Netskope discusses the importance of architecture for SASE and SD-WAN success
A recent blog post from Netskope discusses the challenges IT teams face in adapting network architectures to support the increasing prevalence of cloud services and hybrid work environments. This update highlights critical considerations for IT and network leaders navigating the complexities of modern distributed systems.
Architectural Adaptations Necessary for Today’s Environment
Traditional hub-and-spoke network designs are becoming less effective in today's dispersed contexts. Joe Skorupa emphasized, “Your data, your apps, and your users are everywhere. The old model of dragging everything back to the data center just doesn’t make sense anymore.” He advocates for architectures that enable direct cloud access and ensure distributed security.
The post warns that some vendors may overstate their capabilities by promoting inflated counts of Points of Presence (PoP) (PoPs), which may not adequately process traffic. Joe DePalo noted, “We focus on real regions, not inflated PoP counts,” asserting that where traffic is inspected directly affects user experience and latency.
Single vs. Dual Vendor Strategies
In discussions about whether to utilize a single vendor or multiple providers for Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), the blog states there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It evaluates each organization's starting point and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among networking and security teams to develop a realistic deployment plan, particularly for managing multiple tunnels.
DePalo highlighted the need for operational flexibility, suggesting that having numerous options is preferable to wholesale replacements. Integration and automation are more important for scaling operations than vendor quantity.
Essentials of Visibility and Control
Organizations require heightened visibility into their network activities to ensure secure connection. This means having control over traffic routing and being able to adjust quickly to changing conditions. DePalo stated, “We built the NewEdge network to control the entire network path.”
The blog emphasizes that enterprises should seek deep telemetry capabilities for comprehensive traffic monitoring and troubleshooting across their networks.
AI-Driven Automation's Role
The post addresses the necessity of AI-driven automation for effective network operations, especially when rapid response is crucial. Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities within Netskope's platform enable proactive monitoring and real-time traffic optimization. As DePalo stated, “The overwhelming majority of our routing decisions... are driven by AI.”
Concluding Insights on Architectural Design
The blog underscores that successful organizations prioritize intentional architectural design in partnership decisions. Skorupa advised, “Pick a partner that understands architecture, implementation, and operational reality.” IT leaders are encouraged to understand their architectural needs and how vendor roadmaps align with their future organizational strategies.
This blog post by Netskope reflects timely insights into making SASE and SD-WAN effective by highlighting architectural considerations crucial for enterprise IT decision-makers.