CDW Solutions / Cybersecurity / SASE Solutions
SASE Solutions
Secure, Simplify & Scale Your Network
Secure access service edge (SASE) is not a single piece of technology; it’s a concept achieved through a combination of cybersecurity tools. When shopping for SASE, you need a toolset that works seamlessly together, based on what you are running in your environment. With each technology having its own set of features and benefits, CDW can help you decide which technology sets will work best for your organization.
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.
Comprehensive IT
services for every stage
We offer end-to-end cybersecurity services, from governance and compliance to architecture design and security management.
Trusted partnerships with
leading technology partners
Our collaborations with leading security technology partners ensure we deliver cutting-edge SASE solutions tailored to your needs.
What is SASE?
Secure access service edge (SASE) is a modern, cloud-native architecture that combines network connectivity and comprehensive security into a single, integrated framework. Rather than relying on traditional data centre models, SASE shifts these functions to the cloud, enabling secure access from any location or device.
SASE integrates multiple technologies including SD-WAN, secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) and zero trust network access (ZTNA), into one unified solution.
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 ensures that hybrid workers are always protected by forwarding all internet traffic through a security service where policy enforcement and threat prevention occur in real-time.
Challenge 2
Complex Access to Private Applications
Users often struggle with initiating VPN connections just to access private data centre applications, leading to inefficiencies and delays.
How SASE Helps
Seamless Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
SASE enables seamless and secure access to private applications through zero trust network access (ZTNA), allowing users to connect directly without requiring a cumbersome VPN process.
Challenge 3
Scaling Security Infrastructure Is Costly & Complex
As organizations grow, adding new users or enabling additional security features often results in performance issues and increased costs.
How SASE Helps
Flexible & Scalable User-Based Licencing
SASE shifts security infrastructure to a cloud-delivered, user-based licencing model, allowing organizations to scale effortlessly by simply adding new user licences instead of costly hardware expansions.
Challenge 4
Unsecure Third-Party & Contractor Access
Traditional VPNs often provide contractors and third parties with more network access than they need, creating security risks.
How SASE Helps
Granular, Per-Application Access Control
With the zero-trust model, organizations can grant granular, per-application access to contractors and third parties, ensuring they only have access to the resources necessary for their work – nothing more.
Challenge 5
Difficulty Implementing a True Zero-Trust Strategy
Traditional security models grant full application access without verifying user identity, device health or real-time risk factors.
How SASE Helps
Context-Aware, Adaptive Access Controls
SASE applies zero-trust principles by assessing both user and device health before granting access to applications. If an issue is detected (e.g., an unpatched device), access can be automatically revoked, ensuring continuous risk mitigation.
Featured SASE solutions from our partners.
Cisco Secure Access is grounded in zero-trust principles, providing a universal experience that seamlessly and securely connects any user to any app over any port or protocol. It mitigates risk with advanced security to maintain business continuity and avoid the repercussions of a security breach. The solution also includes features like 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 collaboration with Cisco, we deliver integrated SASE services that ensure secure and efficient network operations.
Microsoft Entra SSE offers a unified security approach, integrating identity and network access solutions to eliminate security gaps and ensure a holistic security posture. Built on zero-trust principles, it enhances security by ensuring least privilege access and explicit verification. The identity-centric secure web gateway (SWG) secures access to internet and SaaS apps, protecting against threats and unsafe content. Zero trust network access (ZTNA) enables secure, quick connections for remote users, reducing reliance on legacy VPNs. Continuous access evaluation (CAE) extends conditional access policies with real-time risk assessment, ensuring only compliant devices and users access sensitive resources.
Fortinet Unified SASE is a flexible, high-performance networking and AI-powered security solution tailored for the hybrid workforce. It ensures comprehensive security and seamless access to web, corporate and SaaS applications from any location, including thin edges, offices and remote sites. Key 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 managed under a single operating system. Our partnership with Fortinet allows us to provide scalable SASE solutions that adapt to your organization's evolving security needs.
AI-powered Prisma SASE is the secure foundation for agile, cloud-enabled organizations. Prisma™ SASE converges security, SD-WAN and Autonomous Digital Experience Management into a single cloud-delivered service. Prisma™ SASE with superior ZTNA 2.0 security, consistently secures all apps used by your hybrid workforce, regardless of whether users are at home, on the go 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 integrates networking and security services into 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 provide seamless and secure access for users anywhere.
Why it matters: Traditional security models rely on centralized firewalls and VPNs, which create performance bottlenecks. SASE eliminates these limitations by delivering security through the cloud and closer to the users.
What does SASE stand for?
SASE stands for secure access service edge. It represents a cloud-first approach to network security, combining networking and security functions to provide direct-to-cloud access with zero-trust enforcement.
How is SASE different from traditional security models?
Unlike traditional security architectures that route traffic through centralized data centres (leading to latency and performance issues), SASE:
- Delivers security services through the cloud
- Provides direct-to-cloud access for users and branches
- Eliminates the need for complex VPNs & hardware firewalls
- Enhances security with real-time policy enforcement & zero trust
What’s the difference between SASE and SSE?
Security service edge (SSE) is a subset of SASE that focuses only on the security components (SWG, CASB, ZTNA, FWaaS).
SASE: Networking (SD-WAN) + security (SSE)
SSE: Security-only, without networking (SD-WAN)
If your organization already has SD-WAN but needs cloud-based security, you might only require SSE. If you need an end-to-end solution that includes network optimization & security, SASE is the better choice.
What are the main benefits of SASE?
SASE provides cost savings, enhanced security and a better user experience by:
- Replacing legacy VPNs with seamless, direct-to-cloud access
- Reducing complexity by consolidating multiple security tools
- Lowering costs by eliminating expensive hardware-based security solutions
- 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 typically involves:
- Connecting users and branches to SASE PoPs (points of presence) 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 services, improving flexibility and scalability
How much does SASE cost?
SASE pricing varies based on:
- Number of users & 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?
The ideal SASE transition plan includes:
- Assessing your current network & security posture
- Identifying gaps in VPN, firewalls and user access policies
- Choosing a SASE vendor that aligns with your needs
- Gradually replacing legacy security with cloud-based solutions
- Implementing zero trust & policy-based access control
Should I replace my VPN with SASE?
Depending on your use case, a SASE solution can help you overcome VPN limitations like latency, access issues and control. SASE eliminates VPN bottlenecks by offering:
- Direct, secure cloud access (no backhauling traffic)
- Stronger security with zero-trust enforcement
- Reduced risk of VPN credential theft & misuse
- Better performance for remote & hybrid employees
Contact Us
Schedule a 1-on-1 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.
