Are Security Service Edge (SSE) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) the same thing? No. SSE is the security half of SASE. SASE combines SSE’s cloud-delivered security services with software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN). Put simply, SASE = SSE + SD-WAN. Every SASE solution includes SSE, but organizations can adopt SSE on its own without changing their network.
What is SSE?
Security Service Edge is a cloud-delivered security platform that combines Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). It secures user access to the Internet, SaaS applications, and private applications with consistent, identity-based policy. Gartner introduced SSE in 2021. For more details, see What is Security Service Edge (SSE)?
What is SASE?
Secure Access Service Edge is an architecture that converges wide area networking and network security into a single cloud-delivered service. It includes everything in SSE, plus SD-WAN to connect branch offices and other locations. Gartner introduced SASE in 2019. For more details, see What is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?
SSE vs. SASE at a Glance
The table below compares SSE and SASE side by side.
| Aspect | SSE | SASE |
| Scope | Security only | Security and networking |
| Core Components | SWG, CASB, ZTNA | SWG, CASB, ZTNA, plus SD-WAN |
| Common Additions | FWaaS, DLP, remote browser isolation | FWaaS, DLP, remote browser isolation |
| Primary Focus | Securing user access to the web, SaaS, and private applications | Securing access and optimizing connectivity for users and branch offices |
| Typical Owner | Security team | Security and networking teams together |
| Common Starting Point | VPN replacement or web proxy replacement | WAN refresh or branch network modernization |
| Network Changes Required | None; works with the existing network | Deploys or replaces branch networking with SD-WAN |
Which Is Right for You?
The right choice depends on what problem you are solving first. Consider the following guidance.
- Start with SSE if your priority is securing remote and hybrid users, replacing VPN with ZTNA, retiring on-premises web proxies, or gaining control over SaaS applications, and your branch network is meeting your needs.
- Plan for full SASE if you are also modernizing branch connectivity, such as replacing MPLS circuits, consolidating branch firewalls, or deploying SD-WAN.
Many organizations start with SSE and add SD-WAN later. Because SSE is part of SASE, the investment carries forward.
Where Does Microsoft Fit?
Microsoft provides SSE through Microsoft Entra Global Secure Access, which includes Entra Internet Access and Entra Private Access, along with Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps as its CASB. Microsoft doesn’t offer its own SD-WAN. Instead, organizations that want a complete SASE architecture can combine Global Secure Access with SD-WAN from one of Microsoft’s networking partners, whose devices connect branch offices to Global Secure Access.
Summary
SSE and SASE are closely related but not the same. SSE delivers cloud-based security for users accessing the web, SaaS, and private applications. SASE adds SD-WAN networking to that security foundation to also modernize how branch offices connect. Organizations focused on securing remote users and replacing VPN can start with SSE today and expand to full SASE when they are ready to modernize their network.
Additional Information
What is Security Service Edge (SSE)?
What is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?
What is a Secure Web Gateway (SWG)?
What is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?
Microsoft’s SASE Partner Ecosystem Overview
Not Sure Where to Start?
Schedule a free one-hour consultation to discuss your secure access and networking strategy. I’ll help you determine whether SSE or full SASE is the right fit for your organization, review your current VPN and remote access infrastructure, and outline a practical path forward with Microsoft Entra Global Secure Access. There’s no obligation. Fill out the form below, and I’ll personally follow up to schedule your consultation.
