Magic Quadrant for Security Service Edge
Gartner defines security service edge (SSE) as a solution that secures access to the web, cloud services and private applications regardless of the location of the user or the device they are using or where that application is hosted. SSE protects users from malicious and inappropriate content on the web and provides enhanced security and visibility for the SaaS and private applications accessed by end users. Security service edge provides a primarily cloud-delivered solution to control access from end users and edge devices to applications (private or delivered via SaaS) as well as websites (and to a lesser extent general internet traffic). It provides a range of security capabilities, including adaptive access based on identity and context, malware protection, data security, and threat prevention as well as the associated analytics and visibility. It enables a hybrid workforce more efficiently than traditional on-premises solutions. Capabilities that are integrated across multiple traffic types and destinations allow a more seamless experience for both users and admins while maintaining a consistent security stance.
Vendors must, among other requirements:
A: This research evaluates 10 key vendors offering Security Service Edge (SSE) solutions that secure access to web, cloud services and private applications. The report analyzes vendors based on their ability to execute and completeness of vision, examining product capabilities including secure web gateway, cloud access security broker (CASB), zero-trust network access (ZTNA), data loss prevention (DLP), and related security features. The evaluation includes assessment of vendor viability, sales execution, market responsiveness, customer experience, product strategy, innovation, and geographic coverage.
A: This research should be used by security and risk management leaders, CISOs, IT security architects, and networking teams evaluating SSE solutions to secure remote and hybrid workers accessing web, SaaS and private applications. It is particularly valuable for organizations planning SASE transformations, looking to consolidate cloud-delivered security point solutions, or replacing legacy on-premises security hardware. Buyers should use this research to create competitive shortlists, understand vendor strengths and cautions, and evaluate solutions in the context of their overall SASE strategy - ideally well before existing contracts are due for renewal.
A: Vendors must provide four core capabilities: (1) Identity-aware forward proxy with encrypted traffic visibility, malware protection, threat prevention and URL filtering; (2) Both inline and API-based protection for SaaS applications including adaptive access, traffic visibility, DLP, malware and threat protection; (3) Adaptive and granular access to private and SaaS applications via both agent and agentless methods from managed and unmanaged devices; and (4) Integration with identity providers for identity context and validation. These capabilities must support common operating systems including Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
A:
A: Ability to Execute focuses on the vendor's current capabilities, market presence, and operational excellence - including product quality, financial viability, sales effectiveness, customer support, and market responsiveness. It evaluates how well vendors are performing today. Completeness of Vision assesses the vendor's strategic direction and future potential - including market understanding, product strategy, innovation, sales strategy, and geographic expansion plans. It evaluates where vendors are headed and their ability to anticipate and shape market needs.