WEI and HPE Aruba Networking is helping enterprises adopt the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework to protect hybrid workforces, support cloud strategies, and reduce risk. Network security forms the foundation that drives business innovation. Hybrid workforce network security, multi-cloud adoption, and the proliferation of connected devices are redefining how companies secure their networks. Static firewalls and VPNs are no longer sufficient. Companies look to a model that adapts quickly and supports a borderless world. The SASE framework delivers that model, and HPE Aruba Networking redefines secure networking for the modern enterprise.

Episode 42 of WEI’s “Winning the Network Game” webinar brought together WEI’s Cyber Security GTM Leader Todd Humphreys, HPE Aruba Networking’s Jamie McDonald, and NFL legend Tedy Bruschi for a conversation about what it takes to rethink enterprise security. Beyond the terrific sports analogies, the key takeaway is clear: HPE Aruba Networking’s approach to the SASE framework reinvents secure enterprise networking. 

Understanding the SASE Framework

The SASE framework, or Secure Access Service Edge, is a model first introduced by Gartner that merges networking and security into a single, cloud-delivered security service. It combines SD-WAN capabilities with security functions, including Zero Trust networking, secure web gateways, cloud-delivered firewalls, and data loss prevention.

The purpose is simple: security follows the user everywhere, not just within a corporate perimeter. Employees work from home, coffee shops, airports, and branch offices, so the network must deliver consistent security policies regardless of location. This is especially true for organizations that prioritize hybrid workforce network security.

HPE Aruba Networking interprets the SASE framework by unifying SD-WAN and cloud-delivered security under a single framework. This creates a fabric where application performance, user experience, and security all operate through the cloud.

Why Traditional Security Models Fall Short

For decades, enterprises relied on the data center as the hub for security. All traffic funnels through firewalls and content filters before reaching its destination. While effective when users and applications live inside the corporate perimeter, this model creates bottlenecks in today’s context. Remote work, SaaS adoption, and IoT connectivity dissolve the idea of a defined perimeter, creating new challenges for hybrid workforce network security.

VPNs offer a stopgap but introduce complexity and performance trade-offs. Users experience inconsistent security policies depending on whether they connect on-premises or remotely. The result is a patchwork of controls that increase risk and frustrate end-users.

The SASE framework addresses this by extending enterprise-grade protections through cloud-delivered security, ensuring users receive the same experience and protection regardless of their connection location.

Key components of the HPE Aruba Networking SASE framework

HPE Aruba Networking combines proven SD-WAN capabilities with a robust cloud-delivered security stack. Key components of the HPE Aruba Networking SASE framework include:

• SD-WAN Performance: HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN technology reduces reliance on expensive MPLS lines and delivers private-line performance over broadband. Features such as dynamic path selection and WAN optimization maintain consistent application performance for voice, video, and data-intensive workloads.
  
• Zero Trust Networking: HPE Aruba Networking SASE applies Zero Trust networking principles, shifting from connecting users to networks to connecting them directly to applications. This approach limits lateral movement and reduces risk if a device becomes compromised.
  
• Cloud-Delivered Security Services: HPE Aruba Networking integrates secure web gateways, CASB capabilities, and advanced threat prevention into the SASE framework to protect users and data wherever business occurs.
  
• Unified Policy Management: HPE Aruba Networking enables administrators to apply one policy engine across all cloud-delivered security functions, eliminating multiple consoles and duplicated policies.
  
• Global Reach: HPE Aruba Networking leverages global points of presence across major cloud providers to deliver low-latency, high-performance cloud-delivered security services worldwide.
  

Planning the Migration to the SASE Framework

Migrating from legacy security models to the SASE framework requires planning and collaboration between networking and security teams. HPE Aruba Networking and WEI recommend a phased approach:

1. Assess Current Infrastructure: Identify dependencies on firewalls, VPN concentrators, and MPLS connections. Map where users connect and how applications deliver services. This helps define needs for hybrid workforce network security.
   
2. Prioritize Use Cases: Start with Zero Trust networking to replace or augment VPNs,  improving user experience.
   
3. Integrate Cloud-Delivered Security: Add secure web gateways, CASB, and DLP services to provide consistent cloud-delivered security across all traffic.
   
4. Extend SD-WAN Benefits: Deploy HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect to optimize application performance across cloud, SaaS, and branch locations while reducing costs.
   
5. Unify Policies and Management: Consolidate policies under HPE Aruba Networking’s single management console to align networking and security under the SASE framework.
   
6. Iterate and Expand: Continue adding capabilities and refining controls as the organization grows and as hybrid workforce network security needs evolve.
   

Business Value for Leaders

For directors, CIOs, and CISOs, the HPE Aruba Networking SASE framework delivers clear benefits:

• Stronger Security Posture: Enforce consistent Zero Trust networking policies and prevent data loss across a distributed workforce.
  
• Improved User Experience: Provide fast, reliable access to business applications without the friction of VPNs.
  
• Operational Simplicity: Manage networking and cloud-delivered security from one platform, reducing cost and complexity.
  
• Cloud-Ready Future: Support multi-cloud strategies and SaaS adoption with a framework built for secure access service edge enterprises.
  
• Cost Optimization: Replace MPLS lines with broadband while maintaining application performance.
  

Lessons from Tedy Bruschi

Tedy Bruschi’s role in the webinar reinforces the importance of leadership and adaptability. Winning in football requires constant adjustment, and the same applies to enterprise networking. His perspective on teamwork and resilience mirrors the collaboration networking and security teams need when adopting the SASE framework.

Just as a championship team relies on trust between players, a successful secure access service edge deployment depends on trust between IT leaders, technology partners, and the framework itself. HPE Aruba Networking SASE provides the playbook for securing hybrid workforce network security and ensuring reliable Zero Trust networking.

Final Thoughts

The enterprise perimeter no longer exists, but the demand for security has never been higher. With hybrid workforce network security now the standard, multi-cloud strategies accelerating, and data moving everywhere, leaders cannot rely on outdated models.

HPE Aruba Networking’s SASE framework offers a path forward. Security follows the user, applications perform optimally, and management becomes simpler. For organizations ready to modernize their strategy, HPE Aruba Networking and WEI provide the secure access service edge technology and expertise to succeed. Looking for security solutions for your business? WEI can help, contact us today to get started. 

Next Steps: To learn more on how unified SASE effectively addresses the new work ecosystem, download our free tech brief, Enabling The Modern Workforce With Unified SASE. Download our free tech brief, Enabling the Modern Workforce With Unified SASE.