The News: Spectrum Enterprise, a part of Charter Communications, announced the addition of Secure Access with Cisco Duo and Cloud Security with Cisco+ Secure Connect to its portfolio of cybersecurity products. Read the Spectrum Enterprise Press Release here.
Spectrum Enterprise and Cisco Give Business Cybersecurity Protection Ease and SASE Appeal
Analyst Take: Spectrum Enterprise and Cisco have joined forces to give businesses a practical way to provide their workforce and other stakeholders with safe and secure access to information and applications on private networks and public clouds, all handled by a single provider with 24/7/365 U.S.-based support. These cybersecurity protections integrate with the company’s managed network services portfolio, including its Managed Network Edge and Enterprise Network Edge solutions.
Both Managed Network Edge and Enterprise Network Edge provide connectivity, equipment and network management that offer routing, SD-WAN, switching, security, remote access, and LAN options. Layering on Secure Access with Cisco Duo and Cloud Security with Cisco+ Secure Connectivity provides customers the protection of secure access services, regularly referred to as SASE (pronounced sassy).
From my view, Spectrum Enterprise is well-positioned to capitalize on rising business demand for SASE capabilities, especially as the main objective of SASE architecture is delivering a cohesive user experience, optimized connectivity, and comprehensive security that supports the swiftly evolving secure access needs of businesses. Through SASE, businesses can avoid backhauling traffic to traditional data centers or private networks for security inspections by allowing devices and remote systems to access applications and resources regardless of their location and distribution.
As such, I view SASE as vital to supporting distributed hybrid workforces which are now common across the business realm. Spectrum Enterprise can now provide security benefits such as assuring access is identity-driven based on the identity of users and devices. SASE’s cloud-native architecture enables the cloud-delivery of infrastructure and security solutions in accord with supporting all edges, ensuring every physical, digital, and logical edge is protected. Plus, SASE delivers vast geographical distribution so that users are secured no matter where they are working.
Spectrum Enterprise’s Managed Network Edge already uses the Cisco Meraki platform to deliver security, routing, WiFi, SD-WAN, remote access, and other capabilities, easing the introduction of the Secure Access and Cloud Security solutions. I find one key feature is smart cameras, which can play an integral role in lowering business insurance rates. Many insurance firms offer discounts of anywhere from five to 20 percent if the business has an integrated alarm system with security cameras (according to Secure IT Securities).
From my view, Spectrum Enterprise can further differentiate and augment its cybersecurity proposition by aiding customers in finding insurance discounts. This could entail partnering with insurance firms to further incentivize businesses to adopt Spectrum Enterprise cybersecurity solutions, such as Managed Network Edge, as well as streamline how to get such discounts.
Enterprise Network Edge uses the Fortinet security portfolio to provide its purpose-built ASIC designed to accelerate SD-WAN and security performance. As a managed service, the offering assures security policies are up to date. As such, interworking with Cisco’s SASE-related security products should prove automatic giving customers more cybersecurity flexibility in implementing their security policy framework.
Key Takeaways: Spectrum Enterprise Adds Cybersecurity Options
Overall, I believe Spectrum Enterprise, in collaboration with Cisco, can fulfill the topmost cybersecurity demands of businesses through the new enhanced cybersecurity options backed by its service support acumen. Both Managed Network Edge and Enterprise Network Edge include professional integration and management to assist IT teams layer the new cybersecurity capabilities into their network, which can prove critical in the initial adoption of a SASE architecture. Spectrum Enterprise design and implementation services, along with complete network management, is solidly positioned to make sure businesses counter mounting security threats and have more peace of mind.
Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.
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Author Information
Ron is an experienced, customer-focused research expert and analyst, with over 20 years of experience in the digital and IT transformation markets, working with businesses to drive consistent revenue and sales growth.
Ron holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy from University of Nevada — Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Arts in political science/government from William and Mary.
