Summary:
Network management and cybersecurity doesn’t have to overwhelm your small business’s budget and resources. SASE is an affordable, simplified option that streamlines networking and security into one cloud-based solution, giving SMBs enterprise-grade protection, improved performance, and the scalability they need to grow.
Did you know that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% of SMBs feel confident in their ability to defend against them?
Cybersecurity has become undeniably complex, especially as attackers lean more and more on AI to power their illicit activities. And as enterprises shore up their defenses, cybercriminals are turning to SMBs as prime targets.
For these small and mid-sized businesses, the stakes are high—but so are the costs. You need enterprise-grade security and reliable network performance, but you also need solutions that don’t wipe out your budget or resources—or require an IT degree to manage.
Enter Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): the all-in-one solution that simplifies everything.
SASE combines cutting-edge security with a powerful network solution to simplify vendor and management complexity, then wraps in all up an easy-to-implement, affordable package for SMBs.
Simplify network management with an end-to-end solution
One vendor for your firewall, a separate telecom for your internet access, another provider for your VPN—before long, you’re drowning in a pile of contracts and invoices and lost on who to contact when something goes wrong.
If that sounds familiar (or you’re so overwhelmed by all the IT acronyms that you keep pushing cybersecurity to the back burner), SASE is the answer you’ve been looking for. Instead of fragmented systems and all the headaches that come with managing them, SASE consolidates these functions into a single, easy-to-manage solution from a single provider.
No, you didn’t read that wrong—you really can get it all from one vendor and control everything from a centralized management portal. Imagine being able to oversee, control and manage your entire network and security setup through a single, user-friendly interface. That’s what SASE brings to the table.
Access cutting-edge security—packaged for SMBs
You know the risks—losing sensitive data or falling victim to ransomware could cripple your business—but advanced cybersecurity feels like something only the big guys can afford to implement and manage. Enterprise-grade solutions are expensive, and managing multiple security tools requires expertise that many small businesses just don’t have.
SASE eliminates these barriers by bundling advanced security features like Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) into one easy-to-manage platform.
These tools are delivered through the cloud, meaning you get cutting-edge protection without the high costs of on-site hardware or specialized IT staff. SASE proactively defends against cyberthreats to help you effortlessly safeguard your business, your reputation and your customers—without blowing your budget or adding to your workload.
Gain the flexibility and scalability you need to grow
As your business grows, your IT needs will undoubtedly change. Without a solid foundation, adding new locations or onboarding remote employees ends up leading to a patchwork of solutions that don’t play nicely together. Managing different vendors and systems eats up more and more of your time and resources, pulling your focus away from strategic priorities.
SASE’s cloud-based framework makes scaling your network and security infrastructure easy and seamless. Whether you’re opening new branches or supporting a hybrid workforce, SASE ensures consistent performance and airtight security across the board. No more scrambling to adapt your systems when your needs change—SASE grows with you, so IT never becomes a bottleneck to your success.
Cut costs without cutting corners
Small businesses face a tough balancing act: How do you invest in reliable IT infrastructure without draining your budget? Separate contracts for every platform and service add up fast. On top of that, maintaining and upgrading physical hardware is both cost-prohibitive and time-consuming, so a lot of SMBs just make do with outdated systems that don’t meet their needs.
SASE eliminates this complexity and expense by consolidating all your services into a single, subscription-based model. No more pricey hardware or juggling multiple vendors—SASE combines everything into one efficient solution that’s both cost-effective and easy to manage. It’s a smarter way to achieve enterprise-level capabilities without eating into your profits.
Give your employees and customers a better experience
Slow networks and unreliable apps are more than an annoyance—they can hurt your business. Employees lose productivity and motivation when they can’t access the tools they need, and customers get frustrated (and often jump ship) when delays or downtime disrupt their experiences.
Unfortunately, many SMBs struggle to prioritize performance because they’re too busy putting out fires with outdated or inadequate systems.
SASE changes the game with its built-in SD-WAN technology, which optimizes your network in real-time. Traffic is routed intelligently to reduce latency and ensure smooth application performance. For employees, this means better collaboration and efficiency. For customers, it means a seamless experience that keeps them coming back.
Simplify your network (and your life) with an all-in-one solution
Managing an endless sea of IT solutions, vendors, tools and updates leaves SMBs overwhelmed, overextended—and vulnerable to threats. You want to focus on growing your business, but constant tech headaches keep pulling you back into troubleshooting mode. Add in the growing risk of devastating cyberattacks, and it’s easy to feel like you’re always playing catch-up, never getting ahead.
SASE offers a simple, streamlined way forward. By integrating network management and security into a single, cloud-based platform, it simplifies your operations, strengthens your defenses and keeps costs under control.
With Windstream’s tailored SASE offering, SMBs get a scalable, flexible framework that supports growth and innovation, plus a true partner that backs up the solution with decades of experience and expertise.
Ready to stop letting IT challenges hold you back? Learn more about SASE from Windstream—built to help your small business thrive.
