I’m thrilled to sit down with Vladislav Zaimov, a seasoned telecommunications specialist with deep expertise in enterprise networking and risk management of vulnerable networks. Today, we’ll dive into the exciting integration of Versa Secure SD-WAN with Microsoft Entra Internet Access, exploring how this partnership is reshaping Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions. We’ll touch on the unique features of Versa’s technology, the importance of automation in modern networking, the adoption of Zero Trust principles, and what this means for businesses looking to secure and optimize their branch and remote networks. Let’s get started!
Can you start by explaining what Versa Secure SD-WAN is and how it differs from other SD-WAN solutions out there?
Versa Secure SD-WAN is a software-defined wide area networking solution that combines networking and security into a single platform. What makes it stand out is its ability to deliver application-aware traffic management and built-in security features like firewalls and intrusion prevention, all managed through a centralized system. Unlike many other SD-WAN solutions that focus primarily on connectivity, Versa integrates deep security capabilities right into the fabric of the network, making it a more comprehensive choice for businesses looking to protect and optimize their branch offices.
How does Versa Secure SD-WAN specifically support the needs of businesses with branch offices?
For businesses with multiple branch locations, Versa Secure SD-WAN simplifies connectivity and management. It allows companies to prioritize critical applications, ensuring smooth performance even over less reliable internet connections. It also provides secure access to cloud services and SaaS applications directly from the branch, reducing latency and improving user experience. Plus, with centralized policy management, IT teams can enforce consistent security and networking rules across all locations without needing to configure each site individually.
What is Microsoft Entra Internet Access, and why is it a key part of their Security Service Edge solution?
Microsoft Entra Internet Access is a cloud-based security component within Microsoft’s broader Security Service Edge, or SSE, framework. It’s designed to secure internet access for users and devices by enforcing identity-based policies and protecting against threats like malware or phishing. As part of SSE, it plays a critical role in delivering secure, direct-to-cloud connectivity, ensuring that users—whether in the office or remote—can access applications safely without compromising performance or exposing the network to risks.
Who stands to gain the most from using a solution like Microsoft Entra Internet Access?
Businesses that rely heavily on cloud services and SaaS applications, such as Microsoft 365 or Teams, benefit immensely. Industries like finance, healthcare, and retail, where data security and compliance are non-negotiable, find it especially valuable due to its robust threat protection and identity verification features. It’s also a great fit for organizations with a distributed workforce, as it ensures secure access for remote employees without sacrificing speed or reliability.
Can you walk us through the recent integration between Versa Secure SD-WAN and Microsoft Entra Internet Access?
This integration brings together Versa’s advanced SD-WAN capabilities with Microsoft Entra Internet Access to create a unified SASE solution. Essentially, it combines networking and security into a seamless experience, allowing businesses to enforce consistent policies across their branch and remote networks. It ensures secure, optimized access to SaaS applications while protecting against internet-based threats, all managed through a streamlined, automated process that reduces complexity for IT teams.
Why is the automation aspect of this integration such a big deal for businesses?
Automation eliminates the manual effort typically required to set up and maintain integrations between SD-WAN and security solutions. Unlike template-based approaches where IT teams have to configure settings repeatedly, this automated integration allows for quick deployment of policies and updates. It saves significant time and reduces the risk of human error, which is critical when managing large, distributed networks. For IT teams, this means less time on setup and more focus on strategic priorities.
How does this automated integration impact Versa’s standing among other SD-WAN providers in the market?
Being one of the few SD-WAN providers with an automated integration with Microsoft Entra Internet Access gives Versa a competitive edge. It positions them as a leader in delivering SASE solutions that are not only powerful but also easy to implement and manage. This kind of innovation appeals to businesses looking for efficiency, especially those already invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, as it offers a smoother path to securing and optimizing their networks.
There’s a lot of talk about a Zero Trust approach with this integration. Can you explain what Zero Trust means in this context?
Zero Trust is a security model based on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” In the context of this integration, it means that every user, device, and connection—whether inside or outside the network—must be authenticated and authorized before gaining access to resources. Versa Secure SD-WAN and Microsoft Entra Internet Access work together to enforce strict identity-based policies and continuously monitor for threats, ensuring that trust is never assumed, no matter where the access request originates.
Why is adopting a Zero Trust model so critical for businesses today?
With the rise of remote work and the widespread use of SaaS applications, traditional network perimeters have dissolved. Threats can come from anywhere—insider risks, compromised devices, or external attacks. Zero Trust mitigates these risks by requiring constant verification and limiting access to only what’s necessary. For businesses, this approach is essential to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance, especially in environments where employees access critical tools from various locations and devices.
How does this integration enhance access to SaaS applications like Microsoft 365 and Teams for end users?
The integration optimizes the performance and security of SaaS applications by providing direct, secure pathways to these services from branch and remote locations. It prioritizes traffic for tools like Microsoft 365 and Teams, reducing latency and ensuring a smooth user experience. At the same time, it layers on security through identity verification and threat protection, so users can access these applications confidently without exposing the organization to risks.
What is your forecast for the future of SASE solutions and integrations like this one in the networking and security landscape?
I believe SASE will continue to be the cornerstone of modern networking and security strategies as businesses increasingly adopt cloud-first and hybrid work models. Integrations like the one between Versa and Microsoft Entra Internet Access will become the standard, as organizations demand solutions that are both powerful and easy to manage. We’ll likely see even tighter integrations with AI-driven automation and analytics to predict and prevent threats proactively, making networks smarter and more resilient in the face of evolving cyber risks.
