The secure access service edge (SASE) market is experiencing a transformative time in 2024, with a trajectory toward single-vendor solutions that converge multiple network and security solutions.

Zscaler's strategic move into SD-WAN Zscaler's entry into the SD-WAN market marks a pivotal shift for the vendor, targeting the growing demand for single-vendor SASE solutions. Known for its security service edge (SSE) capabilities, Zscaler's launch of its SD-WAN solidifies its position as a SASE leader. A recent Dell’Oro Group report noted the move drove the further dominance of single-vendor SASE solutions, which represented 80% of the total SASE revenue during the first quarter of 2024.

Gartner also predicts that by 2027, 65% of new SD-WAN purchases will be part of a single-vendor SASE offering, up from 20% in 2024.

Mauricio Sanchez, senior research director for enterprise networking and security at Dell’Oro Group, told SDxCentral in an earlier interview that Zscaler's SD-WAN move helped the vendoor keep customers during renewal cycles who were being tempted by single-vendor solutions. “So more so a defensive move than offensive,” Sanchez said, adding that “the general trend remains for vendors to expand SAM [serviceable addressable market] by adding either SD-WAN or SSE to become single-vendor SASE vendors.”

SASE key trends My colleague Jeff Vance listed six SASE and SD-WAN trends in 2024 to watch, including the following:

  1. SD-WAN and SASE markets will stay red hot: Gartner forecasts that the SD-WAN market topped $5 billion by the end of 2023, with market penetration reaching 60%. The firm predicts the market will continue to expand at a 14.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), reaching $8 billion by 2026. Research firm IDC is slightly less bullish, predicting the SD-WAN market will expand at a 10.1% CAGR, growing into a $7.5 billion market by 2027.
  2. SD-WAN and SASE will be key to global market expansions: Research firm TeleGeography predicts that the 5,000 largest global enterprises would have SD-WAN installed at 61% of global WAN sites by the end of 2023, growing to 81% by 2026. Expect both SD-WAN and SASE adoption to continue at a blistering pace around the globe in 2024.
  3. SD-WAN and SASE feature consolidation will unlock small and midsized (SMB) markets.
  4. Artificial intelligence (AI) will supercharge both SD-WAN and SASE.
  5. As enterprises cope with expanding edge, lines between SD-WAN and SASE will blur.
  6. Zero trust will underpin a new platform approach to connectivity and unified security.
Check out the full list of this year's top SASE stories.

Title Excerpt

Zscaler finally launches SD-WAN, targets surging single-vendor SASE market The security service edge leader has been working with almost all of the leading SD-WAN vendors for its multivendor SASE approach.

The network and security landscape is shifting – who will survive the chaos and thrive? Outdated approaches to networks and security are crumbling, vendors are consolidating and new players are emerging – who's best-positioned to come out on top?

6 SASE and SD-WAN trends to watch Both the SD-WAN and SASE markets expanded rapidly in 2023, and neither shows any signs of slowing down in 2024.

CrowdStrike vs. Palo Alto Networks platform battle: Who will win the cybersecurity war? The debate between CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks over their definition of a platform has intensified with comments made by both companies recently.

Zscaler responds to skeptics of its new SD-WAN offering Zscaler's offering is less about switching and optimizing the transport from connectivity, and more about securing the transport, VP Naresh Kumar said.

10 networking technology predictions for 2024 Key trends and predictions that will reshape enterprise networks over the next year include automation, cloud enhancements and new types of SASE deployments.

Fortinet unleashes FortiOS 7.6 with SASE, genAI and platform updates FortiOS 7.6 offers new features over the Fortinet Security Fabric in areas like SD-WAN, SASE, zero-trust network access and automation.

HPE’s Juniper deal will jumpstart its 5G telecom efforts The combined HPE-Juniper Networks operation is set to provide a more complete 5G support package for operators.

Carbon Black breaks from VMware, embarks on independent journey within Broadcom Carbon Black now operates as an autonomous business unit within Broadcom and no longer reports to VMware, VP and GM Jason Rolleston said.

Will HPE eliminate Juniper Networks’ SASE in favor of Aruba plus Axis? “One possibility here is ... it would be biased in favor of the [existing] HPE solution, and to migrate Juniper customers over time,” Mauricio Sanchez said.