Navigating the service provider landscape: Key takeaways from the Claro Enterprise Solutions webinar featuring Forrester

With the evolution of the remote workforce, overlapping concerns about security and networking have come to the forefront for many organizations. In response, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), otherwise known as Zero Trust edge (ZTE), forms an essential convergence designed to help operations remain agile and secure.  

In our recent webinar, Driving Networking and Security Convergence: Navigating the Service Provider Landscape, we were joined by guest speaker Octavio Garcia Granados, Senior Analyst, Forrester Research, where we discussed the challenges and strategies involved in adopting SASE and how to select the right service provider for your business needs.

‍The rise of SASE and what it means for you

SASE combines security and networking functionalities into a unified, cloud-native service. In other words, it allows businesses to provide secure and efficient access to applications regardless of where their users are located. As Octavio Garcia Granados, Senior Analyst at Forrester, explained, key components like SD-WAN, Zero Trust Network Access, and Firewall as a Service make SASE a holistic and converged solution for securing distributed environments. This is particularly useful as more organizations migrate to the cloud and adopt remote work models.

The challenges of adopting SASE

For many, selecting the right service provider for SASE implementation tends to be the most difficult hurdle to overcome. Organizations struggle to find a provider that not only delivers the necessary technology but also one that aligns with their business goals. The fragmented nature of the market – characterized by varying offerings and degrees of integration – complicates the decision-making process.

The role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

MSPs are instrumental in simplifying SASE adoption. Chief Operating Officer of Claro Enterprise Solutions, Cesar Salazar, emphasized this point by reiterating the crucial element of SD-WAN in ensuring consistent application performance and seamless communication across different environments. He goes on to explain our approach, citing the integration of advanced web security with physical security measures to create a holistic framework supported by our Security Operations Center (SOC).

Service Providers: Key considerations for your business

Now that networking and security convergence is a part of the norm, the challenge lies in differentiating between service providers to find the right fit. The webinar highlights SD-WAN and its underlaying last-mile technologies as core offerings, while extended capabilities such as Zero Trust and customer service models help businesses determine which provider is better suited for their needs.  

Ultimately, providers that can deliver business outcomes without over-complicating the process of managing multiple systems are better positioned to help achieve operational efficiency and security.

The future of SASE and service providers

As more businesses begin to adopt and implement SASE, providers will continue to adapt and evolve their service offerings. The ones that can incorporate flexible, consumption-based models that maximize IT investments are better suited to driving this charge.  

Furthermore, those who integrate security across all layers, from applications to edge workloads, will set themselves apart as differentiators in the market.  

Navigating the service provider landscape for networking and security convergence can be a daunting task. However, with the right strategy and insights, businesses can make informed decisions. By focusing on desired outcomes, simplifying vendor management, and adopting a comprehensive security approach, you can position your business for long-term success.  

Ready to dive deeper into how SASE can enhance your security and networking strategy? Watch the recording of Driving Networking and Security Convergence: Navigating the Service Provider Landscape for more insights and examples of successful implementation.