2023 SASE Trends Report on Security and IT Operations

This report presents findings from a survey conducted by CIO and Comcast Business, focusing on the adoption of secure-access-service-edge (SASE) solutions among IT decision-makers. The research indicates that network security and remote connectivity have emerged as the primary challenges driving SASE adoption, surpassing previous concerns related to cloud security. The report highlights that SASE is exceeding expectations in areas such as IT operations and user experience, with a significant number of respondents acknowledging the operational benefits it provides. The survey reveals a strong preference for partnering with managed services providers (MSPs) for SASE deployment, reflecting a shift in organizational strategies to address cybersecurity staffing challenges. Additionally, the report outlines key benefits realized by organizations that have implemented SASE, including improved security performance and operational efficiency. However, it also identifies challenges related to expertise and the need for effective convergence of network and security operations. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored SASE solutions to meet specific business needs.