Lumen Debuts SASE Solutions via the Company's Marketplace

Lumen Technologies has launched Lumen SASE solutions, which allows partners and customers to buy, configure and manage enterprise SASE.

It also simplifies the purchase and management of SD-WAN and security software, the company said. It leverages the Lumen platform to provide secure, high-performing access to any user, on any device, in virtually any location.

The Lumen marketplace lets IT decision makers select from multiple vendors and buy a solution based on their unique needs. They have the option to manage their own SASE solution or Lumen can fully manage the deployment, implementation and ongoing management of their customized SASE product. Through the Lumen SASE manager within the control center portal, customers configure their solution by location and use. They can add new sites, users and services. They can also receive alerts and manage tickets. Sales consultants are available to assist via chat or phone to provide a more traditional, consultative sales experience.

Lumen Technologies and the Marketplace

IDC’s Christopher Rodriguez

Christopher Rodriguez is IDC research director.

“With the world changing rapidly, businesses are facing mounting pressure to innovate and transform. Adapting risk management to meet the demands of modern technologies, business practices, and threats requires a pragmatic approach and practical solutions,” Rodriguez said. “Lumen SASE Solutions represents an important first-step down the digital transformation journey, with a realistic strategy to enable the business while lowering risk.”

Darren Wolner is senior director of SASE product management for Lumen.

Lumen’s Darren Wolner

“The combination of Lumen SASE Solutions on the marketplace and the Lumen SASE manager is a game changer for enterprises looking for a simplified solution to upgrade their network and cybersecurity posture,” Wolner said. “Feeling confident in the reliability and security of the network is critical, but for companies with distributed or hybrid workforces, this new reality has created unique security challenges.”

SASE Solutions Partners and Channel Partners

Lumen’s SASE vendor partners are at the heart of the new marketplace offer, the company said. Fortinet and VMware are the first to offer software, on-premises equipment, remote access clients and cloud security gateways for SD-WAN and information security services.

“Lumen’s expansive network infrastructure, cybersecurity knowledgebase and class-leading partner software – all available in the marketplace – make it easy for IT and security leaders to choose the best solution for their unique needs,” Wolner added. “From there, the Lumen SASE manager enables customers to quickly configure or modify services as their businesses grow and change.”

When it comes to channel partners, it’s all about simplicity, Wolner said.

“The channel is looking for an easy way for their customers to implement a complicated solution, and our digital approach to SASE enables them to do just that. The channel managers have been trained on our new SASE offer, and they can guide customers through the buying journey. From there, the customer can digitally configure and manage their own SASE solution via the Lumen SASE manager.”