De-risking your move to SASE: a strategic guide to selecting the right implementation partner

The power of starting small: quick wins that build momentum

Effective SASE implementations begin with high-impact, low-risk use cases designed to deliver immediate value. For many New Zealand organisations, replacing legacy VPN infrastructure with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) represents the ideal starting point.

Consider the compelling advantages ZTNA offers over traditional VPN solutions:

• Enhanced security posture: Unlike VPNs that provide broad network access once connected, ZTNA implements granular, application-specific access controls. This micro segmentation approach ensures there's no lateral movement between resources, dramatically reducing the attack surface.
• Superior user experience: ZTNA eliminates the performance bottlenecks inherent in VPN solutions that backhaul traffic through central concentrators. Users experience faster, more reliable access to applications with minimal latency, particularly when accessing cloud-based services.
• Simplified administration: ZTNA solutions are often much leaner and easier to deploy and manage than complex VPN infrastructures. The transparent nature of ZTNA means users can access authorised resources seamlessly without the friction typically associated with VPN connections.
• Immediate risk reduction: by implementing identity-based authentication and continuous device posture checks, ZTNA eliminates common attack vectors for ransomware and other network infiltration attempts. The principle of "never trust, always verify" provides significantly better security than traditional perimeter-based VPN models.

A well-executed ZTNA pilot can deliver measurable improvements within weeks, not months. Success metrics typically include reduced help desk tickets related to remote access issues, improved application performance scores, and enhanced security incident detection rates. These tangible wins create internal champions for the broader SASE initiative and provide compelling evidence for continued investment.

Establishing clear selection criteria for your final decision

When evaluating potential SASE partners, it's essential to move beyond feature comparisons to assess their ability to deliver a low-risk implementation journey. Focus on partners who demonstrate a proven methodology for phased deployment rather than those promising rapid, wholesale transformation.

• Implementation methodology: Look for partners who begin with comprehensive readiness assessments and co-develop customised roadmaps based on your specific environment and business objectives. The right partner will conduct thorough evaluations of your existing network and security architecture to identify integration opportunities and potential challenges.
• Change management expertise: Successful SASE implementations require more than technical capability - they demand strong change management and communication skills to secure buy-in from networking and security teams. Partners should demonstrate experience in building consensus across traditionally siloed technical teams.
• Local support and expertise: For New Zealand organisations, having access to local, certified expertise during critical implementation phases is non-negotiable. Partners with sovereign support capabilities can provide immediate, context-aware assistance during both planned migrations and unexpected incidents.
• Flexible delivery models: The best partners offer both managed and co-managed service options, allowing you to choose the appropriate level of support based on internal capabilities and preferences. This flexibility becomes particularly valuable as your team develops competency with the new platform.
  

The Kordia secure edge advantage: purpose-built for low-risk transformation

Kordia Secure Edge exemplifies the partnership approach necessary for successful SASE transformation. Built on Fortinet's industry-leading single-vendor architecture, the solution is specifically designed for incremental, low-disruption rollouts.

Leveraging existing investments: For organisations with existing Fortinet infrastructure, Kordia can leverage current appliances and skills to lower migration costs and accelerate time-to-value. This approach preserves previous investments whilst modernising the security architecture.

• Proven implementation framework: Kordia's methodology begins with structured readiness assessments followed by collaborative roadmap development. This ensures that each phase of implementation aligns with business priorities and risk tolerance levels.
• Best-Connected Infrastructure: Kordia's direct peering relationships with major cloud and SaaS providers, combined with on-net SASE Points of Presence, deliver optimal performance for New Zealand businesses. This infrastructure advantage translates directly into better user experiences and reduced latency. Kordia is one of the few service providers with proven extensive experience in networks, cloud and security to meet the needs of the future hybrid digital workforce.
• Local Expertise at Scale: with over 30 Fortinet-certified professionals and a local Security Operations Centre (SOC), Kordia provides the sovereign support capabilities necessary for mission-critical implementations. Regular quarterly reviews and proactive optimisation services ensure continuous improvement throughout the partnership.
  
  

Evaluating the final proposal: what to look for

When reviewing proposals from shortlisted partners, focus on these critical elements that indicate a mature, risk-conscious approach to SASE implementation:

• Detailed phase planning: the proposal should outline specific phases with clear entry and exit criteria, success metrics, and rollback procedures. Each phase should deliver measurable business value whilst building toward the complete SASE future state.
• Investment protection guarantees: look for commitments to leverage existing infrastructure and skills where possible. Partners should demonstrate how current investments will be preserved and integrated rather than replaced wholesale.
• Performance and availability commitments: ensure the proposal includes transparent Service Level Agreements with clearly defined performance metrics and remediation procedures. These should cover both technical performance and support response times.
• Training and knowledge transfer: The right partner will provide comprehensive training programs and documentation to build internal competency. This reduces long-term dependency and ensures your team can effectively operate the new platform.
• Scalability roadmap: The proposal should demonstrate how the solution will adapt to future business growth and changing requirements. This includes both technical scalability and commercial flexibility as your organisation evolves.
  
  

Next steps

The path to SASE success begins with selecting a partner committed to your journey, not just the destination. Evaluate potential partners based on their implementation methodology, change management expertise, and ability to deliver quick wins that build organisational confidence.

How do I get started with Kordia Secure Edge?

Contact us today to discuss how Kordia Secure Edge can deliver real business outcomes through a proven, low-disruption implementation approach. Our team will work with you to develop a customised roadmap that minimises risk whilst maximising the value of your SASE investment.