Six Degrees launches managed SASE service with Fortinet tech
Six Degrees has launched a Managed SASE service using technology from Fortinet to expand its secure cloud and networking solutions.
The Managed SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) offering is available in three service tiers - Essential, Standard and Advanced - aimed at delivering secure and scalable connectivity to users irrespective of their location. This development builds on Six Degrees' existing managed SD-WAN and SD-Branch services and is intended to meet the growing need for integrated networking and security architectures among businesses in the UK.
The service leverages Fortinet technology and enables easier migration for customers already on Six Degrees' managed SD-WAN service. By integrating SASE, Six Degrees intends to support full adoption of secure connectivity models, particularly as firms increasingly require robust cyber security and network agility.
SASE specialisation
Six Degrees has also achieved the SASE Partner Specialization from the Fortinet Engage Partner Program, in addition to its existing SD-WAN specialisation. According to the company, this makes it the only UK partner to hold both Fortinet SD-WAN and SASE specializations, facilitating the support of compliance-heavy industries such as finance and legal, as well as mid-market organisations navigating complex regulatory environments.
Vince DeLuca, Chief Executive Officer at Six Degrees, highlighted the strategic importance of embedding security measures into all aspects of IT service delivery:
"Security can no longer be an afterthought – it must be embedded from the ground up. At Six Degrees, Fortinet underpins our SD-WAN and Managed SASE services, enabling us to deliver the next generation of secure, high-performance networking to organisations across the UK."
The Managed SASE service is designed to combine networking and security into a unified platform, reducing the reliance on multiple security and connectivity point products. Six Degrees states the service allows for a single management interface, providing operational efficiency and consolidated visibility for clients.
Stuart Hinge, Product Director at Six Degrees, commented on the integration and business benefits to customers:
"Our Managed SASE solution, combined with our SD-WAN service, offers a unified SASE platform designed to protect customers' applications, users, and devices across all locations. It provides a single platform and mitigates the need for multiple point products, leading to lower cost of ownership with visibility through a single management plane and data lake to keep our customers secure and working effectively."
Six Degrees' focus on secure, high-performance networking comes as UK businesses increasingly adopt hybrid working arrangements and cloud-based operations. The combination of SD-WAN and SASE is intended to deliver consistent security policies and network performance regardless of the location or device used by the end user.
Vendor partnership
Six Degrees has underlined its partnership with Fortinet by joining the Engage Partner Program and achieving the SASE Partner Specialization, a move that Fortinet says supports differentiation in the managed services sector.
Chris Briers, Senior Regional Manager, MSSP – UKI, Fortinet, said:
"Fortinet's Engage Partner Program provides Six Degrees with a valuable, flexible platform to build a profitable and highly differentiated security practice. By achieving the SASE Partner Specialization, Six Degrees has demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to become a partner of distinction."
Six Degrees says the new Managed SASE service enables organisations to meet security requirements within regulatory frameworks more easily, particularly in industries where compliance obligations are a key concern.
The new service sits alongside Six Degrees' portfolio of cloud, security and networking services, intended to help clients align their technology strategies with business goals. With the Managed SASE service, Six Degrees aims to simplify technology adoption while maintaining high security standards and operational efficiencies for UK businesses.
