Versa launches Sovereign SASE, offering full control

Versa has announced the general commercial availability of Versa Sovereign SASE, allowing enterprises and service providers to implement custom networking and security services from their infrastructure.

Versa Sovereign SASE addresses the increasing demand for more control amid evolving data privacy regulations and growing security threats. The solution offers enhanced data privacy, the ability to customise services, and business continuity through a "do-it-yourself" model. Customers can build and manage Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) on their own infrastructure, eliminating reliance on third-party platforms, which can mitigate operational risks and costs.

Pinkesh Kotecha, Chairman and CEO of Ishan Technologies, said, "Versa's Sovereign SASE approach has redefined the possibilities for us as a service provider in offering our own managed SASE solution. By leveraging our own infrastructure and having real control, we can offer an expanded range of tailored products to enterprises, enabling them to confidently navigate the complexities of digital transformation. This ensures secure, seamless, and efficient access to enterprise data and applications made possible through our strategic partnership with Versa."

Versa has introduced its Sovereign SASE option as a new deployment model within the VersaONE Universal SASE Platform. Customers now have three deployment options: "As-a-service", "Private", and the newly introduced "Sovereign". The "Sovereign" option allows deployment through a set of dedicated gateways within customers' own infrastructure, offering full control and management.

The solution is intended for organisations in highly regulated industries or those managing critical infrastructure that requires stringent security. For instance, national defence departments have used Versa Sovereign SASE for SD-WAN, Zero Trust access, and security, supporting their cybersecurity advancements. A North American energy provider also uses the service to comply with its critical infrastructure while securing IT and OT networks.

Over the past two years, various industries such as defence, financial services, maritime, energy, and retail have deployed Versa Sovereign SASE. It is now generally available through Versa's partners and directly from Versa.

Service providers can also benefit from Versa Sovereign SASE, using it to offer enhanced networking and security services within their infrastructure. Providers gain full operational control over data processing, branding, management, and failover, thereby minimising operational risks and meeting local compliance requirements. Partners in North America, Europe, and India have adopted the solution.

T-Mobile US introduced T-Mobile SASE with T-SIM Secure, while Tata Communications and Lumen have rolled out their Sovereign SASE offerings. According to Andrew Winney, General Manager and Head of Products, SASE at Tata Communications, "One of the primary challenges service providers face with current SSE platforms is the limited visibility and control resulting from their closed network architectures. By integrating Versa's Sovereign SASE solution into our network backbone, Tata Communications ensures superior user experiences and enhanced manageability, which is a key factor in delivering differentiated managed services."

Versa projects that Sovereign SASE will grow the total available SASE market by 25–30%, driven by improved service economics and extended deployments across various industries and use cases. Anuj Dutia, Vice President of SASE Solutions & Services at Versa, noted, "Versa Sovereign SASE delivers a game-changing deployment model that combines an industry-leading security and networking platform with the deployment flexibility to meet the most demanding regulatory and operational requirements of any business."