Reinvent Your Secure Access Service Edge And Win. A secure access service edge (or SASE) is a managed solution that provides remote access to corporate data and resources.
The SASE is to give employees secure access to their computers, applications, files, databases, email and networks from anywhere at any time.
SASEs provide two major benefits to organizations: improved employee productivity and reduced risk exposure. Let’s see why.
The SASE is the primary means of access to corporate resources. The more convenient and reliable this access, the more productive the workforce becomes. A study found that employees who telecommute were two times as productive as those who worked in traditional office settings. Telecommuters are also less stressed and less likely to leave the company.
That’s not all. The SASE helps control the risk of data loss and system breaches. Because it provides a high level of authentication, a SASE protects corporate data from unauthorized users. When combined with encryption technology and other advanced security measures, it prevents data losses. Further, due to hackers or viruses, thereby reducing IT overhead costs.
The SASE is a software or hardware appliance that provides remote access to corporate resources through a secure connection. It can be useful on-premises or in the cloud and can work with any type of remote device, including smartphones and tablets.
Typically, there are three ways to access a SASE:
1) Through a Virtual Private Network (VPN):
The most common way of accessing a SASE is through a VPN solution that uses IPSec or SSL encryption. This means that the remote user must have a VPN client installed and configured on his device to connect to the SASE.
2) Through a Web browser:
In addition to providing users with a standard web browser interface, some SASEs offer a “virtual desktop” interface that displays applications just like they do on the user’s PC or laptop.
3) Through a thin client:
A thin client is basically a stripped-down computer, usually with no hard disk drive and no local processing power, which relies on its host server for processing tasks and even for display purposes (hence its name).
This is one of the most secure methods of accessing a SASE since no local processing power exists on the thin client itself; all processing is done remotely by the server hosting the thin client software application or virtual desktop interface.
A thin client is particularly useful for users who have limited computing requirements, such as those in call centers or back-office workers who need only to access email and databases.
The benefits
The benefits of a SASE go beyond control over data loss risks and improved employee productivity; companies also achieve significant savings from reduced IT costs and increased operational efficiency. For example:
1· An IPSec/SSL VPN can reduce costs using existing Internet connection bandwidth
2. Since the VPN traffic is encrypted, it doesn’t need dedicated bandwidth. Plus, since VPNs use the Internet as their data transport mechanism, they can avoid expensive WAN connections and make better use of existing bandwidth.
3· SASEs facilitate the shift from on-premises to cloud computing by providing a secure method for accessing data and applications in the cloud.
4· Because the SASE requires no hardware maintenance, it reduces IT labor costs. Additionally, because everything is controlled through a single centralized management console, it reduces administrative overhead costs and staff time spent on support.
5· An SASE solution can also help improve customer service levels. For example, with a SASE that provides a virtual desktop interface, customers can get help from an online agent without having to wait to talk to an agent via phone or email. The agent can see exactly what the customer sees on his computer screen, thus reducing the number of support calls or emails.
Using a SASE can help you gain a competitive edge in your market while reducing operational expenses at the same time. So what are you waiting for? Start your free trial today!