Xalient’s Global SASE Research Report: A Blueprint for Network Security in 2025
Xalient, a global expert in identity, cybersecurity, and networking services, has unveiled its latest research report: Why SASE is the Blueprint for Future-Proofing Your Network in 2025 and Beyond. This study highlights the critical role of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) in addressing security challenges and improving network performance.
Security Threats Drive SASE Adoption
According to the report, 99% of organizations with over 2,000 employees experienced a security attack in the past year. A significant portion of these breaches—44%—stemmed from remote, hybrid, or roaming workers. Recruiting and retaining skilled cybersecurity talent remains a major hurdle, with 82% of respondents struggling to find the expertise needed to combat evolving threats.
Key findings include:
- 99% experienced a security attack in the last 12 months.
- 44% of attacks were linked to remote or hybrid workers.
- 82% face challenges in recruiting and retaining security talent.
The Challenges of Traditional Networks
Nine out of ten organizations acknowledged that new cyber threats exploit network gaps. Almost half (45%) admitted to struggling with consistent policy enforcement and network performance due to excessive lockdown measures. These challenges have pushed many organizations to adopt SASE solutions, which improve security while enhancing performance.
Top drivers for SASE adoption include:
- Performance issues with business-critical SaaS applications (15%).
- Securing remote access for hybrid and remote workforces (14%).
- Reducing the rising costs of traditional network architecture (13%).
SASE Adoptions Benefits
Organizations reported several SASE adoption benefits. The most cited advantages include:
- Improved performance of business-critical SaaS applications (30%).
- Enhanced threat protection without hardware or software upgrades (28%).
- Consistent security policies to reduce breaches (27%).
SASE also supports secure cloud adoption and migration, enabling a seamless transition to modern infrastructure.
Single-Vendor vs. Multi-Vendor SASE
The report reveals varying opinions on single-vendor versus multi-vendor SASE solutions.
Single-Vendor Benefits
- Predictable ROI due to fewer point solutions (30%).
- Economies of scale (25%).
- Tightly integrated components (25%).
Single-Vendor Challenges
- Limited control and flexibility (26%).
- Difficulty introducing best-of-breed vendors (26%).
- Risk of vendor lock-in (24%).
Multi-Vendor Benefits
- Better control and flexibility (25%).
- Enhanced security capabilities (27%).
Multi-Vendor Challenges
- Unclear pricing models (22%).
- Complexity requiring external support (28%).
Expert Insight
Stephen Amstutz, Director of Innovation at Xalient, commented:
“It’s encouraging that security—a key driver for SASE adoption—is also one of its top benefits. SASE enhances connectivity, security, and user experience, whether through a single-vendor or multi-vendor approach.”
He added:
“Choosing the right SASE model can be challenging, especially for resource-limited teams. Engaging a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can simplify the selection process and ensure the right solution is implemented.”
The Future of SASE
SASE adoption continues to grow as organizations address security gaps and modernize their networks. By improving resilience and performance, SASE solutions provide a better user experience and a more secure infrastructure.
Read the full report here.
