For businesses looking to modernize their network and security infrastructure, CXponent offers expert guidance to help you implement Cato Networks’ converged SASE platform for streamlined operations and enhanced security.

Key Features and Benefits

• Converged SASE Platform: Cato Networks integrates SD-WAN, security, and networking into a single cloud-native platform, simplifying secure networking for businesses.
• Global Private Backbone: Provides optimized global connectivity with a high-performance, low-latency backbone, ensuring fast and reliable access to critical applications.
• Comprehensive Security: Offers built-in security functions such as firewall, IPS, and threat prevention at the network edge, eliminating the need for multiple security appliances.
• Scalable Cloud Architecture: Easily scales to accommodate new locations, users, and applications without complex infrastructure changes.
• Unified Management: Centralized management dashboard for both networking and security provides full visibility and control over the enterprise network.

Technical Requirements

• Cloud-Native SASE Architecture: Cato's platform is fully cloud-based and requires no additional hardware or on-premise appliances.
• Global Backbone: High-performance connectivity through Cato's private backbone ensures optimal performance across locations.
• Management Portal: Cato offers a centralized portal accessible through standard web browsers for network and security management.
• Internet Connectivity: Requires stable internet connectivity for remote users and branch offices to access Cato’s cloud-native services effectively.

Business Requirements

• Remote Work Enablement: Organizations must prioritize secure remote access solutions that align with current and future remote work policies.
• Cloud Adoption: Businesses heavily reliant on cloud applications benefit most from Cato’s optimized connectivity and security features.
• IT Security Strategy: Ensure that Cato Networks fits into your organization’s overall security strategy and compliance requirements.
• Growth and Scalability: Evaluate whether Cato Networks can scale alongside your organization as it expands in terms of users, locations, and applications.

Use Cases

• Secure Remote Access: Enables secure, optimized access for remote employees and mobile workforces.
• Branch Office Connectivity: Simplifies branch office deployments with SD-WAN that integrates security and networking into a single solution.
• Cloud Application Access: Optimizes performance for cloud applications such as Microsoft 365 and Salesforce, reducing latency and improving user experience.

Qualifying Questions

• How many remote workers or branch locations do you need to connect securely to your network?
• Are you looking to consolidate networking and security functions into a single, more manageable solution?
• What challenges are you currently facing with your network performance or security infrastructure?
• Does your business need to secure and optimize access to cloud applications and data across multiple locations?

Implementation Timeline & Considerations

• Deployment Time: Average deployment times range from 4-8 weeks depending on network size and complexity.
• Considerations: Ensure that all sites are equipped with adequate internet connectivity to support cloud-based SD-WAN and SASE services.
• Security and Compliance: Verify that Cato Networks meets the security and compliance requirements specific to your industry.

ROI and Business Impact

• Reduced Costs: By converging networking and security into a single platform, Cato Networks reduces the need for multiple vendors and hardware appliances.
• Simplified Management: Unified management of security and networking simplifies operations and reduces IT workload.
• Scalability: Cato Networks easily scales to accommodate new locations and users, minimizing additional infrastructure investments.
• Improved Security Posture: Integrated security features enhance protection against cyber threats while ensuring fast, secure access to critical applications.

Cost Model

Cato Networks offers flexible subscription-based pricing, typically billed per user or location. Pricing scales with usage and includes networking, security, and management features in a single package.

Roles of Decision Makers

• CIOs & IT Leaders: Evaluate the broader impact on network security, performance, and total cost of ownership.
• Security Officers: Assess the alignment with the organization’s cybersecurity strategy and risk management.
• Network Engineers: Plan the integration of Cato's solution with existing infrastructure and services.
• Operations Leaders: Oversee the deployment and management of Cato’s platform to ensure minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.

Additional Considerations & Helpful Tips

• Phased Implementation: Consider rolling out Cato Networks in phases across different locations or user groups to manage adoption and minimize disruptions.
• Cloud-First Strategy: Cato Networks is ideal for organizations adopting a cloud-first strategy or undergoing digital transformation initiatives.
• Performance Monitoring: Leverage Cato’s monitoring tools to track network performance and security metrics to ensure continued optimization.
• Security Upgrades: Regularly update your security protocols to ensure you’re fully leveraging Cato’s advanced threat protection capabilities.

Next Steps

For businesses looking to explore or implement Cato Networks’ SASE solutions, CXponent offers expert guidance to help you maximize your networking and security capabilities. Contact us today to learn how Cato Networks can support your digital transformation.