Research firm Gartner predicts that by 2025, most businesses (likely around 80%) will have implemented a SASE or SSE architecture to consolidate access control for various applications. These architectures may include web applications, cloud-based services and even private applications within an organization's network.
The appeal of SASE and SSE stems from their centralized approach to security. By consolidating access management, these architectures can streamline administration and potentially reduce costs. To maximize the advantages of SASE, however, organizations must make certain that security, networking and performance aspects work together seamlessly.
This integration is crucial because SASE/SSE architectures move beyond just access control. They offer a cloud-delivered network security service that combines traditional security features with networking capabilities. This convergence aims to optimize the user experience, particularly for cloud-based applications, while simultaneously improving security and reducing complexity. If these elements – security, networking, and performance – function in silos, then businesses may not achieve the full potential benefits of a SASE or SSE deployment.
Therefore, Zayo Group, a global communications infrastructure provider, announced its partnership with SASE provider Netskope to bring Netskope's SSE capabilities to Zayo's Managed Edge portfolio to deliver a robust network protection and application performance for Zayo customers — from edge to core to cloud.
This means that Zayo’s Managed Edge now provides improved management and security to defend against network security threats, meet regulatory compliance requirements and enable seamless and scalable hybrid work.
“A well-designed SASE solution enables businesses to strike the right balance between staying secure and getting work done, without trade-offs,” said Dave Rogers, Senior Vice President of Global Alliances and Channel Sales at Netskope. “We are pleased to partner with Zayo to offer the best in managed SSE capabilities, which provide the security needed for successful SASE.”
Additionally, Zayo improved its SD-WAN by adding co-hosted gateways. These gateways create direct, private, and secure connections to the cloud, legacy networks and all locations. This enhancement transforms Zayo’s Managed Edge into a comprehensive end-to-end networking solution that offers connectivity, security, monitoring and management in a co-managed service.
With these upgrades and integrations, Zayo's Managed Edge simplifies integration of existing network infrastructure, both on-net and off-net locations, connecting them to the Zayo fiber network.
The solution reduces cloud egress fees and eliminates the need for expensive network builds. Zayo's co-hosted gateways, combined with its fiber network and private cloud gateways, create a cost-effective edge-to-core-to-cloud architecture. And, co-hosted gateways ensure reliable application and cloud performance by integrating with Zayo's private fiber network.
“Organizations are often hesitant to utilize SASE and SD-WAN because transitioning from their prior network connectivity can be difficult and cumbersome,” said Michael McKerley, Senior Vice President of Managed Services at Zayo. “This partnership and the SD-WAN enhancements we’ve made give our customers the best of all worlds. We’re able to offer our customers an efficient network that’s secure, stable, scalable and sustainable.”
Zayo’s newest Managed SASE solution and SD-WAN enhancements are available via Zayo’s Managed Edge solution.
Edited by
Alex Passett
