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Navigating to the Future: the Power of SASE for Network Security

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Navigating to the Future: the Power of SASE for Network Security
By John Wircher
Director of Client Engagement

In the current modern networking landscape, one term has emerged as a beacon of innovation and transformation: SASE. Secure Access Service Edge, abbreviated as SASE, is not merely a buzzword; it represents a fundamental shift in how organizations approach network security, particularly in the context of implementing SD-WAN solutions.

Understanding the Evolution of Network Security

While SD-WAN offers unparalleled benefits in terms of agility and performance, concerns surrounding security have often overshadowed its adoption. However, SASE presents a paradigmatic solution, seamlessly integrating robust security measures within the SD-WAN framework to create a comprehensive and cohesive approach to network security.

The Core Components of SASE

At its core, SASE leverages the foundational elements of SD-WAN, harnessing its capabilities for efficient and dynamic network connectivity. However, what sets SASE apart is its seamless integration of robust security measures within the SD-WAN framework. Imagine a scenario where the redundancy, policy enforcement, and quality of service (QoS) features of SD-WAN are complemented by powerful firewall protection, all orchestrated through a centralized management system. This is precisely what SASE brings to the table – a holistic approach to networking and security that transcends traditional silos.

Challenges in Selecting the Right SASE Solution

With great power comes great responsibility, and choosing the right SASE solution for your organization can be a daunting task. With numerous vendors vying for attention and a myriad of technical specifications to consider, navigating this complex landscape requires expertise and insight. This is where Technology Navigation steps in.

The Role of Technology Navigation

Technology Navigation is a guide amidst the fog of confusion surrounding SASE procurement. Our team of experts specializes in helping businesses identify the perfect SASE supplier that aligns with their specific needs and objectives. Whether you prioritize scalability, performance, or regulatory compliance, we meticulously analyze your requirements to recommend the most suitable SASE technology tailored to your organization. Contact us!

Enhance Your Network Connectivity with SD-WAN: A Game-Changer for IT Solutions

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Enhance Your Network Connectivity with SD-WAN: A Game-Changer for IT Solutions

While embarking on the wave of current IT trends, one technology stands out as a transformative force – SD-WAN. However, before diving in, it’s crucial to ask: does SD-WAN align with the unique needs of your organization? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the distinctive advantages of SD-WAN, offering insights to help you ascertain whether it’s the perfect fit for optimizing your IT infrastructure.

Dynamic, Policy-Based Application Path Selection

SD-WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Network, serves as a contemporary replacement for traditional Wide Area Networks (WANs). Its defining feature lies in its ability to offer dynamic, policy-based application path selection and Quality of Service (QoS)-based routing. This means you can prioritize elements in your network’s communications, leading to improved efficiency and performance.

Enhanced Redundancy and Resiliency

One of the key advantages of SD-WAN is its capability to increase redundancy and resiliency across all your locations. In the event of a circuit failure, SD-WAN seamlessly redirects the traffic to an available circuit, ensuring uninterrupted operations. This redundancy feature is crucial for maintaining a stable and reliable network, especially for organizations with multiple locations.

Cost-Effective Connectivity

SD-WAN allows you to connect lower-cost transport with multiple methodologies for your corporate, remote, and contract users. Whether your organization has a single location or thousands, SD-WAN can optimize network connection capabilities and provide a cost-effective solution for your connectivity needs.

Seamless Cloud Connectivity

Embracing the cloud? SD-WAN facilitates seamless connectivity with both private and public cloud environments. This ensures that your organization can fully leverage the benefits of cloud services without compromising on network performance.

Direct Connection for Software and Applications

Concerned about the connectivity of your company’s software and applications? SD-WAN allows the direct connection of customized Software as a Service (SaaS) and applications to the Internet. This streamlined approach enhances overall network efficiency and ensures a smooth user experience.

Is SD-WAN Right for You?

The answer lies in your organization’s specific requirements. If you need improved network performance, enhanced redundancy, cost-effective connectivity, and seamless integration with the cloud, then SD-WAN is undoubtedly the right choice for you.

Technology Navigation: Your SD-WAN Solution Partner

Determining the right SD-WAN supplier for your organization can be a complex task. That’s where Technology Navigation comes in. We specialize in handling the most challenging aspects of sourcing an IT solution, including requirement determination, supplier handling, contract negotiation, augmented installation, and ongoing support.

Let us guide you through the process of sourcing, installing, and supporting your SD-WAN solution. With Technology Navigation, you can maximize the benefits of SD-WAN without the hassle of navigating the intricacies of the IT landscape. Contact us today to start your journey towards a more efficient and resilient network infrastructure.

Is SD WAN right for you? 

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Is SD WAN right for you? 

By Chis Newell
Founder & President

Before you decide if this is best for your business, let us share our insight with you. 

There are three major segments to consider with SD WAN solutions. The actual SD WAN box (including switches, security, and redundancy/resiliency), Internet circuits, and voice services.  

SD WAN

While most SD WAN providers have the same basic concept (self-service portal, multiple IP connections with aggregation, failover and resiliency), there are key items that differentiate them, such as user portals, failover speed, packet algorithms, and security elements. Some of the top providers we have seen deployed are VeloCloud, Versa, Cato, Cisco IWAN/Meraki, TELoIP, Viptela, and BigLeaf. SD WAN is just the box or service, it does not encompass the circuitry. The SD WAN boxes are purchased through a provider/vendor who then will manage the solution.  

Internet/Network

To have SD WAN services work effectively, it is important to vary internet providers, to provide different mediums of connectivity. For example, if provider #1 is a coax provider, the secondary provider’s service should run over either fiber or copper, which will provide redundancy and resiliency at the physical location.  

SD WAN & Internet/Network Providers

Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) can provide the SD WAN box along with a primary circuit. However, it has been discovered that LECs will not effectively manage the secondary internet circuit or switches. In our experience, using an aggregator for SD WAN solutions will provide the best results. The reason for this is that aggregators can provide and manage the full solution (switch, SD WAN, 1st & 2nd Internet provider, failover and security). Aggregators can order and manage all types of circuits (fiber, coax, copper, microwave, 4G, etc.) and hardware (mentioned above) to support the full solution.  

Voice Services

Voice/dial-tone phone services are as important as always. However, voice services are being delivered differently by mixing soft phones with desktop hard phones. Most aggregators have voice services available within their solution set. However, depending on which SDWAN provider you choose, UCaaS providers such as RingCentral, GoTo, 8×8, Zoom and MS Teams have direct integrations into the SDWAN box provider, which is fairly effective.  This part of the solution can be easily bundled into the SD WAN and Internet/Network solution.  

Aggregator Solution Providers

So, you are asking, who are the aggregators? Narrowing down the list of possibilities can be daunting, and we want to help you find the best fit for your needs. If you are interested in hearing more, Contact us here!