"AI applications and hybrid work models are drivers of SASE adoption"

With extensive experience in leading product management for Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SDWAN), and Security Service Edge (SSE) solutions across various enterprises, Andrew Winney currently serves as the General Manager and Global Head of SASE Business at Tata Communications.

-  Pratima harigunani

He has played an important role in shaping SDWAN deals in Europe and Asia-Pacific while spearheading the company’s global SASE strategy. Focusing on developing innovative platforms such as Hosted SASE and Hybrid SASE offerings, he brings expertise from his tenure across multiple Tata group companies, including Tata Advanced Systems and Tata Consultancy Services. In this interview with Pratima harigunani, he unpacks the nuances of SASE, its evolution beyond Wide Area Network (WAN) and SSE, and the challenges around integration, interoperability, and policy consistency.

How does your SASE approach stand out, and what new advantages does it bring compared to traditional solutions?

Companies have permanently adopted cloud migration for their applications as part of their digital transformation strategies, driven by the rise in hybrid working. This shift has fundamentally changed the IT architecture landscape. In traditional enterprises, applications and users were within the same perimeter, with security and networking focused on the data centre and enterprise boundaries. A unified approach was needed to adapt, and SASE provides that solution.

In a first-of-its-kind implementation globally, Tata Communications is leveraging its extensive global network to offer a comprehensive technology stack that ensures consistent, secure access for users from anywhere while delivering carrier-grade performance and enhancing the user experience.

Is SASE different from SSE?

SASE combines two key technologies: SDWAN, which delivers intelligent connectivity and security for users from branch locations, and SSE, which secures remote users as they access enterprise resources or the Internet. While many enterprises rely on separate solutions for SDWAN and SSE, SASE unifies them into a single platform, enabling secure access from anywhere.