The future of work is hybrid, but this means more than just installing a couple of communications applications. IT departments must also address remote connectivity and security for employees accessing corporate applications and information from anywhere on any device.
If you’re looking to make remote or hybrid work a permanent business strategy, you must first look at consolidating and simplifying the long list of technologies needed to make remote work, well — really work. In fact, the real secret to success is to procure the right tools without increasing IT complexity. That means satisfying all stakeholders without overcomplicating management. Users must get seamless application experiences and executives expect today’s distributed business models to enable digital interactions without jeopardizing security. But IT operations are where the rubber meets the road.
Here are seven tools that can help you address today’s wide swath of work-from-home needs in one holistic strategy to make working from anywhere easier on IT:
UCaaS exploded in popularity as a result of the pandemic and is now among today’s most widely used communication infrastructures. Solutions like Cisco Webex, Microsoft Teams, and Slack combine communication and collaboration capabilities like calling, virtual presence, chat, and video conferencing into a single, cloud-based platform available anytime, anywhere to make remote work simpler, smoother, and more efficient. Metrigy predicts that 70% of organizations will be using UCaaS by 2023, which demonstrates just how critical these applications are for the digital-first business.
IT teams must reevaluate the WAN as the platform for digital business, as their organization increasingly relies on the cloud for communications and information services. Mobile and hybrid workforces require IT managers to add new WAN connections and sites quickly. But there is no less pressure to reduce downtime while increasing visibility into the network—no matter where the user works or how they are connected (e.g. home internet via cable modem, wireless LTE/5G, etc.)
SD-WAN addresses this by using software-defined network principles to consolidate the corporate network’s control functions. This helps IT teams to manage all points on a corporate WAN from a cloud-based dashboard that can be programmed in innovative new ways. It can:
These are big advantages for IT teams charged with supporting the always-on business, which explains why SD-WAN and UCaaS often go hand-in-glove. According to Metrigy, over 60% of companies who are satisfied with their UCaaS deployments use SD-WAN.
Today’s security threat prevention controls are insufficient on their own, especially as more people work remotely using a variety of devices, including personal computers unmanaged by the corporate IT team. EDR is a relatively new concept in the cybersecurity world that has grown in popularity because it can help solve key challenges of securing network endpoints and then quickly detecting, responding to, and preventing potential threats. EDR offers far more sophisticated (and much-needed) detection and response capabilities for endpoint devices by leveraging a deeply integrated security agent that acts as a gatekeeper between the operating system and any malicious apps or activities.
This “agent” can be either automated or human, conducting either an automated or expert analyst assessment. EDR technologies alone are not enough. A human cybersecurity analyst is required to effectively investigate threats and take action to mitigate them. Even with advancements in AI and machine learning, the security industry is not at the point where the most critical step — the threat response— can be 100% automated. For this reason, Managed EDR solutions are an appealing option for IT teams and companies needing the added support of security operations.
Security is crucial as organizations deploy and use more cloud applications and cloud service providers. Cloud services – whether they are custom business apps hosted in Amazon Web Services or cloud-based productivity apps like Microsoft Office 365 – increase agility as on-demand services, but they also pose significant risks by increasing the attack surface hackers can use to access corporate IT systems. To make matters worse, many companies don’t always know how many cloud applications their employees are using. For example, users can easily install apps without IT’s knowledge (otherwise known as “shadow IT”). Both sanctioned and unsanctioned cloud applications can create significant security risks.
CASB (pronounced “Kaz-BEE”) solutions are needed to address this. They are designed to both block users from accessing and installing unauthorized software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications, but also help companies deploy one service to secure an ever-increasing list of cloud apps and services. CASB mitigates cybersecurity risks and keeps IT in control of the organization’s adoption of cloud-based infrastructure. That explains why CASB solutions are exploding in use, with the global market slated for a CAGR of 22% between 2021 and 2026.
The rise of cloud and work-from-home has made ZTNA a must-have in enterprise cybersecurity. Traditionally, remote access to corporate networks has been achieved through Virtual Private Networks (VPNS) in which the VPN allows or denies access to a user based on the log-in credentials entered (username and password). The problem with this is that a VPN works on the premise of “default allow,” meaning it admits users with verified credentials to the network by default. Once someone is in, they may have very broad access across the network to all sorts of data, apps, and other digital resources.
This obviously doesn’t cut it when attackers can buy network credentials on the dark web and easily impersonate authorized corporate users. This has become a major security issue as organizations grant more remote access and move more applications in the cloud.
In contrast, ZTNA works under “default deny” policy, meaning it trusts no one at the outset. The technology enforces network access based on the user, taking a “never trust, always verify” approach. By doing so, it limits access rights based on user identity and increases security by minimizing lateral movement across networks — the signature move of an attacker.
As defined by Gartner, a Secure Web Gateway is a “solution that filters unwanted software and/or malware from user-initiated internet traffic and enforces corporate and regulatory policy compliance.” Simply put, it better protects organizations when users are surfing the world wide web. It can block users from accessing specific applications, filter out traffic from specific URLs, and detect malicious attacks. With SWG, companies are better protected from web-based threats and can more easily apply and enforce corporate IT policies.
As a software-based service, next-generation cloud firewalls put the same hardware-based capabilities in the cloud, making them more agile and scalable. Particularly advantageous is that FWaaS provides perimeter protection without requiring IT to deploy dedicated firewall hardware to each business location. The solution provides hyperscale and cloud-managed, firewall protections that include web filtering, advanced threat protection (ATP), intrusion prevention system (IPS), and Domain Name System (DNS) security – helping to secure data from security threats. Gartner predicts that FWaaS deployments will quadruple by 2024.
You now know the seven technologies needed to make remote work work, but how can you simplify and consolidate them for sustainable success? The key is Secure Access Service Edge, or SASE (pronounced “sassy”). In short, SASE is a framework and solution that combines network capabilities with security functions, putting them all in one integrated platform. SASE solutions include five of the above technologies. So all you need to do is simply add UCaaS and EDR and you’ve got yourself one seamless solution that eliminates work-from-home headaches.
Learn more about the benefits of Masergy SASE and explore Masergy’s Work From Anywhere offerings that unite collaboration applications, remote connectivity and security into a turnkey solution.
Call us now to arrange a consultation (866) 588-5885.
Or arrange for a consultation through our request form.
Knowledge and proficiency always come with practice, and the same holds true for artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Frost & Sullivan positioned Masergy as the most innovative managed SD-WAN service in the industry. Here are five reasons why.
In our third prediction for 2022, Masergy foresees wider IT convergence, more collaboration, and more interconnected IT ecosystems.
Continuing our predictions for 2022, Masergy explores why the IT infrastructure has become a high stakes essential powering remote and hybrid work.
In this series of articles Masergy outlines its predictions for 2022, starting with AIOps and how it will hyper automate IT operations.
Masergy UCaaS services are now available in four more regions. With PSTN replacement and local calling capabilities, clients get a wider footprint of reliable services for more globally consistency.
Circle of Excellence honors Masergy for vision, innovation, and advocacy of the channel during a time of transition and convergence.
Unless 100% of your employees are working in-office 100% of the time, you’re going to need to master cloud-based UC. Here’s what you need to know.
Remote and hybrid work can complicate security, increasing risk. So, what’s the single best remedy? Here’s the answer.
65% of IT teams are already using AI, and learning from them is the best way to shape your strategy. Join us as we unpack the latest AIOps research.
Businesses are embracing AI to make IT operations smarter, faster, and more secure, according to a new ZK Research study.
Here’s how our combined company will accelerate digital transformation and unlock more value for clients, partners, and the industry at large.
Collaboration applications won’t perform without the right support systems. In fact, it’s what’s behind the technology curtain that matters most.
Congratulations to our partners Resourcive, CXT180 and Subsidium Technologies for attaining Apex level status in the Masergy Zenith Program!
How can you partition networks to avoid complexity? Here’s how Masergy advises IT leaders when it comes to segmenting networks for security purposes.
With every new technology shift comes the promise of what’s possible along with uncertainty inherent in change.
Security strategies from the past 20 years are no longer working. Zero Trust offers a more resilient security approach for today’s challenges.
The acquisition accelerates Comcast Business’s increasing growth serving large and mid-size companies with multi-site global operations.
One caveat has prevented companies from maximizing the power of Microsoft Teams: PSTN Calling. Masergy can help you create a cost-effective service.
Here we explore the SASE plans companies are making and the difficult questions they address along the way.
For more than 10 years, media services company Azzurro HD has relied on Masergy to help create high-performance, broadcast-quality TV studios anywhere.
Here’s how organizations can start reframing their UCaaS approach for a smarter, more sustainable hybrid work strategy.
Following the company's best year ever, Masergy celebrates channel partners for their 2021 sales achievements.
CASB is essential in a world where the cloud and remote work dominate. Here we examine use cases for it and how it fits into the SASE model.
The pairing of two technologies — SASE and AIOps — accelerates innovation, creating a new breakthrough for autonomous networking.
Masergy’s Director of Channel Marketing recognized for contributions shaping the future of the IT channel.
To ensure security and agility and reap the full benefits of SASE, you need to follow four key guidelines for success.
Here’s how Masergy helped several global law firms modernize to meet the needs of their clients while prioritizing data security.
Masergy Zenith Partner Program and Masergy AIOps Recognized for Excellence
Here’s why three manufacturers moved to smart manufacturing using Masergy’s cloud network platform and managed services.
Masergy Work From Anywhere solutions recognized for providing IT leaders with one cloud platform to cover the needs of their remote workforces.
Misconceptions abound when it comes to turning SASE into a pragmatic plan. It’s easy to take SASE principles too far. Here’s a practical approach.
eWeek interviews Masergy's CEO to understand how the network is evolving as a key player in today's fast-paced digital transformation.
SD-WAN gains traction with preferences for reliable, secure, and hybrid-access SD-WAN revealing how IT leaders find an ROI sweet spot.
SD-WAN helps address the challenges of remote work, and 58% of IT decision makers expect to use hybrid access. Here’s why.
Congratulations to our partners Datatel1 and Digital Planet Communications Inc. for attaining Apex level status in the Masergy Zenith Program!
Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) are go-to solutions for securing corporate data and cloud-based apps on employee devices. Learn why CASB is a crucial component of Gartner’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework and the top use cases for using CASB at your business.
Build your remote workforce by integrating UCaaS with SASE solutions that back collaboration applications with performance and security.
Need to unite two companies quickly without jeopardizing security? Here’s how to put SASE and SD-WAN to work for your M&A strategy.
CIO Joe Gracz explains how he AIOps and IT automation to accelerate his manufacturing company’s work-from-home solution.
With AI and machine learning applied to cloud applications, IT teams can automate management, predict performance, and ensure availability
Managing cloud applications just got a lot easier thanks to Masergy’s latest AIOps innovations which can predict and prevent application outages.
Congratulations to our partners Blue Equinox, DVP Technologies and RealCom Solutions for attaining Apex level status in the Masergy Zenith Program!
Masergy recognized as demonstrating the innovation, vision, and execution needed to drive the upward market trajectory of SD-WAN
Expanding Masergy’s reach, SDx Networks is Masergy’s newest channel partner in the land down under. Here’s why they chose Masergy.
Businesses of all sizes are flocking to Masergy’s cloud networking platform. Here’s a look at our sales and why more IT leaders prefer our solutions.
The Zenith Program is six months old, which makes now a great time to check in on our progress and what’s coming next for the channel.
The 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Network Services, Global is here!
Masergy has been named a Visionary in Gartner, Inc.’s March 2021 Magic Quadrant for Network Services, Global, for the fifth consecutive year
Keep things simple with integrated services. Masergy UCaaS with Cisco Webex offers SD-WAN service for a perfectly complete collaboration solution.
Masergy recognized by CRN as innovative and forward-thinking managed service provider.
SWG melds into broader offerings today, better serving the needs of the anywhere business. As markets converge, here’s what buyers should consider.
Many people believe it’s only SD-WAN if your network uses public internet links, but that’s false. Here’s why SD-WAN should be access agnostic.
With Masergy, the Webex user experience is backed by a high-performance network with service unrivaled in the Industry.
Getting a Webex solution that also addresses the network and security can feel like pie in the sky. Here’s how you can get one total solution.
Prestigious CRN Channel Chiefs list recognizes Masergy’s SVP of Global Channels for outstanding leadership, influence, innovation, and growth
With technology, analytics, and security analysts all in one solution, clients can efficiently widen their security coverage to every endpoint.
Interested in Microsoft Teams’ calling plan? Optimize call quality and costs with Masergy Calling for Microsoft Teams.
Masergy's Work From Anywhere solutions were honored by TMCnet for innovation and performance excellence
Explore the advantages of cloud firewalls, the role FWaaS plays in SASE solutions, and when to opt for the cloud or stick with on-premise.
Explore new IDG research, discovering the latest security trends in healthcare and the approaches used to solve the problems of digital care.
Are you considering a Microsoft Teams Calling Plan? Direct Routing options are a lesser-known alternative that could save you money and more.
Law firms and other service firms are streamlining digital transformation by addressing UC, the network, and security in one unified strategy.
The study surveyed IT leaders from hospitals, primary and urgent care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare entities
With 2020 one of the biggest years the enterprise network has had, here's a look back at how key impacts will shape the evolution of the network in 2021.
By