hybrid workforce Archives - IT Solutions Provider - IT Consulting - Technology Solutions /blog/topic/hybrid-workforce/ IT Solutions Provider - IT Consulting - Technology Solutions Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:26:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cropped-favico-32x32.png hybrid workforce Archives - IT Solutions Provider - IT Consulting - Technology Solutions /blog/topic/hybrid-workforce/ 32 32 Boost Productivity In The Hybrid Workforce With Modern SASE Solutions /blog/boost-productivity-in-the-hybrid-workforce-with-modern-sase-solutions/ /blog/boost-productivity-in-the-hybrid-workforce-with-modern-sase-solutions/#respond Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:45:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/boost-productivity-in-the-hybrid-workforce-with-modern-sase-solutions/ The modern workforce is no longer confined to the traditional office environment. The rise of remote work and cloud adoption has created a hybrid landscape where employees access data and...

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The FortiSASE platform provides a unified, comprehensive SASE solution to ensure enhanced protection, adaptability, and security for your hybrid workforce.

The modern workforce is no longer confined to the traditional office environment. The rise of remote work and cloud adoption has created a hybrid landscape where employees access data and applications from various locations and devices.

This flexibility also introduces new security challenges. Traditional network security tools, designed for centralized corporate networks, struggle to protect a distributed workforce. Ensuring comprehensive security and seamless connectivity, regardless of location, has become a top priority. A secure access service edge (SASE) architecture addresses these challenges by integrating advanced networking and security features into a unified platform. Let’s explore how SASE provides an effective, scalable solution for securing the hybrid workforce.

Finding The Right Tools

Traditional security solutions rely on a centralized network perimeter, which is effective when most users and applications are within the corporate network. However, in a hybrid environment, employees accessing resources from outside the perimeter face several issues:

  • Limited Visibility: Traditional firewalls struggle to see beyond the network perimeter. Traffic from remote employee devices becomes blind spots, leaving organizations vulnerable to malware, phishing, and unauthorized data transfers.
  • Inconsistent Security Policies: Enforcing consistent security policies across diverse user devices and locations is challenging with traditional tools. These tools are often siloed, complicating the creation of a unified security posture.
  • Poor User Experience: Legacy VPNs can create a sluggish and cumbersome user experience for remote workers, hindering productivity and compromising network and data access.

SASE has emerged as a promising solution to address these common limitations. It takes a cloud-based approach, consolidating network security functions like Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) into a single, unified service.

While SASE offers long term promise for hybrid workforces, some solutions lack security or seamless integration, leading to inconsistent protection and user experience. Organizations can leverage SASE effectively by carefully evaluating capabilities and potential integration issues. However, even strong SASE requires ongoing vigilance for a well-rounded security strategy.

Meeting The Needs Of The Hybrid Workforce

A unified SASE solution, built on a single-vendor approach, offers a more complete solution. It secures the hybrid workforce with the same underlying OS, AI-powered services, unified agent, management, and experience monitoring. Unified SASE secures all users, devices, and edges, including micro-branches, offering flexibility for organizations with disparate architectures and requirements.

Leveraging a high-performance, scalable cloud network, unified SASE incorporates best-in-class components like Security Service Edge (SSE), Universal ZTNA, a Unified Agent, Secure SD-WAN, and Digital Experience Monitoring. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive security for users everywhere. Fortinet’s exemplifies this approach.

What Makes FortiSASE Stand Out?

Traditionally, security features resided at the network edge. FortiSASE changes this by migrating the security stack to the cloud within geographically dispersed data centers known as “points of presence”  (PoPs). These PoPs offer global coverage and house scalable instances with integrated security services like firewalls, secure web gateways (SWGs), Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and SD-WAN.

FortiSASE simplifies management by consolidating these security functions into a unified, cloud-based platform:

  • Simplified Management: FortiSASE streamlines administration by providing a single vendor for both the SASE platform and the security agent.
  • Unmatched Endpoint Security: FortiSASE leverages Fortinet’s expertise in endpoint security to deliver unmatched protection.
  • Enhanced Scalability: The cloud-based architecture scales to accommodate growing user bases and network demands.
  • Improved Performance: Strategically positioned PoPs ensure low latency and a fast user experience for users everywhere.
  • Reduced Costs: FortiSASE eliminates the need for on-premises hardware and software, leading to significant cost savings.
  • AI-Powered Security Services: , Fortinet’s threat intelligence unit, powers FortiSASE with advanced AI-powered security services. These services continuously analyze network traffic to identify and block sophisticated threats in real-time.

Solving Cybersecurity Challenges

The hybrid work model presents unique challenges, such as securing remote endpoints, managing diverse devices, and ensuring consistent policy enforcement across various locations. FortiSASE effectively addresses these challenges:

  • Comprehensive Security: This solution integrates seamlessly with the Fortinet Security Fabric, leveraging FortiOS to deliver broad visibility, granular control, and proactive protection across the entire network environment.
  • Consistent Protection: FortiSASE provides cloud-delivered security with built-in ZTNA, ensuring consistent protection for users working from anywhere.
  • Simplified Management: The FortiClient agent provides a one-stop solution for ZTNA, traffic redirection to SASE, and endpoint protection, streamlining security management.
  • Unified Visibility And Management: FortiSASE offers exceptional visibility across both on-premises and remote users. FortiManager provides a centralized policy engine and management system, ensuring consistent enforcement regardless of location. Additionally, FortiAnalyzer, working alongside FortiSASE, delivers centralized logging and response capabilities for network and security events, facilitating swift incident response.
  • Unparalleled User Experience: FortiSASE intelligently steers applications over the most suitable connections, optimizing business productivity and ensuring a seamless user experience. Workers accessing corporate applications through SD-WAN SPA benefit from superior performance and reliability.

Organizations across various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and education, have successfully deployed FortiSASE to protect their hybrid workforces and ensure data security and regulatory compliance.

Final Thoughts

The rise of the hybrid work model creates new security challenges. Fortinet’s FortiSASE offers a unified SASE platform that directly addresses these challenges. By combining networking and security, FortiSASE provides a streamlined solution for businesses, empowering them to secure their hybrid workforce with reliable features, flexible deployment options, and a user-centric design. This approach fosters success in today’s shifting market.

Partnering with SASE experts like WEI unlocks FortiSASE’s full potential. WEI develops customized implementation strategies for seamless integration, enabling a secure, productive, and future-proof hybrid workforce. Contact us today to learn how FortiSASE can safeguard your hybrid workforce and propel your business toward a secure and efficient future.

Next steps: Managing and securing data, applications, and systems has become more arduous and time-consuming with the rise of cloud adoption and the expansion of the digital attack surface. To help remedy this, FortiAnalyzer offers a powerful log management, analytics, and reporting platform that features a single console to manage, orchestrate, and respond. Download our free tech brief below to read.

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Strengthen Security And Networking: Five Reasons To Invest In SASE For Hybrid Work /blog/strengthen-security-and-networking-five-reasons-to-invest-in-sase-for-hybrid-work/ /blog/strengthen-security-and-networking-five-reasons-to-invest-in-sase-for-hybrid-work/#respond Tue, 02 Jan 2024 13:45:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/strengthen-security-and-networking-five-reasons-to-invest-in-sase-for-hybrid-work/ To stay updated in the evolving IT environment, organizations are consistently navigating multi-cloud transitions and embracing hybrid work models. The increasing dispersion of users and applications across platforms heightens the...

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With organizations embracing remote work and diverse connectivity needs, SASE has become essential for navigating the evolving hybrid workplace.

To stay updated in the evolving IT environment, organizations are consistently navigating multi-cloud transitions and embracing hybrid work models. The increasing dispersion of users and applications across platforms heightens the difficulty of ensuring a functioning, resilient, and consistent user experience.

For this reason, IT teams must rethink their networking strategy as the conventional application model shifts from data-center-centric to internet-enabled cloud-centric. In this article, we’ll tackle the challenges brought on by current trends and discuss how IT teams can navigate them.

Solving Hybrid Workspace Challenges

Hybrid work models pose significant challenges for IT teams striving to ensure a secure and smooth user experience. According to a recent survey, find it harder to secure remote workers, and 51% face difficulties connecting off-site workers to company resources. As users and applications move off-premises, the risk of intentional attacks or data exposure increases.

Cloud-based security solutions offer a centralized control point; however, effective security requires staying up to date with the latest guidelines, best practices, and solutions. Adopting a secure access service edge (SASE) strategy is the answer most IT professionals are turning to.

Built on zero-trust principles, SASE provides a reliable and seamless connection to applications in any environment. Benefits include:

  • Unifying networking and security functions into a cloud-native solution.
  • Decentralizing security policies and enforcement to accommodate the distributed nature of end users and applications.
  • Eliminating the need to consistently route data back to a centralized data center.

These benefits solidify SASE’s position as a top priority for organizations seeking integrated, cloud-based SD-WAN management.

Investing In SASE

In the era of remote work and hybrid cloud usage, a SASE strategy is essential for secure user and app connectivity across any network. Unlike traditional security approaches, it combines networking and security into a cloud-native solution. By deploying security policies closer to users and applications, it embraces a zero-trust model and eliminates the need for constant data backhauling to a central center.

This lightens network loads and improves the overall user experience, ensuring reliable access from edge to edge. As a dynamic architecture, SASE streamlines IT functions to provide secure connection to applications from any location or device.

Navigating Your SASE Journey

Regardless of deployment and consumption methods, a robust SASE strategy is vital for aligning with long-term organizational objectives and operational needs. The goal is to seamlessly blend essential elements from SD-WAN and cloud security. Here are five reasons we’ve identified to invest in and smoothly navigate your SASE journey:

  1. Elevates Your WAN With Cloud-Scale Architecture: This is achieved through the delivery of secure connections, facilitated by integrated multi-cloud access, simplified management processes, and the provision of actionable insights.
  2. Streamlines Cloud Security: Begin your security strategy at the DNS layer where you can establish a strong foundation. Alternatively, enhance your existing setup by incorporating additional functionality through an open security platform and seamless integrations. By consolidating security processes and multiple functions into a user-friendly, cloud-native service, you create a holistic solution with built-in security rather than merely tacking it on.
  3. Simplifies Secure Network Access With Zero Trust: For a comprehensive Zero Trust approach, it is essential to implement identity controls consistently across both branch and remote workers. This involves enabling policy-based controls for every access attempt, regardless of the hosting location.
  4. Platform Simplicity: As SASE should be seen as an architectural framework, consider choosing a single vendor to provide both networking and security components. Opting for a platform approach simplifies the architecture and improves performance and cost-effectiveness. We advise selecting a partner such as WEI with extensive expertise to assist your team in addressing challenges across various environments.
  5. Customizable SASE Architecture: Embracing your SASE transition means recognizing each organization’s cloud journey. At this point, it is significant to choose a provider that meets your current requirements while anticipating and accommodating your evolving needs both in the present and the future.

As an alternative to traditional security stacks, SASE improves the user experience by offering secure access across the entire network, including the data center, remote offices, roaming users, and beyond.

Final Thoughts

Many companies are embracing SASE, with . How they invest in the tool depends on their current setup, what they’re focusing on operationally, and their overall business objectives.

For a smoother transition, IT teams should take a strategic planning approach, gradually shifting towards a full SASE architecture. Our reliable partner, , has a versatile SASE solution that provides the agility needed for consistent user experiences. With different deployment and consumption options, you can pick what works best for you and let our team of experts assist you in your SASE journey.

Next Steps: You can learn more about how Cisco can transform your network into an intention-based unified fabric that not only furthers the scalability, agility, and performance of your network, but your business objectives as well. Take a closer look at this stunning tool in our white paper, .

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Step Into The Future Of Secure: Hybrid Networking With Cisco SASE /blog/step-into-the-future-of-secure-hybrid-networking-with-cisco-sase/ /blog/step-into-the-future-of-secure-hybrid-networking-with-cisco-sase/#respond Tue, 05 Dec 2023 13:45:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/step-into-the-future-of-secure-hybrid-networking-with-cisco-sase/ In today’s evolving digital landscape, businesses are finding a reliable ally in Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) to safeguard their networks and endpoints. Imagine it as a musical conductor, skillfully...

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Cisco SASE effortlessly combines security and networking functions in a unified framework, paving the way for a secure, efficient hybrid networking experience.

In today’s evolving digital landscape, businesses are finding a reliable ally in Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) to safeguard their networks and endpoints. Imagine it as a musical conductor, skillfully bringing together different players in a complex orchestra of networking and security.

Just like a maestro ensures a harmonious symphony, SASE guarantees secure and seamless access to applications – regardless of your location or the device you are using. In this article, we explore how SASE can benefit your business and enhance the security of your data and network in a hybrid environment.

Factors For A Successful SASE Implementation

SASE revolutionizes security by seamlessly integrating networking and security functions into a unified, cloud-native solution. This innovative approach enhances user experience and efficiency with a secure access framework that spans across the data center, remote offices, and roaming users.

In contrast to traditional methods, SASE adapts to the dynamic and hyper-distributed nature of today’s hybrid environments. To make SASE work well for your business, it’s important to think about these aspects:

  • Simplify And Streamline: Managing security and networking in a fragmented landscape is challenging. A unified approach is essential for simplifying complex networks and security. It’s important for organizations to combine various network ecosystems and security solutions for better visibility, policy control, and overall protection across all networks.
  • Enable Hybrid Work Success: In the age of hybrid work and multi-device usage, networking teams need to ensure reliable connectivity to any cloud. This helps address network performance problems caused by increasing internet traffic and changing traffic patterns.
  • Optimize Operational Costs: Reducing costs is a big concern when it comes to secure connectivity in complex IT setups. SASE tackles this issue by using SD-WAN and smart traffic modeling for enhanced security and cost-efficiency across public, private, and hybrid clouds. Moreover, there are several options available, such as:
    • Service-based solutions (SaaS) which ensure quick setup with minimal disruption.
    • Hybrid or co-managed models which offer customization and visibility.
  • Collaborating Between Networking And Security Teams: SASE encourages collaboration between networking and security teams. This collaboration cuts costs, streamlines operations, and makes security a top priority.

Investing In A Comprehensive SASE Solution

Having identified the elements of successful SASE implementation, the next step is determining the specific provider for the service.

Investing in a SASE solution is crucial for ensuring optimal and secure connections in today’s dynamic digital landscape. stands out as a top choice due to its innovative features and commitment to address evolving cyber risks. Here’s why Cisco’s SASE is worth considering:

  • Optimal Cloud Connectivity: Cisco SASE ensures secure connections for users and devices to all cloud environments. It effectively identifies and resolves challenges present in traditional setups. Additionally, it provides a uniform security approach irrespective of user locations.
  • Versatile Deployment Models: Recognized by for SD-WAN and WAN Edge Infrastructure, Cisco SASE offers various deployment models tailored to diverse organizational requirements. This set-up guarantees a smooth and user-friendly experience across various use cases.
  • Zero Trust Security Model: This solution implements a zero trust security model to fill security gaps, drastically boosting the effectiveness of addressing evolving cyber risks.
  • Simplified Threat Detection And Integration: Cisco has seamlessly incorporated SASE functionalities into Meraki, Cisco ISR routers, and third-party routers. The integration extends to , a cloud-based security orchestration tool designed to unify security infrastructures into cohesive ecosystems. Featuring approximately 350 pre-configured APIs for seamless integration with third-party systems, SecureX is bundled with every Cisco security product and requires no extra licensing. Users gain access to telemetry data and threat information within 15 minutes which reduces reliance on additional Professional Services. This results in significant time and cost savings.
  • Hybrid Work Environment Capability: Cisco SASE streamlines management challenges by efficiently enabling visibility of multiple remote users, devices, and data.
  • Adaptability And Scalability: Cisco’s SASE solutions are built on open standards and boast robust API support. This framework empowers organizations to fulfill their current secure connectivity requirements while maintaining flexibility.

Cisco’s SASE solution represents more than a current solution; it embodies a strategic transformation. By offering a comprehensive approach, it empowers businesses to proactively prepare for evolving security and networking needs.

Final Thoughts

Cisco stands at the forefront of SASE technology. In partnership with a broad network of collaborators, our service empowers you to customize deployment models, offering robust networking solutions, advanced security features, and enhanced internet observability capabilities.

To learn more about Cisco’s advanced SASE solutions, contact WEI today.

Next steps: Discover more about how your business can implement a meaningful SASE strategy by downloading our tech brief, The First 5 Things You Should Know About SASE.

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Empower A Security-First Strategy With Lenovo ThinkShield Asset Intelligence /blog/empower-a-security-first-strategy-with-lenovo-thinkshield-asset-intelligence/ /blog/empower-a-security-first-strategy-with-lenovo-thinkshield-asset-intelligence/#respond Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/empower-a-security-first-strategy-with-lenovo-thinkshield-asset-intelligence/ In the constantly changing world of cyber threats, it’s crucial for organizations to strengthen their defenses. While advanced security features are important, they become less effective if basic security measures,...

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Lenovo ThinkShield Asset Intelligence ensures visibility of IT assets, reducing risks from unknown assets and supporting a security-first workplace culture.

In the constantly changing world of cyber threats, it’s crucial for organizations to strengthen their defenses. While advanced security features are important, they become less effective if basic security measures, like building a “security-first” culture in the workplace, are overlooked.

In a , every member of the organization recognizes their responsibility for data and network security – whether they’re a new team member or a long-time part of the management team. It involves regularly evaluating security implications, including granting network access or responding to e-mails and information requests. This heightened awareness and participation become even more pronounced with the prevalence of remote and hybrid work setups. Given the nature and distribution of data and network access, maintaining location awareness of your IT assets serves as the initial step in establishing a culture of security.

Building Security Awareness In Organizations

In the pursuit of establishing a holistic, security-first culture within organizations, certain key pointers should be considered:

1. Adopt A Unified Security Mindset

Cybersecurity may not be the most glamorous aspect of your business, but it’s just as important as any other. Take time to carefully assess the security implications of various actions and decisions, such as:

  • Granting partners access to your network.
  • Defining features for a new product.
  • Responding to information requests via phone, email, or social media.

These security considerations should be an integral part of every engagement strategy. A unified security mindset can be achieved through continuous training and education within the organization.

2. Maintain Security Awareness

Promoting a security-first culture emphasizes that security awareness is an ongoing process. Each new security feature or software application introduces potential risks, so it’s critical to have continuous awareness and effective communication. Mistakes will happen, but if your enterprise is prepared for those mistakes, the consequences will be less severe.

Security incidents are teachable moments. Ensure everyone understands the nature of the mistake, its consequences, and preventive measures for the future.

3. Exercise Accountability

Building a security-first culture involves accountability. That means, proactive company policies should be consistently enforced without relying on fear. On the other hand, recognizing and celebrating successes also fosters a strong security culture.

A Security-First Culture Requires IT Asset Awareness

The emergence of hybrid and remote work has made the adoption of a security-first culture more challenging. This shift, while offering unprecedented flexibility, also introduces security challenges in terms of accountability and security awareness.

With the adoption of hybrid and remote work, critical asset data is dispersed across various systems – from static spreadsheets to incomplete databases – which pose a significant security threat to enterprises. The escalating number of ransomware attacks leaves organizations in a precarious position – unable to defend or manage assets they may not even be aware of.

This lack of awareness amplifies the cost and complexity of IT asset management. The phrase “unknown assets are just risks” highlights the immediate need for a reliable IT asset management solution.

Embracing Asset Awareness With ThinkShield

In response, Lenovo came up with . As part of their cybersecurity solutions under the portfolio, this solution offers comprehensive visibility and seamless integration into various enterprise assets.

As a pioneer in OEM solutions, Lenovo ThinkShield Asset Intelligence guarantees the following benefits to its users:

  • Precise Asset Management: IT managers gain a comprehensive view of device locations and assignments, regardless of make and model. In turn, this forms a solid foundation for effective asset management.
  • Automated Data Flow: Lenovo goes beyond the conventional by automating the flow of factory procurement data, integrating seamlessly with an organization’s discovery data.
  • Holistic Perspective: ThinkShield Asset Intelligence stands out in a sea of asset management solutions by merging information about purchased assets with existing endpoint management sources. This feature effectively mitigates attack risks throughout device lifecycles.
  • Preventive Measures: The solution establishes clear processes for verifying complete and accurate asset disposal, preventing breaches before they occur.

Final Thoughts

The evolution of work environments highlights the need for a flexible security-centric culture. With data accessible from anywhere, the emphasis on reinforcing cybersecurity measures becomes more prominent.

To effectively navigate the new workspace, companies must maintain awareness of their assets and seamlessly integrate data protection into their organizational mindset. Lenovo ThinkShield offers a comprehensive asset management solution that addresses challenges associated with varied work setups and serves as a proactive defense against ransomware.

If you are ready to start your journey to a security-first mindset, our team of experts at WEI is here to assist you.

Next steps: TBC

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How Expedient Is Shaping The Future Of Edge Computing /blog/how-expedient-is-shaping-the-future-of-edge-computing/ /blog/how-expedient-is-shaping-the-future-of-edge-computing/#respond Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:45:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/how-expedient-is-shaping-the-future-of-edge-computing/ The University of Phoenix once faced a myriad of IT challenges: outdated infrastructure, technical debt, and annual data center costs upwards of $1.7 million. The online university’s previous attempts to...

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With Expedient Edge, businesses experience improved management services and data center capacity on an advanced cloud-based platform.

The University of Phoenix once faced : outdated infrastructure, technical debt, and annual data center costs upwards of $1.7 million. The online university’s previous attempts to switch to a hyperscale cloud failed due to the complexity of modernizing old applications and workloads.

Their story took a better turn when the university adopted and started migrating its most challenging workload. Their success enabled a more efficient and cost-effective digital transformation which replaced technical debt with modern solutions.

Addressing Edge Computing Challenges

Many organizations require access to nearby computing resources to maintain smooth operations. The primary obstacle that enterprises encounter is providing these on-site services at remote locations.

The University of Phoenix’s experience reflects the common business challenges of today: the need for a consistent managed service across multiple locations, including the cloud. However, proximity-based applications often struggle with connectivity and latency issues. For that reason, edge computing is essential, which brings us to Expedient.

Most of the time, businesses resort to do-it-yourself approaches to save on costs. This has been the traditional solution to edge computing. This causes several issues, including:

  • Increased Costs: Setting up these solutions involves shipping, configuring, and maintaining systems. This is expensive and comes with logistical challenges, especially in a period where many IT teams are struggling to fill personnel as solutions grow more complicated. 
  • Hardware Update Complications: These solutions often require frequent hardware updates. This adds to the complexity and expenses over time as technology evolves. As with many customers who partner with WEI for Expedient solutions, it is often too late when they realize the impressive cost savings and hassle-free subscription method as opposed to being locked into unfriendly multi-year contracts.
  • Ongoing Support: Traditional methods find it difficult to handle ongoing hardware support, monitoring, patch management, and unexpected repairs. This leaves organizations struggling to keep their systems running smoothly. WEI can help your enterprise with ongoing support and training to empower difference-making upskilling.
  • Scalability Challenges: Scaling these solutions across different locations is a significant challenge. It’s not easy to adapt them to various environments and needs.

While a DIY approach might be tempting, this method often costs businesses more money in the long-run.

Solving Key Challenges With Expedient Edge

The transformation we referenced early on with University of Phoenix proves solutions like and effectively virtualizes existing applications and workloads. With this solution, the university streamlined operations, cut costs, and reduced their owned hardware from 100 servers to seven.

How will you know if your enterprise is ready to embrace edge computing? Have you already explored this option? We recommend that you consider this solution if your business requires:

  • A cost-friendly cloud model
  • Workload management and support
  • Integrated storage and networking
  • Resilience to internet connectivity issues
  • An adaptable solution for various networking conditions

Expedient Edge, a fully-managed VMware-powered infrastructure, offers timely assistance by providing the following services:

  1. Consistent Management: Unifying and elevating the level of services through a cloud-based management platform, ensuring a consistent and reliable experience at a fraction of the cost.
  2. Improved Connectivity: Allowing apps to run independently of internet connectivity to ensure seamless operations no matter where they are deployed.
  3. Fully Managed VMware Infrastructure: The solution boasts a fully managed , ensuring clients have a robust and reliable foundation for their workloads. And did we mention that Expedient deploys the world’s largest VMware clouds just an hour away from WEI in Boston, MA?

Expedient Edge also meets the increasing demand for a cloud operating model while providing a wide range of features. This makes it a significant choice for organizations in search of dependable and flexible IT solutions.

The Future Of Edge

Companies now understand the need to invest heavily in edge computing, and this trend is expected to continue over the . A recent in March reveals that companies anticipate increased edge budgets in 2023, with a focus on security, automation, and orchestration software investments. Moreover, this technology is not ideal for just one industry, but many where traditional IT is not suitable. This plays into the favor of manufacturing as the edge appliance can fits just about anywhere – a closet, factory floor, or anywhere that cooling conditions are not ideal. 

Additionally, one-third of the respondents plan to increase short-term edge spending according to a recent survey, with variations based on region, company size, and industry. This uptick is fueled by tech updates, heightened security, and growing data center needs.

With a feature-rich offering, Expedient Edge is an excellent choice for organizations seeking reliable, adaptable IT solutions.

Contact our experts at WEI to learn more about edge computing and discover how Expedient’s host of solutions could potentially benefit your business. The future of computing is here. By embracing this transformation, your organization will remain at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness in the digital era.


Next steps: The blueprint for an effective ransomware protection strategy starts with maximizing the resources you already have. WEI can help explain how in our free tech brief.


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SASE: The Solution To Building A Secure And Future-Ready Hybrid Workforce /blog/sase-the-solution-to-building-a-secure-and-future-ready-hybrid-workforce/ /blog/sase-the-solution-to-building-a-secure-and-future-ready-hybrid-workforce/#respond Tue, 18 Jul 2023 12:45:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/sase-the-solution-to-building-a-secure-and-future-ready-hybrid-workforce/ The era of digital transformation has completely changed the way we work, with remote work and cloud-based applications becoming the new normal. No longer are users and applications confined to...

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SASE offers network infrastructure and security while offering user visibility, threat detection, and scalability for seamless user connectivity from anywhere.

The era of digital transformation has completely changed the way we work, with remote work and cloud-based applications becoming the new normal. No longer are users and applications confined to physical data centers in office spaces. This traditional setup has given way to a new landscape of hybrid workforces, home offices, and geographically-dispersed headquarters. While these changes have improved digital flexibility, they have also brought new and obvious challenges to network security.

To address this challenge, a modern solution called Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) integrates networking and security in the cloud to provide comprehensive and flexible protection for both users and data. In this article, we explore the benefits of SASE and how it can set IT leaders up for future-ready business operations.

A Modern Approach To Secure Cloud-Based Networking

In today’s landscape, data and applications are spread out across data centers and the cloud, making it crucial to ensure user security. SASE is a perfect solution that has the potential to transform how organizations protect their network infrastructure. It provides seamless, secure access to applications and data from anywhere without compromising on security or performance.

SASE ensures businesses securely connects users – regardless of their location – to critical applications and data. This cloud-based networking approach provides granular visibility of user access patterns and detects anomalies before malicious actors gain access. Moreover, SASE architecture offers scalability, relieving IT teams from managing multiple legacy systems and navigating outdated hardware concerns.

Why Your Organization Needs SASE

Fundamentally, SASE converges SD-WAN, cloud-based security, analytics, and insights into a single, cloud-based solution, delivered as a service, to provide optimal, secure connectivity from every user and device to every cloud. Traditional solutions are typically limited to individual devices or networks. With SASE, businesses unify devices, locations, users, and endpoints within one single platform. This reduces complexity, strengthens scalability, and cuts down on costs associated with maintaining multiple solutions.

Here are some of the benefits SASE can offer your enterprise:

  1. Enhanced visibility into user behavior patterns: Implementing SASE enhances visibility by monitoring and analyzing user behavior within your systems, applications, and data. These details inform decisions to optimize processes and tailor services to each user.
  2. Robust protection against cyber threats: SASE’s advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms quickly monitor network traffic, data transmissions, and user activities in real time. It also detects potential incidents like malware infections, data breaches, or unauthorized access attempts and automatically takes corrective actions, such as isolating compromised devices or blocking suspicious activities. This approach ensures the security and integrity of your business operations.
  3. Improved scalability and organizational efficiency: SASE consolidates authentication, authorization, and encryption functions into a unified platform, thereby simplifying deployment and management and increasing productivity. Additionally, SASE’s cloud-native architecture enables organizations to seamlessly scale, adapt to changing workloads, accommodate growing user traffic, and expand operations without sacrificing performance or security.
  4. Protection from unauthenticated users: SASE enhances the overall data security posture of your business by combining multiple authentication methods (such as multi-factor authentication and biometrics) to verify user identities, thereby preventing unauthorized access, data breaches, and insider threats.
  5. Mitigated external threats during a malicious event: With its ML capabilities, SASE enhances the overall protection of your business operations by employing secure access controls, network segmentation, micro-segmentation, and traffic inspection techniques. These features enable organizations to:
      • Detect and block suspicious activities.
      • Isolate all compromised devices.
      • Prevent lateral movement within the network.
      • Safeguard your business from external threats.

Cisco’s Approach to Secure Hybrid Workforce

, , effectively addresses challenges by enabling secure connections among employees. Secure Connect integrates networking, security, and trusted connectivity within a cloud-managed platform to enhance operations and visibility without the upfront investment. This enables organizations to swiftly deploy the service and reap the benefits of SASE.

Final Thoughts

Workforces are leaning more and more hybrid. Organizations must prioritize the security of their users and data as the modern workforce becomes increasingly dispersed. Embracing SASE allows everyone to future-proof their networks and create an ideal, agile hybrid workforce.

To learn more about how SASE and Cisco+ Secure Connect can benefit your organization, reach out to one of our SASE specialists today.

Next Steps: Discover more about how your business can implement a meaningful SASE strategy by downloading our tech brief, .

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Why It Is Time To Transition To The Secure Access Service Edge /blog/why-it-is-time-to-transition-to-the-secure-access-service-edge/ /blog/why-it-is-time-to-transition-to-the-secure-access-service-edge/#respond Tue, 04 Jul 2023 12:45:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/why-it-is-time-to-transition-to-the-secure-access-service-edge/ The fields of science and IT are constantly evolving. Just when we get comfortable, things change, forcing us to create new theories that drive new ways of doing things. For...

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Thanks to its scalable architecture and policy-based management, Secure Access Secure Edge (SASE) ensures optimal performance, reliability, and secure workloads for distributed workforces.

The fields of science and IT are constantly evolving. Just when we get comfortable, things change, forcing us to create new theories that drive new ways of doing things. For example, before the germ theory of disease was developed in the late 19th century, doctors thought disease was spread by miasma or “bad air.” Sounds ludicrous, but this was a reality at one time.

There are IT practices and methodologies that appear just as outlandish today. For instance, remember the practice of backhauling all internet traffic to the corporate data center via expensive MPLS lines and VPNs? With the advent of cloud services, routing traffic to the corporate network seemed as absurd as the idea of a flat earth.

Direct Internet Access

To reduce latency, workload congestion, and cost, enterprises are now implementing Direct Internet Access (DIA). DIA allows branch offices to connect directly to the internet, rather than rely on round-about routing to a centralized data center. DIA provides users low-latency access to their cloud services in a highly efficient matter. It seems so sensible; it makes you wonder why we didn’t always provide direct internet access to users.

Zero-Trust Security

In the past, it was common practice to allow friends and family to greet travelers at the airport gate. However, the early 2000s brought a realization: only those with a boarding pass and proper ID could be trusted beyond the security checkpoint.

Similarly, in the IT landscape, we used to extend trust to anonymous users and devices on our networks. But in today’s world of increased threats, costly data breaches, and malware outbreaks, that trust can no longer be taken for granted. Now, we understand the necessity of constantly verifying the identity and purpose of users and network-connected devices. Trust is no longer an option; verification is a must.

What Is Secure Access Secure Edge?

DIA and Zero-trust network access are just two components of a new cybersecurity framework called SASE that integrates wide area networking capabilities with network security services, combining them into a single cloud-based service.

The term was coined by Gartner in 2019 and represents a shift in how organizations are approaching network security in a cloud-centric world with highly distributed workforces. SASE incorporates multiple as-a-service capabilities to service branch offices and remote workers, ensuring a secure optimized digital experience.

Additionally, SASE offers the following capabilities:

  • Software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN)
  • Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)
  • Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
  • Cloud access secure broker (CASB)
  • Zero trust network access (ZTNA)
  • Data loss prevention (DLP)

SASE is typically delivered as a comprehensive cloud service built on a global, cloud-native architecture that ensures scalability and performance. With its integrated SD-WAN capabilities, network security functions, and policy-based management, SASE ensures optimal performance, reliability, and secure workloads for users connecting to applications and services. SASE provides end-to-end traffic modeling for optimal routing regardless of a user’s location in a world driven by soaring internet workloads and new traffic patterns that create bottlenecks in legacy network topologies.

The Answer To A Complex World

SASE was derived from the need to reduce the complexity of hybrid systems. That includes hybrid network architectures, hybrid clouds, and hybrid work models. SASE offers IT teams a simpler approach to securing expanding attack surfaces and managing an endless array of network-connected devices. It helps eliminate the silos that security teams once operated within, silos that created security gaps that threat actors can exploit.

Here are a few of the ways SASE is helping enterprises navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape:

  • AI Optimization: This innovative technology automates manual tasks and eliminates human configuration errors as well as accelerates troubleshooting and remediation efforts.
  • Up-to-date Technology: This solution came from the realization that networks are now comprised of multi-gigabyte port options and 5G cellular links.
  • Enhanced Cybersecurity: It is also a much-needed way to mitigate the cyber risks posed by expanding attack surfaces in a time of tightening compliance regulatory standards.

Ultimately, SASE is the answer to a growing number of emerging challenges.

Benefits Of SASE

Benefits such as reduced complexity are noble justifications for SASE adaption, but business decisions are driven by numbers. Companies that have integrated experienced the following:

  • A 73% improvement in latency and traffic consistency for their users.
  • 85% of enterprises cut their malware infections by half.
  • 75% of organizations were able to give their IT teams the ability to focus on cost savings.

It is no wonder Gartner expects to adopt a SASE architecture by 2025 and why 98% of CISOs plan to spend money on SASE and prioritize 25-75% of their IT security budget on SASE in the future.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are navigating the challenges of a hybrid workplace, multi-cloud architectures, limited network visibility, internet latency, or an ever-expanding attack surface, Cisco can provide the right SASE solution to help you adapt to the new world that your business must operate and thrive in today. Talk to one of our WEI SASE specialists to learn how SASE can benefit your organization.

Next Steps: Discover more about how your business can implement a meaningful SASE strategy by downloading our tech brief, .

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Master Hybrid Workplace Security: 4 Effective Components To Consider /blog/master-hybrid-workplace-security-4-effective-components-to-consider/ /blog/master-hybrid-workplace-security-4-effective-components-to-consider/#respond Tue, 06 Jun 2023 12:45:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/master-hybrid-workplace-security-4-effective-components-to-consider/ The workplace environment continues its rapid evolution, as many businesses have begun mandating a partial return to the office, thus elevating the hybrid approach as the primary workplace model. However,...

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In the era of the hybrid workplace, businesses must prioritize ongoing optimization of their network services. The 8.6.2 update to Infoblox’s flagship and market-leading Network Identity Operating System (NIOS) offers a comprehensive multi-cloud integration solution tailored for organizations embracing this new work model.

The workplace environment continues its rapid evolution, as many businesses have begun mandating a partial return to the office, thus elevating the as the primary workplace model. However, establishing secure and robust networks that connect dispersed workforces is still proving to be a significant challenge with many enterprises not realizing loads of unlocked potential in both security and performance.

IT teams responsible for modernizing networks for a hybrid workplace face the challenge of ensuring network security and reliability to protect company data from unauthorized access and exploitation. To achieve this, businesses must adopt seamless multi-cloud integration and establish secure networks that allow employees to access sensitive information safely, regardless of their location or devices.

Businesses working towards an optimal hybrid infrastructure must prioritize agility, data integrity, and security. In collaboration with Infoblox, WEI has identified four requirements that any organization can use to create a modern and secure hybrid environment.

Multi Cloud-Native Integration

and platforms provide businesses with the tools to optimize their distributed systems, which lead to improvements in operational efficiency. Automated workflows and AI-powered tools are key components of cloud-native integration. Additionally, this technology offers container orchestration and serverless architectures, which enable automation and intelligent algorithms to monitor applications in real time. This allows for the rapid identification and resolution of any network security issues.

Not only does a multi-cloud-native approach offer a range of benefits, but it also simplifies resource utilization by eliminating manual maintenance and updates. This results in a more secure infrastructure throughout distributed systems, which in turn yields tangible operational enhancements and significantly improved performance.


A Powerful DDI Platform

DDI (DNS, DHCP, and IPAM) offers an efficient solution for simplifying management across various locations such as data centers, branch offices, and home offices through multi-cloud integration. This integration helps businesses reduce costs by offering the following benefits:

  • A Unified View Of Network Infrastructure – This approach eases the burden of network management and facilitates proactive monitoring to ensure early detection of potential issues or security threats.
  • Automation Of Key Processes – These processes include operations like device configuration and service provisioning. This ensures system integrity and delivers secure access control, increases efficiency, and mitigates costs related to tedious manual tasks.

Adopting a robust DDI does more than improve the user experience. It also serves as the foundation for new networking and security paradigms, such as SD-WAN, ZTNA, and IoT device visibility and security. In hybrid workplace environments, DDI plays a crucial role in establishing network security to safeguard access to sensitive data – making it an indispensable tool for businesses seeking to establish a secure and reliable hybrid network infrastructure.

SaaS-Based DNS-Layer Security

SaaS-based offers an effective and cost-efficient solution for protecting networks from unauthorized access and misuse. It seamlessly integrates into existing systems, eliminating the need for additional hardware investments. This solution prioritizes scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to pay for what they need, when they need it.

With its cloud-native architecture and third-party management features, SaaS-based DNS-layer security is a highly efficient option offering minimal maintenance. Through easy integration, encryption, and data confidentiality, businesses and remote workers are guaranteed of network safety which allows them to stay productive.

On-Premise DNS

Effective DNS security is critical for safeguarding networks in a hybrid workplace. By incorporating DNS filtering and malware detection, companies identify and prevent malicious traffic, reducing the risk of security incidents that could impact productivity and customers.

This security solution provides network analysis across multiple servers, enabling swift issue remediation. On-premises DNS security seamlessly integrates with existing tools like firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, providing real-time monitoring through advanced analytics and machine learning. This ensures the safety of data and enables effective mitigation of cyber threats as they happen in real time.

Final Thoughts: The Future Of The Hybrid Workplace

The is here to stay, and it is important for businesses to continuously optimize their network services. Fortunately, WEI and its trusted partner, , offer a comprehensive solution for organizations embracing this set-up.

, in particular, provides a powerful solution for organizations looking for smooth multi-cloud integration and robust security controls, thus creating secure and flexible connections between local data centers and major cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. This makes it an ideal tool for organizations aiming to establish a solid foundation for their modernization efforts, ensuring network security and adaptability in the evolving hybrid workplace.

Contact us today and start your journey towards a modern, secure network for your organization – wherever your team may be.

Next steps: Legacy and multi-cloud complexities require DDI for reliable network infrastructure. Infoblox enables the importance of DNS, DHCP, and IPAM for network ops. Find out more in WEI’s free tech brief, .

 

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The Top 5 SD-WAN Trends And How They Benefit Your Business /blog/the-top-5-sd-wan-trends-and-how-they-benefit-your-business/ /blog/the-top-5-sd-wan-trends-and-how-they-benefit-your-business/#respond Tue, 07 Mar 2023 13:45:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/the-top-5-sd-wan-trends-and-how-they-benefit-your-business/ With the rise of hybrid workplaces, software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WANs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their scalability, cost-efficiency, and improved user experiences. Organizations must be prepared by taking advantage...

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SD-WAN is quickly becoming the go-to solution for businesses of all sizes. Discover five SD-WAN trends you need to be aware of and how they'll benefit your business.

With the rise of hybrid workplaces, software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WANs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their scalability, cost-efficiency, and improved user experiences. Organizations must be prepared by taking advantage of centralized SD-WAN platforms to remain resilient during times of crisis. In an earlier article, we covered the reasons why your enterprise needs a centralized SD-WAN platform. This article examines five key SD-WAN trends that organizations need to incorporate into their SD-WAN strategy to rebound from current challenges and thrive in the future.

  1. Cloud Adoption And Modernization

In the face of digital transformation and a worldwide pandemic, businesses are increasingly reliant on cloud computing. This shift away from data centers has led organizations to require reliable wide area network connections for secure traffic routing directly to the cloud. This is where SD-WAN solutions come in.

SD-WAN technology is revolutionizing the way IT departments operate, enabling them to modernize their networks and keep pace with digital transformation. With SD-WAN connections, businesses can leverage more cost-effective internet or 5G/LTE options while still delivering a superior user experience compared to traditional WAN models that rely on backhauling.

SD-WAN is also altering the way businesses route their traffic, allowing for improved flexibility and optimization. Through intelligent steering of resources and SaaS techniques enabled by machine learning algorithms, organizations can take advantage of a network-as-a-service model to gain maximum benefit from SD-WAN solutions.

  1. VPN Alternative

As more and more employees work remotely, traditional VPNs are falling out of favor in the corporate world. SD-WAN solutions have emerged as a viable alternative that provides an enhanced level of security for remote users trying to access enterprise networks. With these advancements, businesses can provide their staff with secure connections to vital resources no matter where they choose to work from.

However, VPNs aren’t completely a thing of the past. These days, enterprises are adopting a multifaceted approach to their networks, combining SDN, zero-trust security models, cutting-edge SD-WAN technology, and even classic VPNs. By harnessing these tools together, companies ensure secure connections for both employees working remotely and workers onsite.

  1. Significant Cybersecurity Increase

In the past few years, cyberattacks have become a rapidly growing epidemic with devastating consequences. Last year alone saw an alarming spike in malicious online activity compared to the previous one – leaving businesses and individuals vulnerable to hackers exploiting insecure networks and inadequate security compliance measures.

In today’s digital landscape, the combination of SD-WAN and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) capabilities has become increasingly important for organizations looking to protect their data from cyberattacks. Advanced SD-WAN solutions can natively integrate with cloud security services such as SWG (Secure Web Gateway), CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker), and ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access). This enables businesses to create a secure fortress against malicious threats while simultaneously leveraging the advantages of cloud applications.

  1. Hybrid Work Is Here To Stay

As the workplace continues to shift toward a hybrid environment, companies must adapt their security strategies accordingly. Centralized IT networks are becoming increasingly unsustainable, and organizations have come to recognize that they need distributed solutions for safeguarding remote connections in this new reality of hyper-distributed edges.

SD-WAN solutions, like HPE Aruba Networking’s SD-WAN platform, are enabling organizations to create a cybersecurity mesh strategy and secure every access point or device, regardless of its location. This distributed approach gives enterprises more control over cyber risks by protecting individual points instead of relying on an expansive perimeter with undefined boundaries. With SD-WAN capabilities in place, businesses can be sure that their data is safe no matter where it travels.

  1. A Rise In IoT Devices

SD-WANs are essential for modern enterprise networking, connecting a growing number of devices ranging from surveillance cameras to POS terminals. These IoT solutions present unique security threats due to their simple architecture and lack of security agents. The manufacturing industry faces even greater challenges as IT and OT networks converge – something that had been avoided in the past. SD-WAN solutions offer an effective way to manage these risks while still providing reliable access across multiple locations with zero-trust architecture and dynamic segmentation. This ensures that all users, devices, and connections are secure from cyberattacks by preventing malicious code from infiltrating the enterprise network.

Conclusion

Enterprises wanting to stay ahead of the curve will have to look no further than HPE Aruba Networking’s SD-WAN solutions. With modern, secure edge-to-cloud architecture and flexible platforms tailored specifically for your use case, these innovative SD-WAN trends will help you create a foundation that’s ready to take on any challenge. Get in touch with WEI today to learn more about HPE Aruba Networking’s SD-WAN solutions and how they will empower your enterprise.

Next Steps: SD-WAN with EdgeConnect Enterprise creates more effective networking solutions that help accelerate the growth of any organization. This free tech brief identifies the three main components of HPE Aruba Networking’s powerful EdgeConnect Enterprise platform:

  • Physical or Virtual SD-WAN Appliance
  • HPE Aruba Networking Orchestrator
  • HPE Aruba Networking Boost

 

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Enhance Hybrid Workplace Security: Invest In A SASE Solution /blog/enhance-hybrid-workplace-security-invest-in-a-sase-solution/ /blog/enhance-hybrid-workplace-security-invest-in-a-sase-solution/#respond Tue, 21 Feb 2023 13:45:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/enhance-hybrid-workplace-security-invest-in-a-sase-solution/ As businesses move to digital transformation, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) has emerged as a prevailing approach to securing vast networks and diverse endpoints. However, the right implementation of SASE...

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Enterprises need to secure their networks with a SASE solution as hybrid work arrangements grow. Here's how it can improve your hybrid work security efforts.

As businesses move to digital transformation, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) has emerged as a prevailing approach to securing vast networks and diverse endpoints. However, the right implementation of SASE will depend on an organization’s level of maturity and how they decide to construct their own unique architecture. To reduce complexity while enhancing speed and agility across multiple cloud systems, organizations must consider implementing a powerful SASE solution.

The Importance Of SASE

is a network architecture combined with a cloud-native solution that provides secure and seamless access to applications from any location, network, or device. It extends the concept of zero trust security by pushing policies closer to users and data sources, eliminating backhauling processes for maximum efficiency in user experience.

As an alternative to traditional security approaches, SASE offers end-to-end security across multiple locations, including remote offices, roaming users, and more, making it ideal for businesses relying on hybrid cloud solutions or increased numbers of remote workers.

SASE also helps IT teams meet the challenges of hybrid work security. As the world moves from a traditional data center-based application model to an internet-enabled cloud environment, IT teams face huge challenges in providing secure access for users and applications. To meet these demands, organizations have turned toward SASE, combining SD-WAN with advanced security solutions such as Security Service Edge (SSE) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). This offers greater protection against exposure or malicious attacks while presenting a seamless user experience across all platforms.

Key Factors To A SASE Solution

A SASE solution is an ever-evolving journey tailored to each organization’s unique IT and business needs. To ensure users are connected securely across all devices, some key factors must be part of the overall experience.

Integration

Today’s businesses rely on multiple network ecosystems and security solutions to function successfully. SASE allows for the integration of these systems, providing visibility, control over policy decisions, and protection across all networks.

No matter the configuration, whether it is a custom-built, multi-vendor bundle or a fully managed service from a single source, SASE solutions provide an improved connection between these integral components:

  • SD-WAN and cloud security – Combining SD-WAN and cloud security creates a powerful SASE solution that ensures secure connections between users, applications, and points of presence (PoPs). Through predictive analytics, IT teams automate traffic routing to maintain optimal performance in the event of any disruptions. This integration helps organizations remain protected regardless of where their data is located.
  • NetOps and SecOps teams – Integrating NetOps and SecOps teams via a SASE solution ensures unified visibility into policy, events, VPNs, and security group tags. This integration allows for seamless data exchange between SD-WAN and cloud security platforms to provide comprehensive protection of users and applications regardless of their location.
  • End users and applications – IT teams gain deeper insight into user experience and security, enabling them to anticipate potential issues before they arise. With full visibility of SASE components like SD-WAN and cloud security PoPs, predictive analytics allow organizations to take proactive measures for an optimal outcome ensuring fast remediation if a problem occurs.

Cisco’s 2022 Global Networking Trends states, “By 2025, at least 60% of enterprises will have explicit strategies and timelines for SASE adoption encompassing user, branch, and edge access, up from 10% in 2020.” By adopting an incremental strategy toward the completion of a full-fledged SASE architecture, organizations ensure that all elements are implemented in harmony while creating long-term benefits for businesses.

SASE Consumption Models

SASE solutions and services offer three distinct consumption models, each of which can break down traditional networking and security silos to improve operational alignment.

  1. As-A-Service

The as-a-service SASE solution offers fast deployment, minimal disruption to your staff and operations, plus reduced risk with SLAs, all managed through one easy dashboard. This helps businesses get the full protection they need without any hassle.

  1. Hybrid Or Co-Managed

Organizations that want the security benefits of cloud technology, but desire more customization and visibility than what as-a-service models normally provide, have the option to take a hybrid approach. This allows IT teams to maintain control while taking advantage of managed service providers who will share responsibility over network and security management. This reduces their workload in terms of lifecycle demands.

  1. Highly Customized Or DIY

Organizations seeking complete control over their network and security can build, integrate, and manage SASE capabilities on their own. This is an ideal choice for organizations that have highly specialized needs or existing networks and staff capable of meeting the technical requirements posed by SASE solutions.

Cisco SASE Solutions

Cisco, with its wide range of partners, offers the most comprehensive and reliable SASE solution available. With Cisco, you can customize your solution from a variety of deployment models that range from powerful networking solutions to advanced security capabilities and internet observability features.

Additionally, Gartner has recognized Cisco as a leader in the and the . Cisco’s solutions are designed to meet diverse use cases across all sizes of organizations, so IT leaders can trust that their decision today will have positive long-term effects on user experience, hybrid work security, and agility.

Cisco is pushing the boundaries of SASE technology with relentless innovation, delivering flexible and user-friendly services that are always up to date. With continuous integrations and feature enhancements, customers will expect a seamless experience tailored to their needs. If you would like to learn more about Cisco’s SASE solutions, contact WEI today.

Next Steps: Discover more about how your business can implement a meaningful SASE strategy by downloading our tech brief, .

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Top Five Strategies To Build A Flexible Wireless Architecture /blog/top-five-strategies-to-build-a-flexible-wireless-architecture/ /blog/top-five-strategies-to-build-a-flexible-wireless-architecture/#respond Tue, 16 Aug 2022 13:24:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/top-five-strategies-to-build-a-flexible-wireless-architecture/ Hybrid work is quickly becoming the predominant model for many organizations. Its popularity stems from the fact people can work from home, the office, or anywhere else. Approximately 59% of...

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Is your wireless network prepared for hybrid work? Learn how building a flexible wireless architecture can boost efficiency and optimization in this article.

Hybrid work is quickly becoming the predominant model for many organizations. Its popularity stems from the fact people can work from home, the office, or anywhere else. Approximately of employees in the U.S. prefer a hybrid work environment compared to fully remote or fully on-site. This creates the essential need for office networks to accommodate increased bandwidth and other adaptations. In this article, we cover the importance of a flexible wireless architecture and five strategies to help enterprises meet their needs with hybrid workforce solutions.

Why A Flexible Wireless Architecture Is Important

Flexibility is a relative term when it comes to wireless architecture. Having easy and efficient scalability is necessary to deal with unexpected increases in network traffic along with demands for new services. A flexible wireless architecture is also vital for Wi-Fi security. Your network should be able to support newer technologies like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, along with security frameworks such as zero trust, SASE, and network segmentation.

Flexible wireless networks can help organizations meet unexpected performance demands. As employees work online and switch from their laptops to their tablets or mobile devices, a flexible wireless architecture helps with the transportation of media from both on-premises and cloud environments. Here are five strategies that can help companies achieve these benefits and adapt their Wi-Fi networks to handle the constant change in hybrid work technologies.

  1. Ensure a consistent and secure experience for a hybrid workforce.

Hybrid workers need consistent network performance and user experience to be able to work efficiently from any location. Wireless network security is also an extremely important aspect of hybrid workforce solutions. It should not only match the measures of protection that employees would have in the office, but your system should be able to secure personal data and cloud services across remote Wi-Fi networks.

Luckily, there are improved remote work solutions specifically designed to enhance user experience for a hybrid workforce. According to , “The ESG study found that 44% of enterprises have worked to deliver corporate Wi-Fi to home offices as a direct result of the pandemic.”

  1. Adopt unified cloud-based management solutions.

Over 90% of enterprises have adopted at least one cloud-based application to deliver business services. Naturally, cloud-based network management solutions are the ideal architecture for almost any company. A flexible wireless architecture engineered for cloud-based network management has many benefits including:

  • Efficiency in operations.
  • Allowing remote IT staff to access a centralized cloud management portal.
  • End-to-end management of multiple locations such as the office, home, and branch locations.
  • Consolidating and anonymizing data sources to increase the speed of AI and machine learning integration.
  1. Refresh, upgrade, or modernize campus Wi-Fi networks to address accumulated technical debt.

The pandemic brought a new surge in demand for Wi-Fi networks. It became necessary to innovate hybrid workforce solutions, such as making sure networks can accommodate heavy video and voice traffic without affecting network performance, scalability, security, and manageability.

It is recommended organizations upgrade their infrastructure to Wi-Fi 6 and 6E. This upgrade can deliver greater bandwidth that can help your network support IoT and edge computing solutions.

  1. Implement a smart recommendations engine.

Distributed environments have made the job of manually resolving network issues exceedingly complex. Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning with hybrid workforce solutions is necessary for optimized network performance and quicker problem resolutions, especially in an always-on environment.

  1. Extend security models from campus to remote work.

When organizations have such a highly distributed environment, a larger attack surface is created. Having consistent and tightly incorporated security across all Wi-Fi environments, including on campus or in the homes of employees, should be a top priority for enterprises with a hybrid workforce. Instead of hiring new security professionals, organizations should deploy integrated capabilities to their Wi-Fi networks to support zero trust and SASE environments.

Hybrid Workforce Solutions

Many hybrid workforce solutions can truly enhance a flexible wireless architecture such as HPE . This innovative cloud-native architecture provides automated network management, edge-to-cloud security, and AI-powered insights necessary for hybrid workspaces.

To cope with the massive amounts of data businesses acquire, it’s clear that today’s network architecture needs to be flexible to accommodate AI-powered and predictive tools. HPE Aruba Networking’s ESP is highly scalable and can help accomplish those needs as well as improve business agility and optimization. This platform can identify and fix problems at the network edge before they impact devices or applications. It is also an ideal solution for those working from multiple locations. With ESP, IT teams can see what is connected to the network no matter where they are working, ultimately giving enterprises the ability to do cloud-managed networking at a large scale.

Hybrid work will continue to evolve, and hybrid workforce solutions like HPE Aruba Networking’s ESP can provide more flexibility and freedom for people to work more efficiently from anywhere. To learn more about ESP and what a flexible wireless architecture can do for your organization, contact WEI today.

Next Steps: See why enterprises are catching on to the latest “as-a-Service” trend in our fresh whitepaper titled,

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Your Roadmap to Enhanced Remote Workforce Solutions /blog/your-roadmap-to-enhanced-remote-workforce-solutions/ /blog/your-roadmap-to-enhanced-remote-workforce-solutions/#respond Tue, 12 Jul 2022 12:40:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/your-roadmap-to-enhanced-remote-workforce-solutions/ The number of remote workers rose dramatically during the pandemic and has steadily increased since. In fact, 57% of organizations report more than half of their workforce works remotely at...

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The number of remote workers continues to rise, which can lead to an increase in network security issues fo

The number of remote workers rose dramatically during the pandemic and has steadily increased since. In fact, report more than half of their workforce works remotely at least two days a week. This changes the way enterprises utilize their networks to best support users and devices connected from remote locations. Networks play a critical role in helping companies communicate and connect. This is why IT teams are changing the way they think about networking to help embrace the constant changes in security and performance. IT departments can ensure employee experience is simple and consistent with advanced remote workforce solutions.

The Challenges Of Remote Work

A majority of companies had to make an unplanned and quick transition to allow their workforce to operate from home. Only miniscule of employees worked from home before the pandemic and almost three-quarters never worked remotely. Now that remote workers have increased unexpectedly, many organizations are experiencing a rise in cyberattacks due to a dispersed workforce that creates system and network vulnerabilities. In turn, this shift has created network architecture and support for IT teams.

Organizations are also at an increased risk because workers require secure access to data from anywhere using cloud applications. Employee productivity also depends on the ability to stay secure, the quality of network speed, and the reliability of their network connections. This is why new remote workforce solutions, such as EdgeConnect Microbranchfrom HPE Aruba Networking, are evolving to combine enterprise-grade wireless solutions with SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network). SD-WAN improves the performance and user experience in branches and on campuses and now it can do the same for the remote workforce.

SD-WAN Solutions For Home Workers

To address the challenges enterprises face while they implement and expand remote work, HPE Aruba Networking has introduced EdgeConnect Microbranch. It has been designed to simplify the complexity of remote work networking for businesses. This solution has also enhanced security and unified management to meet the critical needs of any business.

HPE Aruba Networkingexplains, “IT can remotely deploy and centrally manage secure network connectivity for hundreds or even thousands of remote workers or small office employees to deliver an in-office experience using HPE Aruba Networking Central and any HPE Aruba Networking access point – without need for a gateway.” This advanced remote network solution has added SD-WAN capabilities that help deliver better-performing connectivity from the edge to the data center to the cloud. EdgeConnect Microbranch has been offered as part of HPE Aruba Networking’s new bundle called Edge Services Platform (ESP), which helps provide a remote office experience through remote access points (RAPs).

These SD-WAN capabilities include policy-based routing, tunnel and route orchestration, SASE (secure access service edge) integration, and enhanced WAN visibility. These added functions are designed to allow companies to mimic and offer an extensive range of in-office and campus connectivity services to remote workers with no gateway or new hardware required. This facilitates the objective of increasing productivity and security.

The Benefits Of EdgeConnect Microbranch

HPE Aruba Networking’s Edgeconnect Microbranch improves remote workforce solutions with its new SD-WAN features. Here are some noteworthy benefits:

  • Cloud-managed Wi-Fi: Any HPE Aruba Networking Access Point (AP) can be used to provide dependable, high-performing connectivity to offer the same experience and security whether employees are at home or in the office.
  • Intelligence policy-based routing: This automates how traffic should be routed to endpoints based on rules for specific applications to enhance performance and security.
  • Automated route and tunnel orchestration: APs can organize VPN tunnels on demand and reroute traffic as needed.
  • SASE and Zero Trust: This applies policy-based routing to orchestrate tunnels and direct certain remote user traffic for cloud security inspection to extend SASE and Zero Trust architecture to home offices.
  • WAN health troubleshooting: Dashboard views provide near real-time updates on WAN availability and utilization that can help accelerate problem resolution.
  • Access to in-office resources: Workers can plug VoIP phones or wired printers directly into the AP to have secure access to on-campus resources using corporate SSIDs.

Conclusion

Overall, new remote workforce solutions such as EdgeConnect Microbranch can better support remote work. These solutions also help IT ensure secure and reliable access for remote workforces by extending WAN and providing employees with an efficient in-office experience.

IT teams can also manage environments with more ease with cloud-based network management and Zero Touch Provisioning. This helps IT monitor remote locations and troubleshoot issues in real-time while overseeing network utilization, latency, and other connectivity issues.

If you are one of many businesses that have adopted remote or hybrid work, contact WEI today to learn more about remote workforce solutions to enhance home office environments.

NEXT STEPS: SD-WAN is ideal for campus-based networks or distributed enterprises, or any enterprise with remote/branch offices. Explore the top three benefits of SD-WAN in our short video below.

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Hybrid Work Solutions: Are You Delivering? /blog/hybrid-work-solutions-are-you-delivering/ /blog/hybrid-work-solutions-are-you-delivering/#respond Thu, 07 Jul 2022 12:45:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/hybrid-work-solutions-are-you-delivering/ Hybrid work solutions. That’s a term that can make network administrators a little queasy if their hybrid workforce is consistently submitting IT support tickets for one common issue or another....

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Optimize Your Hybrid Work Environment

Hybrid work solutions. That’s a term that can make network administrators a little queasy if their hybrid workforce is consistently submitting IT support tickets for one common issue or another. Granted, the term “hybrid work solutions” was never really tossed around IT departments until just a few years ago. Now, it is the new standard for both your established workforce and those applying to vacant positions.

In the post-pandemic modern world, enterprises have experienced a rise in hybrid workers as the number of individuals working exclusively at home have continued to decrease. At a high level, the hybrid model serves as a happy medium for in-office and at-home preferences. to get work done from multiple locations, so creating a productive experience for them no matter where they are is your IT team’s ongoing priority.

Flexibility is the name of the game. According to a , 52% of employees want their employers to adopt hybrid work solutions. Employees recognize that there are times when working on-prem makes total sense as it fosters teamwork and collaboration, but they still want to retain the ability to work remotely for those times when location is an irrelevant factor. Because flexibility is so highly valued by professionals today, companies can use hybrid work models to attract and retain talent. It is also a way to lower costs while sustaining organizational productivity at the same time.

This is all great in theory, but what happens when the rubber meets the road? Are you, as an IT leader, ensuring your team delivers on a hybrid solution that satisfies all enterprise end users?

Dell Has Your Required Hybrid Work Solutions

Dell refers to today’s agile workforce as the Do-Anything-From-Anywhere World. To pull that off, businesses must ensure that their hybrid workers have the right tools for the job. That’s why Dell has placed such an incredible emphasis on ensuring they have the right portfolio of intelligent computing devices, accessories, software, and services that not only foster agility, but also facilitates greater productivity and security. That starts with offering persona-based PCs to satisfy the different needs of multiple employee roles.

Persona-Based Solutions

Workers need a complete endpoint solution to ensure they can work both autonomously and collaboratively. To do this, Dell is empowering their PCs with the power of AI. Dell Optimizer is an integrated AI software suite that provides intelligent privacy features to conceal sensitive information within unsecure environments. It features the world’s first simultaneous multi-network connection that allows users to connect to two wired or wireless networks at once for faster data transfers and downloads. Dell Optimizer can even analyze a worker’s immediate surroundings and utilize neural-noise cancellation technology to ensure that remote communicative sessions are audibly clear and pristine.

Flexibility at the Enterprise Level

Enterprise leaders must always remind themselves that flexibility isn’t just a demand from clients. Forward-minded companies must also be agile enough to quickly adapt to the fast-changing dynamic business environments of today. That’s a fancy way of saying you must support your workforce, too. Are you certain you have the right technology infrastructure in place for the coming years? Do you know how much storage capacity and processing power you will need in 2023 or 2024? Think about how useless the forecasts you made in 2019 for the coming year were because of the pandemic and supply chain challenges. The old way of capitalizing large infrastructure deployments is simply outdated.

Companies can no longer continue the expensive practice of overprovisioning and investing in long-term fixed assets – this is far too risky. Companies need adaptive technology solutions that provides flexibility in resource allotment and finance allocation. That’s why Dell Apex Flex on Demand is the right solution at the right time.

What is APEX Flex on Demand?

gives you the ability to not only acquire the right technology you need but to also scale the right amount, so you only pay for what you use. We aren’t talking about a cloud-first solution, but you are financing in a similar fashion to the cloud. Remember, we’re still talking about allocating storage, server, hyper converged infrastructure, and data protection services on-prem. Apex Flex on Demand threads the needle to meet the balance of cost and flexibility in a way that was unimaginable just a few years ago.

What you’re paying for isn’t hardware or software. You pay for actual capacity usage. Whether it’s a server or a storage repository, utilization is comprised of two components: Committed capacity and buffer capacity. Our team will help you establish what your fixed committed capacity should be and how much buffered capacity will be required in the future. You aren’t billed for that buffer by default, but if the need arises for it, you instantly have access to it. Because buffered capacity is billed at a higher rate, you can modify the capacity ratio to adjust to workloads that have increased beyond the initial committed capacity to reduce costs.

Deployment and Payment Made Simple

Dell delivers and deploys your desired technology on-prem according to best practice and configured with your predicted capacity ratio. Raw and usable capacity data is measured throughout each day to create a daily and monthly average using locally installed software. This usage data is then securely uploaded to the Dell Financial Services Database where it is validated, verified, and processed by a billing specialist. Reports are then made available to the customer for validation prior to payment. Some of the benefits that customers have realized include the following:

  • A 25% lower storage acquisition cost
  • Deploying new storage capacity proved 92% faster
  • Costs due to unplanned outages fell by 64%

If these positives are not enough, please consider this: While there are similar solutions abound, Dell is the only solution provider that caps monthly at 85% usage of total installed capacity.

Conclusion

You can refer to it by a variety of “as-a-Service” connotations. The best way to sum up Dell’s Flex on Demand offering may be Innovation-as-a-Service. It’s just another example of how Dell is providing the right hybrid work solutions that companies need for both now and in the future. It’s time for you to ensure that your business objectives are satisfied in a totally dynamic world.

Next Steps: that explains how Dell Technologies has elevated the hybrid work experience for both end users and IT administrators. We focus on the perspectives of privacy, connectivity, and collaboration.

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What’s Next for Digital Transformation? Enterprise IT Leaders Share Their Technology Investment Plans /blog/whats-next-for-digital-transformation-enterprise-it-leaders-share-their-technology-investment-plans/ /blog/whats-next-for-digital-transformation-enterprise-it-leaders-share-their-technology-investment-plans/#respond Thu, 07 Apr 2022 13:25:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/whataes-next-for-digital-transformation-enterprise-it-leaders-share-their-technology-investment-plans/ In 2018, our IT trends survey found slightly over half (53%) of companies had taken some type of action to support digital transformation (e.g., process, operational and/or technology changes). In...

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What’s Next for Digital Transformation?

In 2018, our IT trends survey found slightly over half (53%) of companies had taken some type of action to support digital transformation (e.g., process, operational and/or technology changes). In 2021, we found 70% of companies had embarked on a digital transformation journey.

Given the events of 2020, the jump comes as no surprise. Most businesses across all industries quickly responded to a need to support a remote workforce and make in-person interactions safer. This often meant implementing new technologies on the fly and adapting far faster than ever before. Now that the dust has settled somewhat, businesses are grappling with new challenges and the need to improve processes and architectures that were hastily thrown together.

Cyberattacks and Hybrid Work Models Driving Initiatives

In response to growing cyberthreats and a shift toward long-term hybrid work models, companies are scrambling to update outdated security architectures and put more measures in place to secure data and systems.

In our latest IT Leaders Digital Transformation survey, we found that infrastructure demands was the top driver for investing more in digital transformation, followed by security/compliance concerns. Some of these initiatives will include adapting to zero-trust networks, strengthening backup/disaster recovery settings, and embracing cloud technology. To learn more, .

Top Drivers of Digital TransformationSource: IT Leaders Digital Transformation Update, 2021

Digital Transformation is a Mandate, Not a Choice

While the number of companies engaged in digital transformation has noticeably grown since our 2018 survey, nearly a third indicate having no digital-driven activities. Additionally, 13% admit they have no formal digital transformation plans. While we see laggards in some industries, particularly in B2B, those holdouts cannot hold out for long. Technology and business performance are now too tightly intertwined. To remain competitive and profitable in today’s digital world, companies can no longer think of digital transformation as a strategic “yes/no” decision.

Getting started can be daunting. You may focus on incremental changes that are more achievable, such as initiatives to gain internal efficiencies, improve the customer experience or to optimize your products and services. However, focusing on point problems does not achieve the bigger gains that come by embedding technology into every aspect of the business.

Among IT leaders already on their transformation journeys, our survey revealed they consider hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies most crucial to their digital technology strategy. Leaders were also asked how they will leverage these technologies and what challenges they expect. Details can be found in our

Companies Turn to IT Solutions Providers for Support

An issue that may hinder some organizations from greater technology adoption is a lack of skilled IT staff. Faced with a persistent shortage of IT talent, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity, automation and cloud computing, companies have found it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to acquire and retain highly skilled employees.

In response, many are supplementing their IT staff with full- and part-time contract employees. When asked how their IT initiatives over the next two years would be handled, leaders reported that nearly half (43%) of their IT workloads would be handled externally by a vendor or consultant. A majority (70%) also indicated that augmenting their staff with outside help was very important to their organizations.

While respondents sought to gain expertise in security, cloud and other emerging technologies by using an IT solutions provider, they also indicated a need for help with key challenges. Top on the list was IT cost management, up 11 points from 2018.

Next Steps: Access to skilled IT staff, assistance with digital strategies and technology assessments, and implementation support are just a few of the ways that providers like WEI help support IT cost management initiatives. Is IT cost management an area you need help with? Contact us today to start a discussion.

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Ensure Success Through Remote Work With EdgeConnect Microbranch /blog/ensure-success-through-remote-work-with-edgeconnect-microbranch/ /blog/ensure-success-through-remote-work-with-edgeconnect-microbranch/#respond Tue, 29 Mar 2022 12:45:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/ensure-success-through-remote-work-with-edgeconnect-microbranch/ When remote work became the norm due to COVID-19, companies rushed to give their employees access to the tools and software they would need in order to effectively perform their...

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Need help providing high-quality connectivity to employees working from home? Read this article to find out how EdgeConnect Microbranch can help.

When became the norm due to COVID-19, companies rushed to give their employees access to the tools and software they would need in order to effectively perform their jobs at home. Two years after this transition, organizations and their employees seem to be settling in. According to , “25% of all professional jobs in North America will be remote by the end of 2022.” Remote work, or at least a hybrid option, will most likely be permanent workforce models for many businesses, which obviously leads to new challenges for IT. In this article, we cover IT network challenges, what HPE Aruba Networking’s EdgeConnect Microbranch is, and how it can help your enterprise stay protected while working from home.

IT teams have been confronted with a host of pandemic-related challenges. With the lasting implementation of remote work, enterprise networking teams need to manage and support a great deal of dispersed home office locations for the foreseeable future.

One challenge for enterprise technology teams is dealing with IT issues out of the home office. These can be difficult to resolve since IT teams have no visibility beyond their own environment. This creates new and higher demands on IT for remote network security and performance.

Additionally, the dangers of cybersecurity are more evident than ever, making it particularly difficult for IT teams to keep up with effectively protecting their organization’s data. IT workers have held tremendous responsibility over the last few years to help their businesses prevent, detect, and recover from cybersecurity threats not seen even five years ago. This has forced security teams to refocus on the value of cloud-enabled security tools such as

What Is HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect Microbranch?

EdgeConnect Microbranch, part of HPE Aruba Networking ESP (Edge Services Platform), is an industry-leading home office and small office networking solution for hybrid work environments. It comprises access points (APs) and a new suite of SD-WAN services. It also builds upon HPE Aruba Networking’s proven history of delivering robust connectivity, security, and zero-touch onboarding experiences to the home office through its popular With this resource, enterprise IT departments can ensure employee experiences are consistent at any location via a single Wi-Fi AP. EdgeConnect Microbranch delivers a full range of on-campus connectivity services to remote personnel, which can accelerate troubleshooting, maintain corporate protections, and ultimately, connect your distributed workforce.

Key features of EdgeConnect Microbranch include:

  • Cloud-managed Wi-Fi
  • Intelligent policy-based routing
  • Automated route and tunnel orchestration
  • SASE and Zero Trust
  • WAN health troubleshooting
  • Access to in-office resources

These elements make it easier for IT to provide high-quality connectivity to employees working from home by extending the WAN from the campus to remote work locations.

Why Are Remote Work Solutions Necessary?

Normalizing remote work affects how IT manages each hybrid workspace, and as a result, one of the many challenges IT teams face is cyber threats in the home office. Just last year, ransomware hit record highs at an alarming rate. Networking and security teams now need to cope with extending on-campus Zero Trust and securing access service edge (SASE) frameworks to a sizeable number of remote offices located at the edge.

Using remote work solutions such as EdgeConnect Microbrandch gives IT teams better control and visibility into the remote network. This way, they can optimize the network and ensure remote workers have access to their required resources and experience the same high-quality service as they would in the office. This can also aid the IT team in protecting against security threats without disrupting the productivity of those working from home.

There is an immediate need for all enterprises to identify new collaboration tools to fulfill the needs of remote work. Taking advantage of solutions like EdgeConnect Microbranch can ensure secure and reliable access for remote workforces. Cloud-based network management can help IT troubleshoot issues impacting remote workers along with managing highly distributed environments more easily.

If your organization is ready to improve its remote work solutions and get the assistance required to meet the demands of the distributed workforce, EdgeConnect Microbranch can help. Contact WEI today to start improving your Wi-Fi reliability and supporting your remote workers with new technology solutions.

Next Steps: Download and read WEI’s free tech brief,

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Five Tactical Steps to Secure Your Hybrid Workforce Environment /blog/five-tactical-steps-to-secure-your-hybrid-workforce-environment/ /blog/five-tactical-steps-to-secure-your-hybrid-workforce-environment/#respond Thu, 24 Mar 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/five-tactical-steps-to-secure-your-hybrid-workforce-environment/ At the beginning of the pandemic, many enterprises anticipated only needing remote teams for a few weeks to maybe a couple of months. Now, two years later, it’s clear that...

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Make sure your enterprise cybersecurity solutions are protecting your hybrid workforce with the five steps in this article.

At the beginning of the pandemic, many enterprises anticipated only needing remote teams for a few weeks to maybe a couple of months. Now, two years later, it’s clear that remote and hybrid workforces are here to stay. Enterprises and employees have seen the benefits of this environment, but in order to continue supporting this model, IT teams need to consider long-term solutions to initiatives.

  1. Educate your workforce and manufacture a culture of security. One of the best things you can do for your enterprise cybersecurity measures is to foster a culture of security. Don’t rely on once-a-year training. Instead, take a proactive approach with your teams. Engage in regular discussions, use humor, and be relatable. Your team is your first line of defense. If they’re on your side, it’ll be much easier to deploy new protocols.
  2. Implement MFA as an important step toward zero trust. In order for your hybrid workforce to be successful, they need to be able to access job-critical information no matter where they are working from. Unfortunately, this opens the door to vulnerability. In fact, research shows that 80% of breaches are linked to stolen credentials. One way you can combat this is to implement a multifactor authorization protocol as part of a broader zero trust strategy.
  3. Build enterprise cybersecurity into the way users access information, leveraging the cloud whenever possible. By combining a VPN with a SASE approach, you’re able to secure access to applications and maintain enterprise security with a distributed hybrid workforce. By using SASE with a VPN, you can leverage the benefits of the cloud, such as scalability and simplifying the IT environment, with the encryption that private networks provide.
  4. Secure Office365 email against advanced threats. Email is one of the most vulnerable areas of enterprise cybersecurity. With so many users now operating in a hybrid environment, this exploitable population is more available than ever. Using a Cloud Mailbox Defense allows you to supplement your native email security measures to deliver complete visibility of inbound, outbound, and internal messages.
  5. Maintain a first and last line of defense with DNS and endpoint security. As part of your enterprise cybersecurity solution with a hybrid workforce, it’s critical to maintain a multilayer approach that maintains a first and last line of defense to block malicious behavior and prevent more advanced threats from coming through. With cloud-based controls, securing remote workers is made simple and allows you to scale up and down as your needs change or add functionality as you go.

Ensure Enterprise Cybersecurity With Cisco

To make securing hybrid workforces easy, the Secure Remote Worker solution from Cisco unifies user and device protection at scale to provide complete enterprise cybersecurity. Through a combination of Cisco , , , and , this integrated solution provides IT with the visibility and control to ensure security, regardless of where your employees are working from.

Are You Interested In Cisco’s Remote Workforce Security Solutions?

Cisco’s remote workforce security solutions are built to create a simplified experience, which reduces complexity and strengthens operations. With products ranging from  to , you can feel confident your hybrid workforce is protected along with your most vulnerable data.

NEXT STEPS: To help create a better, well-rounded security posture that protects your enterprise and hybrid workforce, our tech brief outlines everything you need.

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A Year in Review: IT Trends 2021 /blog/a-year-in-review-it-trends-2021/ /blog/a-year-in-review-it-trends-2021/#respond Thu, 06 Jan 2022 13:45:00 +0000 https://dev.wei.com/blog/a-year-in-review-it-trends-2021/ As another year has concluded, we have reached that time to review the IT trends of 2021. Most IT professionals could use an extra minute to catch their breath as...

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IT Trends in 2021: A Year in Review

As another year has concluded, we have reached that time to review the IT trends of 2021. Most IT professionals could use an extra minute to catch their breath as last year continued to push many IT departments due to the pandemic’s outbreak in 2020. To gain some perspective on our year-long journey, we sat down with two senior executives at WEI, David Fafel, and Greg Labrie, to get their perspectives on the relevant IT trends that came about in 2021. We also pulled data from a commissioned study we did in partnership with concerning the state of digital transformation in 2021. The study involved an audience of IT decision makers (ITDMs) across multiple industries that provided insightful and surprising information concerning their IT initiatives in 2021.

Remote Work Transitions to Hybrid Work

Could anyone have predicted where we are now when it comes to workspace utilization? While so many organizations implemented remote work strategies overnight, they most likely operationalized these same strategies as a temporary stopgap. As many people return to their desk, companies are now utilizing traditional office space as more of a “touchdown” area for employees to congregate during select days of the week. Typical activities include team building, brainstorming, client interaction, departmental meetings, etc. For many in the workforce, this new concept is a welcome change, thus leading to the hybrid work model’s rising popularity. Still, it involves working remotely, which invokes change in so many other areas. For IT, it means that connectivity has now shifted to the employee’s home, wherever that may be.

In turn, companies that have adjusted to a scaled mobile workforce have also achieved a dynamic recruiting advantage over their competitors. During the current labor shortage, these forward-thinking companies are recruiting talent far outside their local area because they realize employees can be productive no matter where they reside. If you don’t have employees in your traditional building any longer, you’ve also essentially shifted some of the network and connectivity costs to the employee. It has also freed IT personnel, at least somewhat, from some of their usual support duties as employees have become more self-sufficient with their own IT needs. We use the term “somewhat” because the 80/20 rule comes into play; twenty percent of a company’s personnel will always need help and that select group is consuming a lot more time to remotely support them as internal IT doesn’t have control of these remote workspaces.

Zero-Trust Networks Taking Shape

In 2021, enterprises realized that their expedient transition to remote work architectures required revaluation as remote work permeated within their culture. In an environment in which work can now be performed anywhere, the old reliance on perimeter security architectures is now outdated, and companies are rushing to adapt zero-trust networks. In a zero-trust environment, you don’t treat end users any differently when logging in at the office, or if they were to connect from home or at the local coffee shop. We are now living in a validate-first world in which trust must first be corroborated on all devices. These days, you can no longer assume that traffic originating within the LAN is legitimate because there are just too many avenues for attackers and malware to infiltrate.

Bad Habits Still Present in 2021

We all know smoking is bad for us, yet the people we know and our favorite fictional television characters still do it. Similarly, we know that backups are the golden ticket that can save us from the brink of cybersecurity disaster, yet too many IT professionals are not applying this practice correctly. Many are using backup strategies from a decade ago, or more. Localized backups are too prone to attack and hackers are expertly taking out these systems in advance of the primary attack. Cloud backup technology has greatly advanced, and we are seeing more companies trust the cloud and embrace it because it completely segregates your backups from your on-premises environment.

To continue with the health analogy, we know that a healthy diet and regular exercise are of great benefit, but we procrastinate on practicing these good habits until a major medical event occurs. While ransomware continues to be a mounting problem, too many enterprises continue to use a reactionary approach when combatting it. Ransomware is a war that requires proactive measures. We need network intelligence and network monitoring tools at the network layer to monitor what is happening across the IT environment. For example, why is Lucy suddenly accessing the payroll system? We know she has access privileges, but the timing of this activity seems odd. These small, yet important, instances are why we need to stop threat actors from launching attacks from deep within our enterprise’s network.

IT Staff Augmentation

One of the most surprising things we discovered in the IDG commissioned study was how much companies are utilizing staff augmentation strategies. The pandemic is showing us the value in having the ability to transform quickly to implement new strategies. Having a strategic workforce plan that can attract the required talent for a project as quickly as possible is now imperative. Companies are having to contend with serious skill gaps when it comes to areas such as cybersecurity, DevOps, automation, and cloud computing within their own organization. Companies have found that the traditional approach to full-time hiring is too slow and reactionary to inject the proper talent into their organizations.

To meet this challenge, companies are turning to staff augmentation strategies. We found that a surprising 82% of survey respondents in the IDG study considered IT staff augmentation to be highly important for their organization with more than one in ten respondents ranking it as critical. Respondents also reported that nearly 40% of IT staff is considered temporary.

How Did Companies Spend Their Budgets in 2021?

Companies continued their quest to digitally transform their organizations as 60% of respondents allocated funds toward transformational directives. The top five most popular IT investment objectives are listed below:

  • 64%: Improving data security
  • 51%: Improving operational and process efficiency
  • 38%: Improving the customer experience
  • 37% Gathering and analyzing data to make better business objectives
  • 34%: Driving new revenue through innovation

Respondents were also asked which technologies they considered to be the most crucial to achieving their digital technology strategies. The top five technologies are:

  • 25%: Hybrid cloud (private and public)
  • 24%: AI enabled technology
  • 21%: IoT technology
  • 18%: Hardware
  • 18%: containers

Hybrid IT Architectures and Multi-cloud Strategies

The IDG study showed that hybrid IT was the preferred architectural goal of companies in 2021 with 55% of respondents describing their current environment as such. Another 37% reported that their organizations are headed in that direction, but aren’t quite there yet. These hybrid architectures are making use of multiple clouds as 46% reported as having a fully-optimized multi-cloud strategy. These multi-cloud strategies are allowing companies to match workloads to their most optimal cloud environment, giving them maximum flexibility while reducing their dependency on any one cloud service provider.

Improving data security was the top use case for cloud technology according to 59% of respondents. There is no doubt that companies are recognizing the value of utilizing cloud-based security solutions. Improving the speed of IT service delivery was mentioned by 50% of respondents, making it the second top use case.

Next Steps: If you would like to learn more about the IT trends that emerged in 2021 and what strategies and controls that companies within your industry used to accelerate their digital transformations and overcome the many emerging challenges, you can download our new white paper titled, “” In it, you will find a lot of great information summarized from the IDG study.

You can also contact us to speak with one of our SMEs to gain additional insights related to your own unique environment and business objectives. It was another year of innovation and growth for WEI, and we look forward to helping our current and future customers achieve their IT objectives as much as possible.

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