gain detailed insight into malicious domains, IPs and URLs.
• Use a central portal to access real-time context on malware, phishing attacks, trojans, botnets and other threats.
• Log and inspect web traffic, gain visibility to detect compromised systems and stop threats before they reach the network or endpoints.
• Flag risky user devices and block access to applications until outdated software is updated.
• Enforce strong authentication factors for separate applications and data environments to prevent lateral movement.

Why customers choose Spectrum Enterprise

Spectrum Enterprise delivers scalable, fiber technology solutions that benefit America’s largest businesses. Our wholly owned, national fiber network spans 245,000+ fiber-route miles and provides over 100% uptime guarantee¹ and symmetrical speeds up to 100 Gb per second. Along with SASE technology, our solutions include:

• Networking services for wide area networking, managed network services and managed WiFi.
• HDTV solutions that impress customers, build loyalty and enhance the brand.
• Voice and unified communications technology that promotes collaboration and enables workers to connect from anywhere.

FAQs

What is SASE?

SASE, or secure access service edge, is a network model that combines network and security-as-a-service capabilities in a cloud-delivered package. The SASE model is designed to meet the needs of highly distributed and mobile workforces and the adoption of edge computing. By combining software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) with essential security functions delivered as a service at the edge of the network, SASE solutions allow IT teams to provide secure access for remote workforces while protecting the organization against evolving security threats.

What do SASE providers offer?

While no two SASE implementations are exactly the same, most deployments include essential security technologies such as Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). Managing these disparate technologies can be complex and time-consuming. To streamline management, IT teams can turn to SASE providers who offer these security services on a single cloud-based platform. Some SASE providers even offer managed services that enable IT teams to offload many aspects of deploying, managing and maintaining a SASE implementation.

 

^1. 100% uptime SLA guarantee applies only to Dedicated Fiber Internet, Secure Dedicated Fiber Internet, Ethernet Services, Cloud Connect and Enterprise Trunking.