Many companies have networks designed for offices and local servers. However, with more people working from home and services transitioning to the cloud, these older systems can hinder your productivity. When connections lag, security checks feel like hurdles, and costs continue to rise, it’s time to rethink your approach. SASE combines security and connectivity into a single cloud service, providing faster, safer access without the need for bulky hardware.
With expert support, you can quickly set up new rules, monitor activity in real-time, and resolve issues before they impact your team. This translates into less downtime, lower expenses, and peace of mind knowing your data is protected. Transitioning from legacy MPLS to a cloud-based solution poses challenges, including planning, testing, and staff training. Being aware of key issues and solutions can streamline the process and keep you on budget.
In this blog, we will explore the challenges businesses face when deploying SASE and best practices for smooth transition.
Understanding the Shift: From MPLS to SASE
Before we move toward common challenges businesses face when deploying SASE, it’s important to understand why many are leaving behind MPLS and shifting to a more flexible, cloud-ready solution.
What Is MPLS and Why It’s Losing Ground
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) has been a trusted method for moving data between offices and data centers. It directs traffic over fixed paths, ensuring steady performance for key applications. But today’s work styles and tools are changing fast, and MPLS shows its age in several ways:
- Rigid Paths: Traffic must follow set routes, even if a faster alternative exists.
- Higher Costs: Building and maintaining dedicated lines across many locations can be expensive.
- Cloud Misfit: MPLS was built before cloud apps were common, so it often routes cloud traffic inefficiently—sending it back through headquarters instead of directly to the internet.
What Makes SASE the Better Fit Today
SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) combines networking and security into a single cloud-based service. It was designed with modern work in mind:
- Direct Cloud Access: Users connect straight to cloud apps from anywhere, reducing delays.
- Scalable Security: Firewalls, secure web gateways, and zero-trust controls live in the cloud, automatically protecting each connection.
- Simplified Management: Policies and updates are managed centrally, eliminating the need to juggle multiple appliances or locations.
- Cost Efficiency: Pay for what you use and avoid the overhead of building and running private circuits.
Together, these advantages make SASE a natural evolution from MPLS for businesses aiming to support remote teams, speed up cloud access, and streamline security—all without incurring significant costs.
5 SASE Deployment Challenges Businesses Face and How to Avoid Them
Deploying Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) can bring significant benefits, including improved security and network performance; however, businesses often face key challenges during implementation. Understanding these challenges and how to handle them can help ensure a smooth and successful transition to SASE.
- Vendor Overload and Fragmentation
One major challenge is managing an excessive number of vendors. Some businesses attempt to integrate multiple-point solutions from different vendors, resulting in a fragmented setup that is difficult to manage.
To avoid this challenge, choose a single or limited number of trusted vendors offering a comprehensive SASE platform. This reduces complexity and ensures better compatibility across all components. It also simplifies support and updates, making long-term management easier.
- Skills Gaps and Training Needs
Many IT teams lack hands-on experience with cloud-native networking and security tools, which are essential in SASE environments.
To overcome this, invest in upskilling your team before or during deployment. Offer training sessions and certifications focused on SASE technologies such as zero trust network access, cloud firewalls, and secure web gateways. Alternatively, consider partnering with experienced consultants or managed service providers who can help bridge the knowledge gap while your internal team builds expertise.
- Limited Visibility During Transition
During the shift to SASE, businesses often struggle with limited visibility into network traffic and user activity. This can lead to security gaps and performance issues.
To avoid this, deploy visibility tools early in the process that allow you to monitor traffic, usage, and threats across the entire network. A gradual rollout of SASE components also helps maintain oversight while ensuring each step works as intended.
- Latency and Performance Concerns
When moving away from traditional network architectures, some businesses notice an increase in latency or a decrease in performance, especially if data must travel longer paths.
To address this challenge, select a SASE provider with a robust global network of points of presence (PoPs) and strong peering capabilities. Additionally, review your traffic routing policies to ensure that data takes the most efficient path possible, thereby improving speed and reliability.
- Cultural Resistance to Change
Organizational resistance can slow down or block the deployment of SASE. Employees and even IT staff may be uncomfortable with new tools or workflows.
To overcome this, communicate clearly about the benefits of SASE and how it supports business goals. Involve key stakeholders early and provide hands-on training to reduce fear of change. Encouraging early feedback and showing success stories can also build support across the organization.
5 Best Practices for a Smooth SASE Transition
A successful SASE deployment isn’t just about choosing the right technology—it’s about how you plan and execute the move. By following a few practical steps, businesses can avoid delays, reduce risks, and make the transition smoother for their teams.
- Start with a Readiness Assessment
Before making any changes, review your current network setup, security tools, user locations, and the methods by which your applications are accessed. This will help you understand what’s working, what’s outdated, and where SASE can bring the most value. A proper assessment ensures you don’t miss important details that could affect performance or security later.
- Choose the Right SASE Vendor
Not all SASE vendors offer the same features or level of support. Look for a provider that gives you a complete solution—networking, security, and policy management—in one platform. They should have a strong presence in the regions where your users are based and a reputation for reliable service and regular updates. Always check for customer reviews and real-world case studies to ensure you’re making informed decisions.
- Deploy in Phases
Instead of replacing everything at once, start with minor changes. Choose one branch office, team, or application to move to the new system. This way, you can test the setup, gather feedback, and make changes before expanding. A phased approach reduces the risk of disruption and helps your team adjust gradually.
- Prioritize Identity and Access Controls
SASE works best when it knows exactly who is connecting and from where they are connecting. This involves establishing robust identity and access controls, such as single sign-on (SSO), role-based permissions, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). These tools help ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive systems and data, regardless of their location.
- Train Your Team Early
Your staff needs to understand how the new system works—not just IT, but also everyday users. Offer simple training sessions, quick-start guides, and help resources so everyone feels confident using the new tools. A well-informed team will adjust faster, report fewer issues, and support the change more positively.
By following these best practices, businesses can make their SASE deployment faster, safer, and far more effective—with less stress and greater long-term value.
Curious how leading MSPs are successfully scaling SASE deployments in real-world environments? Discover expert tips, design strategies, and common pitfalls in our detailed guide: Designing Scalable Multi-Tenant SASE for MSPs.
The Bottom Line
Moving from legacy MPLS systems to a modern SASE approach is a significant step. However, it’s a necessary one for businesses seeking improved speed, enhanced security, and greater flexibility in today’s cloud-driven world. While the transition can come with challenges such as system changes, team training, and choosing the right vendor, these can be managed with proper planning and support. By understanding common hurdles and following a step-by-step strategy, businesses can make the transition smoothly and start seeing tangible benefits in performance, protection, and simplicity.
