MEF, a global consortium of network, cloud, security, and technology providers, made a significant announcement regarding its MEF 3.0 Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Certification Program. The program aims to drive enterprise digital transformation by certifying technology and service providers in the cybersecurity space.
In this latest development, technology providers Fortinet and Versa have achieved full SASE certification, showcasing their commitment to providing secure solutions to enterprises. Additionally, service providers such as AT&T, BT, Colt, Comcast Business, Console Connect, Liberty Latin America, Lumen, Orange Business, TPG, and Verizon have also earned full SASE certification. Moreover, technology providers Broadcom Inc. and Palo Alto Networks, along with service provider Sparkle, are expected to achieve full certification shortly. These certifications are a testament to the rigorous evaluation process conducted by MEF, ensuring the effectiveness of each company’s cybersecurity solutions.
Nan Chen, the Chief Executive Officer of MEF, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in today’s landscape, stating that as cyber threats become more complex and frequent, organizations need to have absolute confidence in their security solutions. The independent SASE certification program by MEF aims to provide that assurance, enabling enterprises to choose validated solutions that protect their digital assets and support their transformation initiatives.
MEF’s comprehensive certification program encompasses various critical cybersecurity aspects such as Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN), Security Service Edge (SSE), and Zero Trust (ZT) capabilities. The program is delivered in collaboration with CyberRatings.org (CRO), a reputable testing laboratory that ensures transparency and confidence in cybersecurity solutions. Technology providers must successfully complete all three certification modules to achieve full SASE certification, while service providers can attain certification by integrating MEF-certified technology solutions.
Pascal Menezes, the Chief Technology Officer of MEF, highlighted the importance of building secure, high-performing networks for enterprise success. By achieving SASE certification, technology and service providers demonstrate their commitment to delivering reliable, scalable, and secure solutions to their customers.
The certification program sets the standard for network security by validating compliance with MEF standards, including MEF SD-WAN, MEF 117 for SASE, and MEF 118 for Zero Trust. Certified solutions receive detailed ratings displayed in MEF’s certification registry, enabling enterprises to make informed decisions about their security investments. Certified SASE solutions provide enterprises with confidence in the cybersecurity embedded within their network environments, especially as SASE becomes central to Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) offerings.
To further assist organizations in navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape, MEF recently released its “State of the Industry Report: SASE – Validating Cyber Defense in an Era of Unprecedented Threats.” This report aims to provide insights and guidance on leveraging SASE solutions for robust cybersecurity practices.
For more information about MEF’s SASE certification program and the certifications awarded to technology and service providers, interested parties can visit MEF’s official website. Additionally, MEF will showcase these certifications and advancements at the upcoming Global Network-as-a-Service Event (GNE) from October 28-30, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. The event will provide industry leaders with a platform to discuss and explore the next generation of NaaS solutions.
MEF continues to lead the way in accelerating enterprise digital transformation by delivering standards-based frameworks, services, technologies, APIs, and certification programs. As the defining authority for certified Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) business and operational APIs, Carrier Ethernet, SASE, SD-WAN, Zero Trust, and Security Service Edge (SSE) technologies and services, MEF remains committed to enabling Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) across an automated ecosystem. Their Global NaaS Event brings together industry leaders to collaborate on building, delivering, and consuming innovative NaaS solutions.
For more information about MEF and their initiatives, individuals can visit MEF’s website and follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube for the latest updates and insights.