Magic Quadrant for Security Service Edge
Gartner defines security service edge (SSE) as an offering that secures access to the web, cloud services and private applications regardless of the location of the user, 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 devices to applications, as well as websites and the internet. 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 more direct connectivity for hybrid users by reducing latency and providing the potential for improved user experience. Capabilities that are integrated across multiple traffic types and destinations allow a more seamless experience for both users and administrators while maintaining a consistent security stance.
No strategic planning assumptions provided.
Vendors must, among other requirements:
A: This research covers the Security Service Edge (SSE) market, which provides cloud-delivered security for access to web, cloud services, and private applications. It evaluates 10 vendors across mandatory features including secure web access, SaaS security (in-line and API), secure remote access to private applications, and device visibility. The report assesses vendors on their ability to execute (product capabilities, viability, sales execution, market responsiveness, customer experience) and completeness of vision (market understanding, innovation, product strategy, geographic strategy). It includes vendor positioning in the Magic Quadrant (Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries, Niche Players) with detailed strengths and cautions for each vendor.
A: This research should be used by security and infrastructure & operations leaders evaluating SSE solutions as part of a SASE transformation strategy. It is particularly relevant for organizations looking to: secure remote or hybrid workers accessing public internet, cloud services and private applications; replace vulnerable VPN infrastructure; consolidate security for SaaS, PaaS and IaaS environments; implement zero-trust networking principles; and support geographically dispersed workforces. The report helps buyers shortlist vendors based on their specific needs, understand vendor differentiation, assess pricing and licensing models, and evaluate technical capabilities across web security, SaaS protection, ZTNA, data security, and threat protection.
A: Mandatory features for vendors included in this market are: cloud-delivered management and data planes, identity-aware forward proxy with decryption and protection capabilities, in-line protection of data in SaaS and private apps, out-of-band protection of data in SaaS apps via API integration, adaptive and granular access control supporting both devices with an SSE agent and devices with no local SSE software or configurations, and integration with external identity providers.
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A: Ability to Execute focuses on the vendor's current capabilities, market presence, and operational effectiveness including product quality, viability, sales execution, pricing, market responsiveness, and customer experience. It evaluates what vendors are delivering today and how well they execute in the market. Completeness of Vision assesses the vendor's strategy and future direction, including market understanding, marketing and sales strategies, product roadmap, innovation plans, and geographic expansion. It evaluates how well vendors understand market trends and their ability to anticipate and shape future market needs.