The secret to M&A success is being able to rapidly integrate organizations, but doing so with different technology systems at different levels of maturity can take months or years. Unfortunately, during this transition period you may be at increased risk for security breaches because of a wider threat landscape. That’s the bad news. The good news, however, is new innovations are bringing companies together quickly, AND simultaneously increasing the level of security for each organization while also reducing disruptions for their employees.
Mergers and acquisitions are expected to rise in 2021, given pandemic-driven economic forces and the ample number of disruptive technologies ripe for the taking. But while M&A inherently creates opportunities for enterprises, companies that struggle to integrate their IT infrastructures will see those opportunities undermined with the potential benefits delayed, if not destroyed.
During corporate integration progresses, the teams working on the combined organization are too often saddled with an infrastructure that is so complex and difficult to manage that it slows IT responsiveness, stifles innovation and leaves the new company more vulnerable to security issues. It’s not uncommon for security breaches to occur during these sensitive times, and with today’s remote workforce, attackers have more points of entry and more tools to do so.
The good news is that two major network and security technologies are reducing risks associated with M&A.
Today, companies are using Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) technology to cost-effectively create a flexible and adaptable infrastructure that can safely accelerate integration from several months or years down to a few weeks. Similar technologies are also being recognized as equally valuable—particularly Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions that expand on SD-WAN with integrated cloud security features.
What makes these tools so helpful? The combination of SASE and SD-WAN, make segmentation and security easier. Segmentation is the critical first step to secure network integration. During the earliest stages of integration, the newly acquired company is brought into a separate network zone, or partition. This partition creates an environment that essentially functions as a single network, yet still isolates the traffic of one network from the other, allowing IT to conduct more effective security investigations on the new network and maintain stricter security policies for as long as necessary.
With IoT, AI, work from home, and offshore business processes, use cases for segmentation are exploding today, but that does not mean it is easy. Most organizations dread segmentation because their existing IT infrastructure makes it difficult to work with a multitude of network partitions. In addition to charges and fees per segment, logistical barriers can also include interoperability issues that complicate IT operations.
This is where SD-WAN comes in.
SD-WAN allows enterprises to more easily segment assets and establish virtual private networks (VPNs) to increase security. Key benefits include more reliable cloud application performance, end-to-end visibility in one central management console, and software-based orchestration and automation. This makes it easy for the acquiring company to ensure every added network and its applications receive the required management, security, and bandwidth support.
SASE solutions take this simplicity one step further—specifically addressing security posture. While segmented IT environments can be inherently more secure, security must go further. M&A strategies need to address not just network security but also cloud and endpoint security. SASE was originally described by Gartner as a framework to help companies manage the security of remote access, and SASE solutions are a natural fit for M&A.
SASE helps add more layers of protection for each segment by putting security in place for the Internet, cloud applications, and all the new remote users and their devices. Solutions achieve that by rolling a handful of cloud security tools into SD-WANs to create one service from one provider. With a larger set of integrated capabilities, enterprises can more rapidly deploy and more easily administer security features, including cloud firewalls, secure web gateway, cloud access security broker (CASB), and Zero Trust network access. Moreover, IT leaders can see and manage both the network and security in one view.
While SD-WAN and SASE are key technologies that can make IT integrations faster, easier, and less risky, M&A requires more than just technology. Today’s companies have access to a broad ecosystem of managed security services and other resources that can help them to accelerate M&A and even enable high-volume M&A without increasing risk, gobbling budgets or taxing resources. These technologies are arriving just in time to be of assistance, and we should all be using them.
Call us now to arrange a consultation (866) 588-5885.
Or arrange for a consultation through our request form.
With hybrid work the new permanent, simplifying the necessary tech stack is key. The real secret—consolidating tools for less IT complexity.
Knowledge and proficiency always come with practice, and the same holds true for artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Masergy’s final prediction for 2022 is one of the most important. Here are our tips for breaking down silos and taking a holistic approach to security.
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.
Only the largest businesses can handle security 100% internally, but finding an MSSP can be hard. These tips come from Nemertes Research.
Circle of Excellence honors Masergy for vision, innovation, and advocacy of the channel during a time of transition and convergence.
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.
Takeaways from Black Hat reveal what IT professionals should know as they strengthen security postures and counteract cyber criminals.
The acquisition accelerates Comcast Business’s increasing growth serving large and mid-size companies with multi-site global operations.
Data breaches cost $4.24M on average. Use the following four steps to help identify where you are today and what you should do next to improve your security posture.
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.
Online security threats are constantly evolving. What should you worry about now? Here’s the latest line up of cybersecurity threats and how to stay ahead.
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.
Advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is the best medicine for ransomware. Here’s what to look for, and how companies use it.
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
The MSSP Partner of the Year award is presented to partners who demonstrate innovation, growth, and alignment with Fortinet. Here’s why Masergy won.
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
As WFH companies perform much-needed security audits today, here are the biggest concerns they face and a list of do’s and don’ts for addressing them.
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.
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.
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.
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