CDW Solutions / Cybersecurity / SASE Solutions
SASE Solutions
Secure, Simplify & Scale Your Network
SASE brings network connectivity and cloud security into one framework, so hybrid teams get fast, protected access from any location or device. It's not a single product. It's a toolset that has to fit the environment you already run.
CDW Canada helps you map the right mix of vendors, fold SASE into your existing security stack and confirm the architecture holds up. Book a free workshop with our solution architects to start the conversation.
Why CDW Canada for SASE Solutions?
Proven expertise for
over 20 years in Canada
With over 20 years in the industry, CDW has a deep understanding of the IT and cybersecurity landscape across Canadian enterprises.
Comprehensive IT
services for every stage
We offer end-to-end guidance, from assessment through to architecture, design and ongoing security management of your SASE deployment.
Trusted partnerships with
leading technology partners
Our work with leading security technology partners means we deliver SASE solutions tailored to what your business actually runs.
What Is SASE?
Secure access service edge (SASE) is a cloud-native architecture that combines network connectivity and security into a single, integrated framework. Instead of routing traffic through a traditional data centre, SASE moves these functions to the cloud, so users get secure access from any location or device.
A SASE platform pulls together several technologies into one solution, including:
SD-WAN for network optimization
Secure web gateway (SWG) for web traffic filtering
Cloud access security broker (CASB) for SaaS visibility and control
Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) for cloud-delivered firewalling
Zero trust network access (ZTNA) for identity-based application access
If you want a deeper read, see our checklist on whether your team is ready to embrace a SASE framework or our SASE technology planning roadmap.
Common Challenges & How SASE Solves Them
Challenge 1
Limited Visibility into Hybrid Worker Internet Usage
Hybrid and remote users often connect to the internet without inline security controls when their VPN is disabled, leaving organizations vulnerable to cyberthreats.
How SASE Helps
Always-On Security & Policy Enforcement
SASE protects hybrid workers by routing all internet traffic through a cloud security service where policy enforcement and threat prevention happen in real time.
Challenge 2
Complex Access to Private Applications
Users get stuck spinning up a VPN every time they need to reach a private data centre app, which slows them down and frustrates the help desk.
How SASE Helps
Seamless Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
SASE delivers secure access to private apps through zero trust network access (ZTNA), so users connect directly without a clunky VPN process.
Challenge 3
Scaling Security Infrastructure Is Costly & Complex
As organizations grow, adding users or turning on new security features usually means hardware refreshes, performance hits and rising cost.
How SASE Helps
Flexible & Scalable User-Based Licencing
SASE moves security to a cloud-delivered, user-based licencing model. You scale by adding licences instead of buying more hardware.
Challenge 4
Unsecure Third-Party & Contractor Access
Traditional VPNs hand contractors and third parties more network access than they need, which creates real security risk.
How SASE Helps
Granular, Per-Application Access Control
Zero trust lets you grant contractors and third parties access only to the specific applications they need. Nothing more.
Challenge 5
Difficulty Implementing a True Zero-Trust Strategy
Traditional security grants application access without checking user identity, device health or real-time risk.
How SASE Helps
Context-Aware, Adaptive Access Controls
SASE applies zero-trust principles by checking both user and device health before granting access. If something looks off, like an unpatched device, access is pulled automatically.
Featured SASE solutions from our partners.
Cisco Secure Access is built on zero-trust principles and provides a single experience that connects any user to any app over any port or protocol. The platform includes zero trust network access (ZTNA), VPN as a Service (VPNaaS), secure web gateway, cloud access security broker, data loss protection and Firewall as a Service. Through our work with Cisco, we deliver integrated SASE services that keep network operations secure and efficient.
Microsoft Entra SSE offers a unified security approach that brings identity and network access together to close security gaps. Built on zero-trust principles, it enforces least-privilege access and explicit verification. The identity-centric secure web gateway (SWG) protects access to internet and SaaS apps. Zero trust network access (ZTNA) supports remote users without the legacy VPN baggage. Continuous access evaluation (CAE) extends conditional access policies with real-time risk assessment so only compliant devices and users reach sensitive resources.
Fortinet Unified SASE is a high-performance networking and AI-powered security solution built for the hybrid workforce. It delivers security and access to web, corporate and SaaS applications from any location, including thin edges, offices and remote sites. Features include universal zero-trust network access (ZTNA), a unified agent, secure SD-WAN, security service edge (SSE) with advanced DLP capabilities and end-to-end digital experience monitoring, all under one operating system. Our partnership with Fortinet helps us deliver scalable SASE solutions that match how your organization's security needs evolve.
AI-powered Prisma SASE is the secure foundation for cloud-enabled organizations. Prisma SASE brings security, SD-WAN and Autonomous Digital Experience Management into a single cloud-delivered service. With superior ZTNA 2.0 security, Prisma SASE secures every app your hybrid workforce uses, whether people are at home, on the road or in the office.
Our Approach
We Meet You Where You Are
Assess
Our certified experts conduct thorough assessments to understand your current security posture and identify areas for improvement.
Architect
We design SASE solutions that align with your business requirements, ensuring optimal performance and security.
Implement
Our team deploys the chosen SASE framework seamlessly, minimizing disruptions and maximizing protection.
Operate
With our managed services, we continuously monitor and maintain your SASE environment, ensuring it adapts to emerging threats and business changes.
FAQs
What is SASE?
Secure access service edge (SASE) is a cloud-native security framework that brings networking and security services together in a single, scalable solution. It combines SD-WAN, secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) and zero trust network access (ZTNA) to deliver secure access for users anywhere.
Why it matters: Traditional security models lean on centralized firewalls and VPNs, which create performance bottlenecks. SASE removes those limits by delivering security through the cloud and closer to the user.
What does SASE stand for?
SASE stands for secure access service edge. It's a cloud-first approach to network security that combines networking and security functions to provide direct-to-cloud access with zero-trust enforcement.
How is SASE different from traditional security models?
Traditional security routes traffic through centralized data centres, which causes latency and performance problems. SASE:
Delivers security through the cloud
Provides direct-to-cloud access for users and branches
Removes the need for complex VPNs and hardware firewalls
Enforces security in real time with zero trust
What’s the difference between SASE and SSE?
Security service edge (SSE) is a subset of SASE that covers only the security components (SWG, CASB, ZTNA, FWaaS).
SASE: Networking (SD-WAN) plus security (SSE)
SSE: Security only
If you already run SD-WAN and need cloud-based security, SSE may be enough. If you want network optimization and security together, SASE is the better fit.
What are the main benefits of SASE?
SASE delivers cost savings, stronger security and a better user experience by:
Replacing legacy VPNs with direct-to-cloud access
Reducing complexity by consolidating multiple security tools
Lowering costs by retiring hardware-based security
Enhancing zero-trust security with adaptive access controls
Improving performance with globally distributed points of presence (PoPs)
How is SASE deployed?
SASE is delivered via the cloud through global security providers. Deployment usually involves:
Connecting users and branches to SASE points of presence (PoPs) via SD-WAN or VPN tunnels
Enforcing security policies across all traffic, including web, SaaS and private applications
Replacing on-premises firewalls with cloud-delivered security, which improves flexibility and scale
How much does SASE cost?
SASE pricing depends on:
Number of users and locations
Security features included (SWG, CASB, ZTNA, etc.)
Deployment model (fully managed vs. self-service)
Preferred vendor (Palo Alto Networks, Cisco, Fortinet, etc.)
Who are the top SASE vendors?
Leading SASE providers include:
Palo Alto Networks SASE (Prisma Access)
Cisco SASE (Umbrella + Viptela SD-WAN)
Fortinet SASE (FortiSASE)
Zscaler SASE
Cato Networks SASE
Microsoft SASE (Defender + Azure networking)
What’s the best way to transition to SASE?
A solid SASE transition plan includes:
Assessing your current network and security posture
Identifying gaps in VPN, firewalls and user access policies
Choosing a SASE vendor that fits your environment
Replacing legacy security with cloud-based solutions in phases
Implementing zero trust and policy-based access control
Should I replace my VPN with SASE?
A SASE solution can help you get past VPN limits around latency, access and control. SASE removes VPN bottlenecks by offering:
Direct, secure cloud access with no traffic backhauling
Stronger security with zero-trust enforcement
Reduced risk of VPN credential theft and misuse
Better performance for remote and hybrid employees
Contact Us
Schedule a One-on-One SASE Workshop
Ready to transform your security operations with SASE? Sign up for a personalized workshop with our dedicated solution architects to:
- Assess your current network and security posture.
- Identify opportunities for SASE adoption.
- Develop a tailored roadmap for seamless SASE integration.
