Gartner, a globally recognized authority on technology trends, has classified Microsegmentation as "Early mainstream" in its 2023 Hype Cycle on Workload and Network Security*, indicating that this innovative approach to network security is gaining traction.
How does Gartner define Microsegmentation? In Gartner's terms, Microsegmentation is also known as identity-based segmentation or zero trust network segmentation, and goes beyond traditional network segmentation based on internet protocol/virtual LAN (IP/VLAN) circuits. It enables organizations to create more granular and dynamic access policies, providing enhanced security and control over network resources.
Gartner's evaluation of Microsegmentation is based on its potential to deliver high benefits. In their terminology, "High" means that it can enable new ways of performing horizontal or vertical processes, resulting in significantly increased revenue or cost savings for enterprises.
In summary, this report highlights the transformative potential of Microsegmentation in modern network security and we're in total agreement!
Zero Networks Segment™️: A Solution for Scalable Microsegmentation
While Microsegmentation is gaining momentum, it's not without its challenges. In this report, Gartner acknowledges that Microsegmentation is maturing quickly but remains difficult to deploy at scale. This is precisely where Zero Networks shines with its Microsegmentation solution, Zero Networks Segment™️, and why we are included as a Sample Vendor for Microsegmentation.
Zero Networks Segment is engineered to overcome the scalability hurdle with its automated policy creation and maintenance. Additionally, it is set apart by its agentless approach, ensuring seamless deployment across diverse network environments. This means that organizations can implement Microsegmentation at scale without the complexities typically associated with such solutions.
The "Slope of Enlightenment" and Microsegmentation's Prioritization
Gartner's Hype Cycle includes a phase known as the "Slope of Enlightenment." This phase signifies that organizations are investing time and effort in experimenting and working diligently to gain a true understanding of the innovation's applicability, risks, and benefits. Microsegmentation's presence in this phase emphasizes the growing interest and effort invested in refining this security approach.
Additionally, Microsegmentation holds a prominent position in the Priority Matrix for Workload and Network Security 2023. Mapped with a combination of both "High" benefit and "Early mainstream" maturity, it's noted that Microsegmentation is expected to achieve mainstream adoption in less than two years, further underscoring its significance in the realm of network security.
A Practical Approach to Zero Trust
One of the key drivers highlighted by Gartner for Microsegmentation is its alignment with the concept of zero trust. In today's data center design landscape, zero trust is rapidly becoming a requirement. Microsegmentation offers a practical means of achieving this. As Gartner aptly puts it, "Zero trust is becoming a requirement in data center design, and microsegmentation is a practical way to accomplish this."
In conclusion, Zero Networks' recognition as a Sample Vendor for Microsegmentation in Gartner's Hype Cycle for Workload and Network Security 2023 is a testament to our commitment to innovation in network security. Microsegmentation, with its potential to revolutionize network access policies and enhance security, is on the brink of mainstream adoption. Zero Networks Segment™️, with its automation and agentless approach, addresses the challenges associated with deploying Microsegmentation at scale.
As we move through the "Slope of Enlightenment" in the world of Network Security, it's evident that organizations are investing resources to harness its benefits fully. With Microsegmentation prioritized as "High" in the Priority Matrix for Workload and Network Security, its adoption is poised to accelerate. Furthermore, its alignment with the zero trust concept makes it a practical and essential component of modern data center design.
*ID: G00792335, Published 31 July 2023