As cyberattacks grow more prevalent than ever, legacy network security models centered on firewall appliances and virtual private networks (VPNs) prove inadequate to protect today‘s distributed organizations. 91% of businesses surveyed recently experienced a data breach due to gaps in network security controls. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) delivers an modern approach to securing dynamic workforces. This guide examines top SASE solutions viable for SMBs.
In this expert review, we will:
- Demystify SASE and its key capabilities
- Review top 11 SASE platform vendors
- Compare solution pros, cons and pricing
- Provide recommendations on the best fit for SMBs
Let‘s get started!
What Makes SASE Different?
SASE converges software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) and cloud-based security into a unified solution. Leading capabilities include:
Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) – Protects access and secures sensitive data across cloud apps
Secure Web Gateway (SWG) – Filters outbound web traffic to enforce policies and block threats
Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) – Cloud-delivered network firewall to prevent intrusions
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) – Verifies user identities before granting application access
Unlike traditional hub-and-spoke security models where traffic backhauls to centralized gateways, SASE distributes these services to points of presence globally. This means traffic undergoes scanning much closer to the end user for lower latency.
For SMBs, SASE promises a simpler, scalable way to connect and protect distributed workforces. Let‘s examine the top solutions in this space.
Comparison of Leading SASE Platform Vendors
Many providers now offer SASE solutions catering to mid-size organizations. I evaluated 11 options across several key factors to help determine the best choice for SMBs.
| SASE Provider | Network Capabilities | Integrated Security | Ease of Use | Infrastructure Reach | Ideal Customer Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perimeter 81 | 💛💛💛 | 💛💛💛 | 💛💛💛💛 | 💛💛 | SMBs seeking ease of deployment and use |
| NordLayer | 💛💛 | 💛💛💛 | 💛💛💛 | 💛💛💛 | Companies wanting robust identity and access management |
| Zscaler | 💛💛💛💛 | 💛💛💛💛 | 💛💛 | 💛💛💛💛 | Large enterprises with advanced security needs |
| Cloudflare One | 💛💛💛💛 | 💛💛💛 | 💛💛💛 | 💛💛💛💛 | SMBs prioritizing network performance and reliability |
| FortiSASE | 💛💛💛 | 💛💛💛💛 | 💛💛 | 💛💛💛 | Mid-size companies already using Fortinet products |
| Cisco Secure Access | 💛💛💛 | 💛💛💛💛 | 💛💛 | 💛💛💛💛 | Cisco networks seeking identity-based security |
(Compare 11 top solutions over key criteria)
Many compelling options exist across the spectrum of needs and budgets. Let‘s dive deeper into the strengths of the leading platforms.
Perimeter 81 — Best Overall SASE Choice for Many SMBs
I recommend Perimeter 81 as the top contender for SMBs wanting a full-featured yet easy-to-use SASE solution.
The cloud-native platform bundles essential network security services like SWG, ZTNA, CASB and next-generation firewall (NGFW) into a simplified web app.
Standout Perimeter 81 capabilities:
- ✅ Agentless network access – Clientless methods including L2TP VPN support
- ✅ Microsegmentation – Granular application and network access policies
- ✅ Detailed analytics – Comprehensive visibility into users, devices and traffic
An intuitive browser-based interface centralizes configuration, monitoring and reporting for streamlined operations — a key benefit for resource constrained SMB teams.
Competitively priced subscription plans help cap costs. Standard support offers a 12 hour response time with upgraded premium options.
The distributed platform currently spans 100 points of presence globally using cloud infrastructure from Microsoft Azure, Oracle and Google Cloud. While still growing, latency remains consistently low.
For lean security-minded SMBs, Perimeter 81 strikes an ideal balance of security capabilities, ease of use and affordability.
Ideal Customer Profile
Perimeter 81 suits growth-oriented SMBs with distributed teams up to hundreds of employees operating in the technology, financial services, healthcare or retail sector. CIOs, network administrators and MSPs stand to gain the most value from the platform.
Those wanting robust yet easy to manage SASE security aligned with a Zero Trust philosophy will appreciate Perimeter 81‘s strengths.
Zscaler — Most Comprehensive Range of Enterprise Security Tools
At the higher end, Zscaler leads as one of the most capable SASE solutions available for large enterprise needs. The security giant converges SD-WAN, next-generation firewalls, CASB, browser isolation, and other tools into an integrated cloud platform.
Advanced features include:
- ⛔ Backhauling prevention – Direct local breakouts to minimize latency
- ⚙️ Unified policy engine – Centralized rules for traffic, threats and data
- 🛡️ AI-based threat prevention – Machine learning protects against zero-day attacks
Zscaler security research organization ThreatLabZ generates over 150 billion data points daily to train its algorithms. This allows identifying the latest phishing scams, ransomware campaigns, supply chain attacks and more.
The vendor runs 120 data centers globally to power its security cloud. Customers can choose to route traffic directly to the Zscaler cloud via forward proxy or deploy Zscaler clients on endpoint devices for inline traffic inspection.
Advanced security protections and extensive configuration controls do add complexity. Still, large companies invested significantly in Zscaler consider the platform strategically critical and a driver of digital transformation initiatives enabling wider cloud adoption.
Ideal Customer Profile
The Zscaler SASE cloud best suits complex multinational firms and government agencies spending over $500K annually on network security. CISOs, network architects and security operations center (SOC) teams tasked with safeguarding millions of sensitive records see tremendous upside from the breadth of Zscaler’s integrated toolset.
Cloudflare One — Innovative Global Network Foundation
While many SASE solutions focus chiefly on security services, Cloudflare One delivers a fundamentally new cloud-based network fabric strengthening both security and connectivity.
The company operates 200 cities globally to route and optimize traffic across one of the world‘s largest networks. Cloudflare One overlays Zero Trust tools providing user and device validation, cloud firewalling, DNS filtering and more.
Capabilities like browser isolation and network-layer DDoS protection further demonstrate how Cloudflare innovates beyond competitors:
- 🌐 Network-as-a-service – Replaces MPLS and legacy connectivity
- 🪟 Browser isolation mode – Prevents zero-day exploits from reaching endpoints
- ⚡ WAN optimization– Accelerates SaaS performance over long distances
Change happens rapidly given Cloudflare‘s cloud heritage, making the platform ideal for innovative CTOs. F500 customers like Peloton, SoFi and Delivery Hero run entirely on Cloudflare One. Mid-size digital native firms with cloud forward mindsets also make strong matches.
While still developing some security features compared to Zscaler, Cloudflare‘s underlying network presents obvious value especially for customers prioritizing user experience. Integrations with endpoint protection further strengthen protections.
Combined with its relatively intuitive web app, Cloudflare One gives SMBs a fast yet secure networking foundation enabling operational agility as business needs evolve.
Key Capabilities to Evaluate in Your SASE Platform
Finding the right fit requires aligning solution strengths to your unique priorities around networks, security, operations and budgets.
| Networking | ✅ SD-WAN capabilities |
| ✅ Latency and jitter | |
| ✅ MPLS replacements | |
| Security | ✅ SWG, CASB, FWaaS |
| ✅ Threat intelligence | |
| ✅ Data loss prevention | |
| Ease of Use | ✅ Single console |
| ✅ Access rule automation | |
| ✅ Readable reports | |
| Operations | ✅ Reliability and uptime |
| ✅ Technical support | |
| ✅ Training resources |
Aligning the above SASE elements to your environment and constraints makes selecting the most appropriate platform easier. Don‘t hesitate to schedule demos with vendors or consult independent analysts to validate capabilities before committing.
The Bottom Line
Legacy network security models fail to meet the demands of modern distributed organizations. SASE promises a more seamless, scalable method for securing dynamic workforces.
Top solutions profiled from Perimeter 81, Zscaler, Cloudflare and others illustrate distinct approaches SMBs can consider to bolster protections. Choosing the right platform hinges on fully understanding the pros and cons relative to your needs.
As more security and data privacy regulations emerge globally, every organization must reassess protections for distributed users, devices and clouds. SASE solutions allow keeping pace with modern external threats while achieving operational simplicity.
