1. Define Business Objectives and Technical Requirements

• Why it’s important: Clarity on your business goals (e.g., improving remote work, enhancing security, reducing latency) ensures alignment with the SASE solution.

• What to do: Document key outcomes, such as enhanced security, global scalability, or simplified management. Include both technical needs (e.g., SD-WAN capabilities, zero-trust architecture) and business metrics (e.g., cost savings, improved user experience).

2. Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

• Why it’s important: Upfront costs rarely tell the whole story. Long-term operational costs (support, upgrades, training) significantly impact ROI.

• What to do: Request a comprehensive breakdown of TCO over 3-5 years. Compare vendor pricing models, including subscription versus consumption-based costs, and ensure hidden costs like integration or scaling are accounted for.

3. Conduct Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Testing

• Why it’s important: Real-world testing under your specific workloads helps validate vendor claims.

• What to do: Design a PoC that mimics your operational environment, including real-world traffic loads, security scenarios, and integration points. Test usability, performance, and manageability with your team.

4. Assess Vendor Capabilities and Roadmap

• Why it’s important: SASE is a rapidly evolving space. A vendor’s current offering and future vision impact long-term suitability.

• What to do: Examine the vendor’s core competencies, such as SD-WAN, CASB, ZTNA, and threat intelligence.

5. Engage Stakeholders and Align Interests

• Why it’s important: A successful SASE deployment requires buy-in from IT, security, and business leaders.

• What to do: Involve stakeholders early to align on goals, success criteria, and preferred features. Create a decision matrix with inputs from all parties to ensure the chosen solution fits cross-functional needs and avoids over scoping or under scoping.