Cisco SASE – Licensing, Pricing & Deployment for Cloud-Delivered Network Security

Get expert guidance on Cisco SASE licensing and Enterprise Agreement alignment while consolidating SD-WAN, Secure Service Edge, ZTNA and policy control into a unified, cloud-delivered architecture.

Replace fragmented networking and security platforms with a centrally managed framework that secures users, sites, and cloud applications everywhere.

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No obligation. Clear, commercially aligned guidance tailored to your environment.

Cisco's SASE diagram showing cloud protection between network endpoints.

What is Cisco SASE?

Cloud-Delivered Networking and Security Platform

Cisco SASE is a cloud-delivered architecture that converges networking and security services into a unified subscription model. It integrates SD-WAN, Secure Service Edge (SSE), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and cloud security controls to deliver consistent, identity-driven access policies across distributed users, branches, and applications.

Steel City Consulting is an official Cisco Partner.

Why Traditional Network and Security Architectures Fall Short

Legacy network and security architectures were designed around centralised data centres, fixed office users, and predictable traffic flows. Today’s enterprises operate across hybrid workforces, cloud-first applications, and distributed branch environments, where users connect directly to the internet and SaaS platforms outside the traditional perimeter.

How Cisco SASE Unifies Connectivity and Cloud Security

Cisco SASE converges networking and security controls into a single cloud-managed framework designed to enforce consistent access policy everywhere.

  • Converges SD-WAN and SSE
    Connects branch locations using intelligent traffic routing (SD-WAN) while simultaneously applying cloud-based security controls (SSE).

  • Enforces Zero Trust access controls
    Applies identity-aware policies to users, devices, and applications regardless of location.

  • Reduces infrastructure complexity
    Minimises dependency on multiple point products and standalone security appliances.

  • Improves performance and user experience
    Inspects traffic through globally distributed cloud security points of presence, reducing unnecessary backhaul.

  • Centralises visibility and policy management
    Provides unified reporting and consistent governance across branches, remote users, and cloud environments.

Key Features

Cisco SASE consolidates cloud networking and security capabilities into a centrally managed architecture designed to simplify secure access and reduce operational overhead.

  • SD-WAN Integration
    Extends application-aware routing and intelligent path selection across branch and cloud connectivity.

  • Secure Service Edge (SSE)
    Delivers cloud-based security services including Secure Web Gateway, DNS security, CASB, and Zero Trust Network Access.

  • Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
    Provides identity-driven, least-privilege access to private applications without exposing the network.

  • Cloud-Delivered Policy Enforcement
    Applies consistent security inspection and access control across users, devices, and locations.

  • Unified Management Framework
    Centralises networking and security policy configuration within a single administrative plane.

  • Flexible Subscription Licensing
    Aligns SASE components under Cisco licensing models and Enterprise Agreement structures for scalable consumption.
A group of IT professionals using Cisco solutions.

Cisco SASE is available as a term-based subscription in a variety of tailored packages to suit your operational needs. We help assess the correct structure based on user count, access requirements, and Enterprise Agreement alignment.

Licence PackageValidityBest ForKey Capabilities
Secure Connect Foundation EssentialsSubscription (per user/site/connection)Organisations starting SASE journey with secure internet and private accessUnified SASE: SD-WAN + SSE (cloud security) with Umbrella SIG, secure internet access, private application access via Secure Connect fabric, unified dashboard and support.
Secure Connect Foundation AdvantageSubscription (per user/site/connection)Organisations needing enhanced security and throughputAll Foundation Essentials capabilities + upgraded security (higher performance/feature sets tied to Advantage tier with broader security enforcement).
Secure Connect Complete EssentialsSubscription (per user/site/connection)Organisations requiring full remote & hybrid SASEFoundation features plus production-level remote access (client-based ZTNA/VPN), unified SSE + SD-WAN management, stronger zero-trust enforcement and remote worker support.
Secure Connect Complete AdvantageSubscription (per user/site/connection)High-security enterprises with broad SASE and workforce needsAll Complete Essentials features with expanded policy control, advanced SSE capabilities and broader security service integration in a single SASE subscription.
Cisco Secure Access Essentials (SSE)Subscription (per user)Organisations prioritising zero-trust SSE without SD-WANCore SSE capabilities: ZTNA, SWG, CASB, DNS security, FWaaS, VPN-as-a-Service within Secure Access product set; integrates within SASE frameworks.
Cisco Secure Access Advantage (SSE)Subscription (per user)Organisations needing extended cloud security controlsAll Essentials features + advanced SSE: IPS, DLP, enhanced malware analytics; deeper threat and app control.

Licensing for Cisco SASE/SSE is subscription-based and commonly licensed per user, connection or site, depending on the package. These licences can be included within a Cisco Enterprise Agreement. We validate entitlement models, subscription terms, and feature alignment to ensure commercial efficiency and long-term cost control.

Use Cases & Business Outcomes

Who BenefitsHow Cisco SASE Helps
IT Managers & Network TeamsReduce operational overhead by consolidating SD-WAN and security into a single cloud-managed architecture, simplifying policy control, change management, and troubleshooting across distributed sites.
Security LeadershipStrengthen risk governance by enforcing identity-driven Zero Trust access policies and gaining unified visibility across users, devices, and cloud applications.
CIOs & C-SuiteImprove cost predictability and strategic alignment by consolidating networking and security investments into a structured subscription model aligned to Enterprise Agreements.
Distributed & Hybrid WorkforcesEnable secure, consistent access to corporate and cloud applications from any location without performance bottlenecks associated with legacy VPN backhaul.
Regulated IndustriesSupport audit, compliance, and data protection objectives through consistent cloud-delivered inspection and centrally governed access controls across multi-site environments.

How We Support Your Cisco Subscription Licensing

As a certified Cisco partner, we provide structured, commercially aligned oversight across Cisco subscription licensing.

Our focus is on ensuring entitlement accuracy, Enterprise Agreement optimisation, and long-term cost control across your Cisco estate.

Our service What to expect
Subscription & Entitlement Review We assess whether your licences match how the platform is actually deployed.

+ Detailed review of licence model (user-based, device-based, throughput, or tiered)
+ Validation of active entitlement against live deployment
+ Identification of under-licensing, over-licensing, or compliance gaps
+ Clear recommendation on optimal subscription structure
Enterprise Agreement (EA) Alignment Where subscriptions sit within a Cisco Enterprise Agreement, we review how they are structured and billed to ensure the agreement is working in your favour.

+ Assessment of whether subscriptions should sit inside or outside the existing EA
+ Review of current licence quantities to identify portfolio consolidation opportunities
+ Alignment of renewal dates to reduce fragmented contracts and expenses
+ Preparation for EA renewals and true-up events to prevent unexpected cost increases
Commercial Structuring & Term Optimisation We structure subscription terms to align with your financial planning and procurement process.

+ Comparison of 1, 3, and 5-year term options to align with budget cycles
+ Assessment of financial impact of early renewal, extension, or co-term adjustments
+ Cost forecasting across the full subscription term
+ Structured procurement and approval support
Renewal & Lifecycle Management We track your subscriptions throughout the term so renewals are planned, not rushed.

+ Advance notice of upcoming renewals with time to review requirements
+ Review of licence quantities as users or devices increase
+ Ongoing licence audits to ensure compliance and cost efficiency
+ Strategic planning to align future Cisco investment with budget and growth plans.

Cisco SASE Licensing, Deployment & Ongoing Support - Official Cisco Partner

As an official Cisco partner, we manage procurement and licensing for Cisco SASE on your behalf. Our team brings decades of hands-on experience designing, deploying, and supporting Cisco infrastructure across enterprise environments – spanning core networking, data centre, and distributed architectures. We ensure Cisco SASE licensing is accurately scoped to your technical requirements, aligned to your operational model, and validated directly with Cisco.

By working with us, your team will receive:

  • Accurate licence tier alignment
    Ensure you select the correct Cisco SASE tier based on your security model and workforce requirements.

  • Cisco-certified technical support
    Pre- and post-sales guidance from accredited Cisco specialists with extensive experience across networking, infrastructure, and enterprise architecture.

  • Commercial negotiation and pricing clarity
    Optimised pricing aligned to subscription structures and Enterprise Agreement eligibility – helping control long-term licensing and operational costs.

  • Renewal and lifecycle management
    Ongoing licence tracking, renewal coordination, and support to prevent compliance gaps.

  • Established Cisco partnership since 2018
    Cisco has been a strategic partner since 2018. Our sustained partnership reflects long-term investment in Cisco architecture, licensing strategy, and enterprise infrastructure delivery.

Whether you are evaluating Cisco SASE pricing, reviewing licence tiers, or planning a phased deployment, our team provides clear, commercially aligned guidance from assessment through to renewal.

Ready to Reduce Complexity in Hybrid Environments?

Request a Cisco SASE licensing review to align security capability, subscription structure, and Enterprise Agreement strategy to your organisation’s needs.