In the world of business, a lot has changed over the last few years. More and more software is being moved to the cloud and edge – in part as a response to the change in working habits.

Cross-border teams are now the norm for many enterprises. These scattered workforces need access to software wherever they are – and cloud solutions are providing the solution.

But firms don't just need their applications to be accessible anywhere. They also need to be satisfied that their networks are armoured against cybercrime – because the more complex a network, the more windows open for hackers to climb through.

VMware SASE (pronounced "sassy") is a groundbreaking solution in this area. It's "convergent", meaning that it combines cutting-edge wide-area networking with security and edge services.

These services are all managed in the cloud. Users, applications and resources can be added and removed from any device, in any location. Everything is managed from a single console or "pane of glass". And all of this is possible in a highly secure environment loaded with advanced threat protection features.

VMware SASE leverages over 150 PoPs (points of presence) dotted around the world. This means that a global service is delivered locally, with network traffic being routed to the nearest cloud or data centre.

The result? Fast access to apps with seriously high uptime. A service that gives users an intuitive UX and system admins a high level of visibility and control over a complex network.

On top of all this, it can be easily integrated into your existing solutions – so there's no need to tear down the walls before you put up your new wallpaper.

What are the main advantages of VMware SASE?

VMware SASE has four main benefits. Together, they make it an industry-leading solution.

1. Increase agility

If you're running an enterprise comprised of multinational teams, you need your network to be flexible. Software has to be available on a multitude of devices in a range of locations with no compromise to security. VMware SASE gives you this in spades.

2. Bolster your security

Even without the spectre of a fine, a data breach is going to spoil your day, week or month. VMware SASE helps you to ward them off by introducing a strict hierarchy of access, sealing up any chinks in your armour.

3. Save time and money

VMware SASE can save you up to 50% of the time you'd normally take managing network and security.

4. Improve your network's UX

Mission-critical software shouldn't be a drag to use. VMware SASE ensures a positive user experience regardless of where your software is being accessed from.

All of this is made possible by a single management console – the VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator.

What is VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator

VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator is a web portal that allows you to manage monitoring, configuration, troubleshooting and the administration of all VMware SASE services. It's designed to protect against data loss and help keep your network traffic secure.

Once logged in, you can conduct the full orchestra of solutions – from Edge Network Intelligence to SD-WAN to edges; from secure access to cloud security services.

It's a far cry from the days of multiple point solutions, each with its own glitches and lifecycle. With VMware SASE, you can take charge of everything from a single pane of glass.

The platform is built for the cloud. It supports multi-tenant architecture and allows administrators to give different access controls to users based on their roles. Operators, for instance, have a different level of access from managed service partners and enterprise customer users.

How do you deploy it?

VMware SASE was designed to be rolled out quickly and easily with minimal disruption to your day-to-day operations. You can keep using your existing infrastructure as you deploy the new solution.

This allows you to migrate incrementally and integrate new users and applications at a pace that suits you. This schedule is something that a cloud partner can help you to plan.

There are four steps to deployment:

1. Plan

Before you implement SASE, you need to answer some important questions. You need, for instance, to identify your existing operational challenges and security risks.

2. Design

If you're interested in deploying SASE then you're currently overseeing a complex network. All your workloads need to be identified and inventoried. Apps need to be categorised according to their criticality and physical requirements. User types and authorisation levels need to be set and your security policy needs to be defined.

When all of this groundwork has been done, you're ready to start testing.

3. Test

Deploying SASE is a big deal. For all its benefits, it's going to involve a change to the way you work and a new learning curve to get on top of.

For this reason, it's best to test carefully and incrementally. Start off with a small proof-of-concept that covers a single data centre and gradually work up towards a full-scale test.

Testing is where you find out what challenges remain. It's essential to do this before you deploy rather than in flight. Trust us – in some ways, this is the most important step of all.

4. Implement

It's now time to roll out VMware SASE. Again, this consists of a few different stages:

• Establish network connectivity.
• Allocate user identities.
• Apply your security policy.

Once all this is done, you're ready to roll – and unlock the cost savings and new efficiencies that VMware SASE provides.

Conclusion

VMware SASE is a great way to consolidate your network and security functions into a unified solution. While it can be accomplished in-house, you might find that you need external help.

A cloud consultant can make the difference between a botched job and a smooth deployment. Interested? Contact Ascend Cloud Solutions today and we can start talking.