The network edge is rapidly evolving as organizations work to secure remote work environments, hybrid cloud solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and more. This is why many organizations are turning to managed security service providers (MSSPs) to manage risk and compliance requirements. However, traditional approaches are no longer sufficient to protect today's highly distributed networks. MSSPs are now adopting a much more holistic approach that leverages integration and automation to deliver solutions at speed and scale.

Meeting the Demand for Expanded Edge Security

Modern enterprises no longer have well-defined perimeters. The attack surface now extends well beyond traditional boundaries thanks to the expansion of cloud adoption, remote work, connected platforms and edge computing. Increased complexity and the need to ensure consistent network and security performance from home offices and head quarters, to the enterprise edge is highlighting the shortcomings of traditional approaches.

Traditional non-integrated tools and point products often create silos and security gaps which simply can't keep pace with the volume, variety and velocity of data generated by today's networks, especially in the case of edge computing. As computing is brought closer to where it's used on the enterprise edge, such as autonomous manufacturing, industrial agriculture, the need for integrated networking and security becomes quite apparent. MSSPs targeting these requirements should consider what Gartner calls a Cybersecurity Mesh featuring tightly integrated tools with unified visibility and control that enable much more holistics capabilities and interoperability than traditional solutions. A Cybersecurity Mesh and a platform-centric approach provides the integration that bridges LAN, WAN, data center and cloud edges.

Creating a Flexible, Integrated Solution with Secure SD-WAN 

The advent of distributed hybrid clouds means traditional hub-and-spoke architectures that route traffic back to a centralized data center and security stack are increasingly less relevant. Going forward, enterprise networking is going to be based on Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) for high-speed intelligent routing based on application awareness. MSSPs should consider SD-WAN solutions that have tight security integration to reduce operational complexity and cost, while more consistent customer outcomes.

For instance, Fortinet's Secure SD-WAN includes integration of next-generation firewalls (NGFW), advanced routing, and consistent network and security policy orchestration, which protects all edges and offers end-to-end visibility. MSSPs can lower complexity and cost for their customers while enhancing security and satisfaction by leveraging this scalable, high-performance solution.

Reducing Costs and Enhancing Productivity

Managed security services is a highly labor intensive and margin sensitive business where standardization offers efficiency and economies of scale, while customization is often costly. That's why traditional multi-vendor solutions with more licensing, training, and capital requirements have been so problematic. Consolidation and automation is the only practical way for MSSPs to successfully grapple with expanding customer requirements. MSSPs should consider platforms that offer true networking and security integration and automation capabilities. Fortinet's self-healing Secure SD-WAN provides unparalleled network and security performance along with proven reliability. The unique integration of security and SD-WAN in one platform with one management console also reduces complexity and the staffing requirements to deliver a lower total cost of ownership (TCO). In other words, with this offering, MSSPs can better help customers minimize network expenses while also improving the user experience.

Fortinet's Secure SD-WAN creates additional efficiencies by:

• Eliminating infrastructure complexity
• Streamlining deployment and operations
• Automating ongoing management and workflows
• Delivering comprehensive analytics meant to quickly address performance issues
• Reducing licensing and training costs

Fortinet Enables MSSPs to Provide Best-in-Class Security by Design

Fortinet not only supports MSSPs with proven technology and a robust security fabric. It also offers MSSPs additional resources, such as FortiGuard Labs threat intelligence services and an open development community spanning hundreds of vendors and thousands of products. 

Leveraging best-in-class technologies makes it possible for MSSPs to differentiate themselves in an increasingly saturated market and drive revenue. By partnering with Fortinet, MSSPs can add valuable services, unlock new opportunities, expand growth, and deliver better solutions.