When it comes to SD-WAN and SSE, as well as cybersecurity and networking teams, integration provides a range of benefits across the enterprise.
GTT’s latest white paper, Trends and Solutions for a More Secure Perimeter: Integrating SASE, SSE and SD-WAN Solutions, supported by research commissioned by GTT and conducted by Hanover Research, revealed that 97% of SD-WAN, SSE or SASE decision makers believe integration is the logical next step of organizations with SSE and SD-WAN solutions. The study showed that cybersecurity and networking teams that are integrated, or that regularly work together, experience simpler deployment, better communication and an overall stronger security posture than non-integrated teams.
The survey deployed across the US and EU found that most cybersecurity and networking teams (88%) are fully integrated or regularly work together. To drill down, almost half of companies (47%) report that their cybersecurity and networking teams work separately but communicate and collaborate regularly, while 41% report that their cybersecurity and networking teams are fully integrated under one management.
Of those who have integrated their teams, respondents said it had resulted in:
It’s clear that integration leads to stronger security and better processes
Among non-integrated teams, 28% reported that "Network security (was) not as strong as it could be." An outcome of non-integrated teams is the lack of passed on security knowledge from Cybersecurity to Networking, while teams that are integrated benefit from the sharing of information.
Nearly half (49%) of respondents in the non-integrated group said that lack of coordination or clarity in team responsibilities is an issue. Furthermore, 46% said that their non-integrated teams suffer from slower decision making and solution implementation.
More Benefits
The respondents also confirmed that when integration is properly executed it improves security, network and operational outcomes by:
- Improving security posture by gaining visibility into network traffic and security events by applying AI, machine learning and automation to rapidly detect and respond to threats
- Enhancing security for users, devices and applications through improved collaboration between teams and providing better oversight, Reducing latency by avoiding the routing of traffic through multiple network and security gateways
- Increasing agility by enabling companies to quickly deploy new applications and services
- Promoting simplicity by eliminating the need for multiple point products, which eases management and delivers unified experience
- Supporting digital transformation initiatives by integrating cybersecurity while protecting against evolving cyberthreats
- Reducing total cost of ownership
Beyond the above benefits, a carefully implemented integration facilitates various digital transformation initiatives. These include remote work capabilities, branch office modernization and cloud adoption strategies that many companies rely on.
A Strong Connection to Investments
Another point revealed from the study and highlighted in the white paper is the correlation between prioritizing integration and increasing investments. The current investments tend to be in integrated SD-WAN/Security solutions and cloud connectivity (67%). Respondents also stated that their organizations plan to further increase their investment, chiefly in integrated SD-WAN/Security solutions (57%) and cloud connectivity (56%).
In reviewing the data used in the white paper, GTT Senior Vice President of Product Manager, Tom Major said, "There is a link between experiencing the benefits of integration, which includes reducing overall IT costs, and getting what one pays for." Major also noted that the data in the white paper makes clear the mission-critical nature of enterprise security solutions in regard to SD-WAN deployment and SASE framework integration. "Moreover, the respondents at companies that have deployed SD-WAN at scale and have integrated SASE frameworks at scale have done so for at least two or more years," said Major. "These forward-looking companies are taking a strong stance on integration; they're no longer playing with proofs of concept."
For companies seeking to achieve the benefits of integration, GTT will partner with them to create and deploy their ideal, integrated, secure cloud networking solution. In addition to designing and deploying the solution that fits their business needs, our customers receive a digital gateway, EnvisionDX, to manage, customize and control every aspect of their networking and security solution providing greater visibility and insights.
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