Hybrid work is here to stay, but it has introduced significant challenges for IT teams. Remote employees, widespread SaaS adoption, and reduced network visibility have made security a moving target.
Traditional VPNs often slow performance and leave organizations exposed to risk.
Here’s what most companies are up against—and why partners have a huge opportunity to help fix it:
Remote Work Weak Spots
Users logging in from home or a coffee shop often experience slow, clunky connections due to outdated VPNs. Worse, those VPNs grant broad access once connected, giving ransomware a free ride across the network.
Most organizations run dozens of cloud apps. Without visibility, shadow IT flourishes and data control slips through the cracks. Compliance gets increasingly challenging.
Multiple point solutions mean multiple consoles, multiple policies, and a higher chance that something slips by unnoticed.
In fact, major consulting and research houses have recognized this; Deloitte, for example, issued a report earlier this year titled “Trust, Verify, Grow,” finding that Zero Trust technologies provide a more robust approach to keeping malicious cyber actors at bay.
Frustrated Users
If security slows them down, employees often find ways to circumvent it. That puts the whole network at risk.
Why a Unified SASE Model Works
A Unified SASE platform brings everything together—networking, security, and access—under one roof. Instead of juggling tools, you get a single console, one set of policies, and consistent protection for every user, everywhere.
Zero Trust Network Access replaces outdated VPNs and limits access to exactly what users need. Built-in CASB gives full visibility and control over SaaS apps and data. AI-driven threat intelligence keeps defenses up to date automatically.
The payoff is clear: tighter protection, smoother operations, and a network that runs faster and with far less risk.
Why It Matters for Partners
This is the moment for solution providers to step up. Guiding customers toward a unified SASE approach simplifies their environment, reduces unnecessary costs, strengthens security, and earns IT teams well-deserved credit for keeping everything running smoothly.
It’s also a chance to expand your footprint—upsell FortiSASE into existing FortiGate or SD-WAN deployments and layer on consistent security for remote, branch, and campus users. With Fortinet’s recognition in Gartner’s SD-WAN and SASE reports, you’ve got a solid story to tell.
Hybrid work isn’t just a trend—it’s the way business runs now. The good news is there’s a better way to secure it, simplify it, and keep everyone connected without compromise.
For solution providers seeking access to these technologies, technical resources, and co-brandable campaigns, information and access can be found by reviewing details about the Fortinet Engage Partner Program.