Many companies discuss SASE with relief, almost like it resolves a long list of network and security issues. It does address some of them, but not without hidden complexities that slow things down. People often overlook this because the transition seems simple from the outside. A cloud model that combines security and networking feels straightforward. Once teams begin the actual rollout, minor problems emerge. These problems gradually accumulate, adding unexpected costs.
Some of these layers originate from old systems that remain untouched for years. Others come from work habits that change too frequently. Some stem from tool sprawl that expands without a clear plan. This creates a mix that hampers SASE adoption, even when companies feel prepared for it. Many Indian organizations face this pattern because they manage extensive networks and large, distributed teams.
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Cost Layers That Hide Inside Existing Networks
A common layer exists within legacy routing setups that do not easily fit into a cloud model. IT teams try to connect legacy circuits to new SASE paths, causing traffic to reroute unexpectedly. This results in more work, increased troubleshooting, and a quiet rise in operational costs. This issue occurs more often than expected, especially in companies with older branches still using hardware that doesn’t align with modern cloud routing.
Another layer exists in user identity systems. Many companies maintain multiple identity stores due to mergers or internal team changes. These disconnected systems make SASE policies more complex. A policy cycle that should take a few minutes ends up taking hours because each identity source needs manual checks. It may seem minor at first, but it becomes a bigger issue as teams grow.
There is also the expense of unmanaged shadow tools. People download small apps to complete quick tasks, and these apps generate traffic through the network. A SASE setup can block or redirect this traffic, but that still requires configuration time. Most teams underestimate how often these small downloads occur. It causes sudden spikes during deployment planning.
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At some point, companies turn to managed cybersecurity services to manage policy changes. Still, they need clarity on what stays in the network and what moves to the cloud. It requires repeated conversations, sometimes too many.
How These Layers Affect Workflows And Timing
When these factors accumulate, deployment slows down, not with noticeable breaks, but with minor delays that can extend over months. A single app that doesn’t authenticate correctly can delay device onboarding. An outdated routing table in a branch blocks cloud traffic from taking the correct route. A small tool used by only one team causes repeated reviews. These delays occur across teams and incur indirect costs.
Tata Communications uses SASE in its security stack, prompting many companies to map their internal systems and review policies to identify quick changes versus those needing lengthy updates. This helps, but only if they allocate sufficient time upfront to understand their existing network.
Another hidden cost appears in team training. Teams operate across cities, and each group uses tools differently. A centralized SASE model introduces uniformity, but shifting to a cloud-driven policy model changes how teams troubleshoot. A familiar method no longer works. A new method feels slow until everyone adapts to it. This transition period adds to the overall rollout cost.
Why A Longer View Helps With Scaling
Many Indian companies plan to expand their cloud presence across more applications. They expect SASE to manage this growth smoothly. It can, but only if the early cost layers are understood. Minor issues can become bigger problems as companies expand. A lapse in identity controls might not seem critical now, but it could lead to more policy exceptions down the line. An outdated routing branch may not inconvenience a small team today, but it can slow traffic flow in the future.
SASE simplifies this, but only after these layers are cleared. A broader support model, such as managed cybersecurity services, helps ease the burden on internal IT teams. It also helps manage frequent policy changes that evolve with new apps. Companies often see SASE as a one-time project, but it is more effective when viewed as an ongoing flow of traffic, identity, and policies.
