Introducing SASE Converge 2021: The Summit for What’s Next in SASE

Since the introduction of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) as a concept in 2019, the world has drastically changed. The rapid shift to remote and hybrid work has put SASE on the fast track. In 2021, many organizations are now actively planning how best to adopt a SASE architecture. According to Gartner^®, “By 2025, at least 60% of enterprises will have explicit strategies and timelines for SASE adoption encompassing user, branch and edge access, up from 10% in 2020.”¹ Yet until now, there hasn’t been a public forum dedicated to the future vision and practical implementations of SASE.

SASE is the convergence of networking and network security services into one cloud-delivered platform, reducing security risks and providing exceptional user experience across an organization’s entire worldwide network. To that note, I’m so excited to announce that Palo Alto Networks is establishing an event dedicated to bringing thought leaders and professionals together to talk about SASE.

SASE Converge 2021 is the premier summit for what’s next in SASE. Leading voices from the networking and security industries will converge virtually to discuss the learnings from adopting SASE technologies and to describe what the future of these technologies will make possible. SASE Converge 2021 will focus on three key themes — convergence, security and user experience — reshaping industries and helping trailblazing technology leaders to transform their organizations.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the keynotes and sessions you’ll be able to attend at SASE Converge 2021, on September 28-29:

• Gartner: Why SASE is Now a Strategic Imperative and How to Get Started Today
  Neil MacDonald, senior Gartner analyst for SASE, will provide guidance on how to think about your SASE strategy — organizational structure, existing technology investments and employee skill sets — and provide practical implementation recommendations to get started today.
• How SASE Became a Critical Need: The Future of Network Security is Now
  From endless Zoom calls to the rise of the app economy, it’s no secret that the pandemic compressed many of the big technology initiatives that were set to play out over the next decade into the last 18 months. The shift from on-premises to cloud-delivered with SASE quickly became an urgent need for many organizations around the globe. Join Nikesh Arora, Palo Alto Networks CEO, as he unpacks what has happened over the last year and how the industry needs to evolve to enable the new reality that we now find ourselves in.
• The Past, Present and Future of Networking: A Fireside Chat with Martin Casado
  As a pioneer in the development of OpenFlow, and the founder of successful software-defined networking (SDN) startup Nicira, Martin Casado knows a thing or two about tectonic shifts in the networking industry. Now, as a general partner at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, Martin speaks with numerous startup founders looking to build the next big thing in networking. Join Martin in an informal fireside chat about what’s next in networking, the use of the cloud as a delivery model, and the paradox of cloud cost.
• Why Digital Experience Management Is the Secret Sauce for SASE
  Digital experience management (DEM) is the SASE secret sauce you might not know you need yet, but this session will convince you that it deserves a prominent place on the proverbial table like the Stalwarts ketchup and mustard. Find out how DEM helps your IT team ensure an optimal digital experience and maximum employee productivity with complete network visibility and automate troubleshooting with remediation capabilities.

I am honored to be able to host this groundbreaking event at such a critical time in the world. Mark your calendars and register now to join us for the world’s first SASE conference.

¹Gartner, 2021 Strategic Roadmap for SASE Convergence, Neil MacDonald, Nat Smith, Lawrence Orans, Joe Skorupa, 25 March 2021.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.