Research Note: Data Security Layer, SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) Market
Vendor Positioning
Title: GartnorGroup Vendor Positioning
Market
The Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) market represents a transformative shift in enterprise security architecture, combining critical network security functions with cloud-delivered WAN capabilities to create a unified security model. Leadership in this $134 billion projected market is concentrated among cloud-native pioneers Zscaler, Netskope and McAfee Enterprise, who collectively command 35.4% of the total market score through their advanced capabilities in zero-trust architecture and AI-powered security solutions. The market demonstrates clear segmentation between established leaders leveraging cloud-native architectures and traditional network security vendors transitioning their legacy solutions to meet SASE requirements. Notably, the top three vendors' combined score of 47.5 points showcases the significant gap between market leaders and challengers, highlighting the advantage of purpose-built cloud security platforms over adapted traditional security architectures. The SASE market's rapid evolution since its 2019 inception by Gartner underscores the industry's decisive shift toward integrated, cloud-delivered security services that can protect increasingly distributed enterprise environments while reducing complexity and operational overhead.
Select Vendors
Zscaler (Strategic Vision: 8.0, Product: 8.5, Total: 16.5): Founded in 2008, Zscaler pioneered cloud-native security under the leadership of Jay Chaudhry, who serves as CEO and Chairman with a significant ownership stake in the company. The company went public in March 2018 (NASDAQ: ZS) and has grown to a market capitalization over $25 billion with revenue reaching $1.62 billion in fiscal year 2023. Their mission focuses on revolutionizing enterprise security through cloud-native zero trust platforms, processing over 400 billion daily transactions. Zscaler operates from its San Jose headquarters with over 5,000 employees globally. The company serves over 40% of Fortune 500 companies, demonstrating strong enterprise market penetration.
Netskope (Strategic Vision: 8.0, Product: 7.5, Total: 15.5): Founded in 2012 by Sanjay Beri, Krishna Narayanaswamy, Ravi Ithal, and Lebin Cheng, Netskope emerged as a leader in the cloud security space. The company's mission centers on providing unified platform security through its Security Service Edge (SSE) and SASE solutions. Having raised over $1 billion in funding from prominent investors including Sequoia Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners, Netskope achieved a valuation of $7.5 billion after its last funding round in 2021. Based in Santa Clara, California, Netskope has grown to more than 2,000 employees serving thousands of customers worldwide. Their recent acquisition of Dasera in 2024 strengthens their Data Security Posture Management capabilities.
McAfee Enterprise (Strategic Vision: 8.5, Product: 7.0, Total: 15.5): Founded in 1987 by John McAfee, the company has undergone significant transformation including mergers, acquisitions, and rebranding to become a major enterprise security provider. In 2021, McAfee Enterprise merged with FireEye to form Trellix, marking a strategic shift in the company's direction. The company's mission focuses on delivering advanced threat intelligence and security solutions for enterprise customers. With headquarters in San Jose, California, the company maintains a global presence with thousands of employees. Their extensive product portfolio serves numerous Fortune 500 companies and government agencies worldwide.
Palo Alto Networks (Strategic Vision: 6.0, Product: 7.0, Total: 13.0): Founded in 2005 by Nir Zuk, Palo Alto Networks has grown from a firewall company to a comprehensive security platform provider. The company went public in 2012 and has achieved significant market success, with revenues exceeding $6.9 billion in fiscal 2023. Their mission centers on providing advanced cybersecurity solutions through their integrated platform approach. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company employs over 13,000 people globally. They serve over 85,000 customers worldwide, including 85% of Fortune 100 companies.
Cisco (Strategic Vision: 5.0, Product: 6.5, Total: 11.5): Founded in 1984 by Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner, Cisco has evolved from a networking hardware company to a major player in enterprise security solutions. The company's security division represents a strategic focus area within their broader networking and technology portfolio. Their mission in security focuses on providing integrated solutions that leverage their extensive network infrastructure expertise. With headquarters in San Jose, California, Cisco employs over 80,000 people globally. Their security solutions serve countless enterprise customers, building on their dominant position in enterprise networking.