In the fast-evolving landscape of digital transformation, the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) and its member organizations are paving the way to bring a new generation of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) solutions to the market. With their visionary approach, MEF envisions NaaS as a comprehensive suite of services that combines on-demand connectivity, application assurance, cybersecurity, and multi-cloud-based services. Through their collaborative efforts, MEF aims to revolutionize enterprise networking by providing agile, scalable, and secure solutions.
Understanding NaaS
NaaS is a transformative concept that promises to reshape the way enterprises access and consume network services. At its core, NaaS encompasses on-demand connectivity, allowing organizations to flexibly provision the network resources they need when they need them. Additionally, it incorporates application assurance, ensuring optimal performance and quality of service for business applications. With the rising cybersecurity threats, NaaS also integrates robust security measures, safeguarding enterprises against malicious activities. Furthermore, NaaS solutions deliver multi-cloud-based services, enabling seamless integration and management of cloud resources across various platforms.
Building Blocks of NaaS Solutions
As MEF advances NaaS solutions, they have defined the primary building blocks that underpin these revolutionary offerings. The first building block is a diverse range of services that cater to the unique requirements of different enterprises and industries. Whether it’s high-speed connectivity, data analytics, or cloud connectivity, NaaS services are designed to meet specific business needs. Automation platforms play the second crucial role in NaaS, simplifying and streamlining network provisioning, configuration, and management processes. By automating these operations, enterprises can save time and resources, enabling more efficient and agile network management. The third building block is ecosystem collaboration, which involves partnerships between service providers, technology vendors, and enterprises. These collaborations ensure interoperability and integration between different NaaS solutions, providing a unified experience for end-users. Finally, certifications play a vital role in establishing trust and verifying the quality and reliability of NaaS solutions. MEF proposes certifications that validate adherence to industry standards, enabling enterprises to make informed decisions.
The complexity of SASE services
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) services represent a critical component of NaaS as they bring together networking and security within a unified framework. Enterprises require secure access to their applications and resources, regardless of user location, device, or network. SASE services provide a holistic approach by integrating networking capabilities with various security offerings, such as secure web gateways, firewall-as-a-service, data loss prevention, and more. This convergence simplifies management, reduces costs, and enhances overall security posture. MEF acknowledges that implementing SASE services presents complex challenges but also offers unprecedented benefits to enterprises.
SASE Certification Program
To ensure the credibility and effectiveness of SASE cybersecurity products and services, MEF has partnered with CyberRatings.org to develop a rigorous SASE certification program. This collaborative effort aims to provide users with confidence in SASE solutions, certifying their adherence to industry standards and best practices. The SASE certification program ensures that enterprises can select trusted and reliable cybersecurity solutions that align with their specific needs and requirements.
Beta program for SASE certification
To evaluate and validate the effectiveness of the SASE certification program, MEF has launched a beta program with the participation of sixteen service and technology providers. This beta program allows providers to test and refine their SASE offerings based on the program’s requirements, ensuring the highest level of quality and adherence to industry standards. The collaborative nature of the beta program enables MEF to gather valuable feedback and insights from industry experts, fostering continuous improvement of the certification process.
Availability of certification
Once the beta program is complete and all necessary refinements have been made, the SASE certification will be made available to the MEF membership at large in the first half of 2024. This milestone represents a significant step forward in ensuring the reliability and efficacy of SASE solutions. With the availability of certification, enterprises can confidently adopt SASE services, knowing that their chosen solutions have undergone rigorous testing and meet industry-leading standards.
Formation of the Enterprise Leadership Council (ELC)
To gain a deep understanding of enterprise requirements and perspectives, MEF has recently formed an Enterprise Leadership Council (ELC). Comprising experienced professionals with domain expertise in major enterprise vertical markets, the ELC provides valuable insights to MEF’s strategies and work. Their diverse perspectives enable MEF to align its initiatives with the specific needs and challenges faced by enterprises in different industries.
Profile of ELC members
The members of the Enterprise Leadership Council (ELC) have been handpicked for their extensive experience and expertise in various enterprise vertical markets. These leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table. Their backgrounds span industries such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunications, and more. By incorporating their expertise, MEF ensures that its strategies and solutions cater to the diverse demands of enterprises across different sectors.
Collaboration for Success
The success of NaaS and SASE solutions hinges on the ability of stakeholders to seamlessly integrate their offerings into a cohesive entity. Cooperation between service providers, technology vendors, enterprises, and industry organizations is paramount. Through open collaboration, industry standards can be established, interoperability can be ensured, and enterprises can benefit from a comprehensive suite of NaaS and SASE services. MEF serves as a catalyst in fostering this collaboration, bringing together key players to drive innovation and transform enterprise networking.
MEF’s unwavering commitment to bringing Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions to the market is poised to revolutionize enterprise networking. By defining the building blocks of NaaS, proposing certifications, and facilitating ecosystem collaborations, MEF is paving the way for agile, scalable, and secure networking solutions. The partnership with CyberRatings.org to deliver the SASE certification program further ensures the trustworthiness and effectiveness of SASE cybersecurity solutions. As the beta program progresses and certification becomes available to MEF membership at large, enterprises can confidently embrace NaaS and SASE services, enabling them to thrive in the dynamic digital landscape. With the collaborative efforts of the Enterprise Leadership Council (ELC) and the continued collaboration among stakeholders, the realization of seamless and transformative enterprise networking is within reach.