Simplifying Security and Connectivity with SASE

Overview

The growing shift to hybrid work environments and increasingly distributed IT landscapes presents new challenges for organizations worldwide. Security architectures originally designed for single-location networks struggle to accommodate the modern demands of seamless connectivity and robust protection across distributed and hybrid ecosystems. To address these challenges, HCLTech and Fortinet have partnered to deliver a joint Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) offering.

Our solution combines Fortinet’s advanced SASE technology with HCLTech’s comprehensive managed services to help organizations achieve scalable, secure and efficient connectivity. With secure service edge (SSE) capabilities, including zero-trust network access (ZTNA), secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB) and Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), along with integration with software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) and advanced Fortinet tools, this offering provides best-in-class security across distributed networks. We help customers navigate the complexities of hybrid work environments without sacrificing performance, productivity, or security and stay ahead in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Challenges

Security gaps and fragmentation

Traditional security architecture often necessitates on-prem solutions at branch locations, including firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs) and proxies. This complexity leads to gaps in security and increases operating costs. Organizations struggle to deploy true software-defined perimeters (SDPs) due to the fragmented nature of their IT infrastructures. Poor user experience Complexity and cost of operations Adoption of SD-WAN

Poor user experience

As hybrid work environments become the norm, legacy systems that were not designed for dispersed workforces hinder productivity. A lack of unified access control, inefficient connectivity to applications and inconsistent security postures all negatively impact the user experience.

Complexity and cost of operations

With diverse IT landscapes, businesses often deploy multiple point solutions to address various security needs. These ad-hoc measures result in increased CAPEX, difficulties with system integration and high operational overhead.

Adoption of SD-WAN

SD-WAN improves the quality of service (QoS) and increases site capacity. However, most SD-WAN solutions do not natively incorporate security, creating potential gaps in protection.

Our solution

The HCLTech and Fortinet joint solution leverages Fortinet’s advanced security tools alongside HCLTech’s 360-degree managed services. Together, we deliver scalable and robust network security, powered by zero-trust principles. The key components of our solution are as follows:

ZTNA

Ensures secure application access based on user identity, device, and context

SWG

Provides centralized web protection by monitoring and filtering internet traffic for users on and off the network

CASB

Manages and secures data across cloud services and SaaS applications

FWaaS

Offers robust perimeter security without relying on traditional on-prem firewalls

Data loss prevention (DLP)

Helps safeguard sensitive corporate assets and prevents inadvertent data breaches