Why Unified SASE is the Next Step After Secure SD-WAN
Organizations that deployed secure SD-WAN have already improved on-premises performance, streamlined IT operations, and reduced costs. But the shift to hybrid work has created a new priority: delivering the same level of security, performance, and user experience to employees working from anywhere.
The Limitations of VPN-Based Remote Access
Many companies still rely on traditional VPNs for remote connectivity. VPNs operate on an implicit trust model, which can open the door to security risks such as unauthorized access and lateral threat movement. They also make it challenging for IT teams to enforce consistent security policies across on-site and remote workers.
Why Unified SASE?
Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) extends the benefits of SD-WAN to remote users by combining networking and security into a single, cloud-delivered platform. This approach addresses three core needs:
- Unification – One management console, one endpoint agent, and a single data repository. This reduces complexity and gives IT complete visibility into the network and security posture.
- Simplification – Integration between SD-WAN and Security Service Edge (SSE) can happen in minutes, making deployment straightforward and minimizing disruption.
- Performance – SD-WAN capabilities extend into the cloud, ensuring optimal, resilient application performance for remote and hybrid users.
The Fortinet Advantage
For organizations already using Fortinet Secure SD-WAN or FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls, adding FortiSASE is a fast and straightforward way to modernize remote access. The FortiSASE platform delivers:
- Secure private access to applications from anywhere
- Native SD-WAN integration for intelligent traffic steering
- Comprehensive security inspection for all traffic
- Centralized policy management for consistent enforcement
From SD-WAN to Zero Trust
Unified SASE supports a move toward zero-trust network access (ZTNA) by ensuring that security checks happen continuously, whether users are on-premises or remote. This reduces risk, simplifies IT management, and improves the user experience.
The Outcome
By transitioning from SD-WAN alone to a unified SASE solution, organizations can:
- Simplify operations with centralized control
- Reduce security gaps in a hybrid work environment
- Deliver high-performance access to all applications
- Build a stronger overall security posture
Want to see the full Fortinet “Why You Should Invest in Unified SASE Even If You Already Have Secure SD-WAN” Point of View paper? Download it here.
Talk to a Local Expert
Horizon has deep experience helping organizations across Western Canada, including Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Edmonton, successfully plan and implement secure SD-WAN and SASE solutions. Our team can walk you through the technology, assess your environment, and help you take the next step toward a unified, secure, high-performance network.
