SASE buyer's guide
Why this guide matters
Choosing the right SASE solution is critical because it fundamentally reshapes how your organization connects and secures its users, applications, and data. In today's distributed landscape, a poorly chosen SASE solution can lead to performance bottlenecks, security gaps, and increased operational complexity. The stakes are high, as inadequate SASE performance can directly impact employee productivity, customer satisfaction, and overall business agility. This guide provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating SASE solutions and making informed decisions.
What to look for
When evaluating SASE solutions, prioritize vendors that offer a natively integrated platform with robust networking and security capabilities. Look for solutions that provide granular visibility and control over network traffic, as well as advanced threat prevention features like intrusion detection and prevention, malware filtering, and URL filtering. Consider the vendor's global presence and network infrastructure, ensuring they have points of presence (PoPs) in key geographic regions to minimize latency and optimize performance. Also, evaluate the vendor's support and training resources to ensure a smooth implementation and ongoing management.
Evaluation checklist
- Critical Natively integrated SD-WAN and SSE
- Critical Global network with high PoP density
- Critical Comprehensive security features (ZTNA, SWG, CASB, FWaaS)
- Important AI-driven automation and analytics
- Important Integration with existing security tools
- Important Flexible deployment options
- Nice-to-have Scalable architecture
- Nice-to-have User-friendly management console
- Nice-to-have Compliance certifications (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA)
Red flags to watch for
- Stitched-together solutions with separate SD-WAN and SSE components
- Lack of global PoP coverage
- Limited security features or weak threat prevention
- Poor integration with existing security tools
- Lack of AI-driven automation
- Hidden costs or complex pricing models
From contract to go-live
Implementing SASE is a journey that typically involves several phases, from initial planning and design to deployment and ongoing optimization. Start by assessing your current network infrastructure and security posture to identify key requirements and priorities. Develop a detailed implementation plan that outlines the scope, timeline, and resources needed for each phase. Engage with the vendor and a qualified implementation partner to ensure a smooth and successful deployment.
Implementation phases
Baseline Assessment
1-3 monthsMapping users, applications, and current WAN status
Architecture Design
1-2 monthsDeciding between single-vendor or dual-vendor model, evaluating PoP placement
Proof of Concept (PoC)
2-4 monthsValidating the solution in a controlled environment, policy modeling
Phased Deployment
6-12 monthsReplacing legacy VPNs with ZTNA, migrating branch offices to SD-WAN
Continuous Optimization
OngoingUsing AI and telemetry to improve performance and security policies
The true cost of ownership
The true cost of SASE extends beyond the per-user subscription fee. Buyers must build a 3-year TCO model to avoid budget surprises. Consider professional services, data egress fees, training, and integration costs.
Compliance considerations for SASE
SASE solutions must comply with various data privacy and security regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Ensure that the vendor has the necessary certifications and capabilities to meet your organization's specific compliance requirements. Consider data residency requirements and the ability to keep traffic and logs within specific geographic regions. Evaluate the vendor's data encryption and access control mechanisms to protect sensitive data.
Your first 90 days
Post-implementation success hinges on a well-defined plan for the first 90 days. Focus on verifying core functionality, training your team, and establishing baseline metrics. Regularly monitor performance and security metrics to identify areas for optimization. Engage with the vendor to address any issues and ensure a smooth transition.
Success milestones
- Admin access verified
- Core apps accessible without VPN
- Logging is active
- Team training complete
- Baseline metrics captured
- VPN access revoked for pilot group
- First "Shadow IT" discovery report completed
- Integration health verified
- Policy adjustments based on initial findings
- ROI measurement
- Phase 2 planning
- Vendor QBR scheduled
Measuring success
Success in SASE is defined by the ability to improve both security risk and business agility. Move beyond basic "up/down" metrics and focus on leading and lagging indicators. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to network performance, security posture, and operational efficiency.