Weekly Intelligence Brief on SASE Evaluations - Week of June 2, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Importance of independent testing for Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) evaluation.
- Netskope highlights architectural needs for effective SASE and Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN).
- Recommendations for vendor-neutral RFP creation.
- Real-world trials crucial for assessing solution performance.
- Collaboration between IT security and network teams is essential.
Recent insights emphasize the critical role of independent testing in selecting SASE solutions. Companies like Keysight Technologies and CyberRatings provide objective benchmarking and performance assessments, allowing enterprises to validate claims made by vendors. This independent evaluation addresses potential biases and offers measurable performance data to assist organizations in their decision-making processes.
Netskope's recent blog post highlights the need for reevaluation of traditional network architectures as remote work and cloud services become prevalent. It discusses the inadequacy of hub-and-spoke models and encourages adopting architectures that support cloud-access while ensuring security. This adaptability is crucial for effective SASE and SD-WAN deployments, reflecting the industry's shift in focus.
A vendor-neutral RFP template from Wiretap Labs is suggested as a best practice for organizations starting their SASE journey. This template combines input from various stakeholders, allowing companies to articulate their requirements effectively. The guide offers a structured approach to the RFP process, including vendor selection and scoring vendor responses, enhancing transparency and clarity in evaluations.
The significance of trialing SASE solutions in real-world environments is underscored as a method to validate vendor claims. IT decision-makers are encouraged to engage both security and networking teams for collaborative evaluations. This comprehensive examination can mitigate risks associated with vendor selection and ensure alignment with operational needs.
- Selecting a SASE Solution: Why Independent Testing is Critical to the Evaluation Process
- Decision Insights and SDxCentral SASE Independent RFP, Quickstart Guide
- Netskope discusses the importance of architecture for SASE and SD-WAN success
Joe DePalo and Joe Skorupa stress the importance of architecture in making SASE and SD-WAN effective in a distributed environment.