SASE 101 in Microsoft Entra: How to Get Started

Introduction

As more organizations shift to SaaS, hybrid work, and distributed teams, traditional perimeter-based access models are becoming harder to manage. Microsoft’s new Entra guidance on Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) gives IT and security teams a practical starting point for understanding modern secure access before making architecture or vendor decisions.

What is SASE?

SASE is a cloud-delivered framework that combines networking and security services into a unified access model. Instead of assuming users and apps sit behind a corporate network, SASE applies access and security policies closer to the user and application.

A key theme in Microsoft’s guidance is that SASE moves organizations from network-centric trust to identity-centric access, making it closely aligned with Zero Trust strategies.

What’s new in Microsoft’s guidance

Microsoft’s article focuses on foundational education rather than a product launch. Key takeaways include:

• SASE is a framework, not a single product
• Identity-aware access is central to modern secure access design
• Cloud-delivered networking and integrated security are core building blocks
• Global delivery helps apply policies consistently for remote and distributed users
• SASE and Zero Trust are complementary, not competing models

SASE vs. SSE

One of the most useful points for admins is Microsoft’s explanation of SASE vs. Security Service Edge (SSE):

• SSE focuses on securing access to web, SaaS, and private applications
• SASE includes SSE capabilities plus broader networking and connectivity functions

For many organizations, starting with SSE can be a more realistic first step before redesigning network architecture more broadly.

Why this matters for IT admins

This guidance is especially relevant for teams dealing with:

• Remote and hybrid workers
• Multi-cloud and SaaS adoption
• Third-party or contractor access
• VPN replacement or modernization planning
• Zero Trust implementation roadmaps

Microsoft positions SASE as a practical way to operationalize Zero Trust in real-world environments where users, devices, and applications are no longer tied to a single corporate network.

How to get started with Microsoft Global Secure Access

Microsoft recommends beginning the journey with Microsoft Global Secure Access. Early steps include:

• Deploying the traffic forwarding client
• Using Conditional Access for identity-based policy enforcement
• Enabling shadow AI visibility to monitor unsanctioned app usage

These actions can help organizations improve access control today while building toward a broader SASE architecture.

Next steps

IT leaders should use this guidance to align networking, security, and identity teams around shared terminology and goals. Before evaluating tools, define what SASE should mean in your environment, identify quick wins with SSE-style controls, and review Microsoft’s Global Secure Access and Zero Trust documentation for phased adoption.