Evaluation of Cloudbrink vs. Key Competitors in SASE and Related Technologies

Cloudbrink is a newer player in the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) market, distinguishing itself with a focus on high-performance, AI-driven solutions for the hybrid and remote workforce. Its primary competitors, such as Netskope, Zscaler, and Cato Networks, are more established and have comprehensive platforms. Here’s an evaluation of Cloudbrink in relation to its competitors across different technology domains:

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)

• Cloudbrink: Cloudbrink’s SASE solution is branded as “Personal SASE,” emphasizing a per-user, software-only model. It is designed to provide a “LAN-like” experience for remote workers, addressing performance issues like packet loss and jitter. A key differentiator is its use of “Flexible, Autonomous, Smart, Temporary (FAST) Edges,” which are dynamic, software-defined points of presence (PoPs) that can be spun up close to the user on demand. This is in contrast to the fixed, albeit numerous, PoPs of its competitors.
• Netskope, Zscaler, Cato Networks: These vendors offer a more traditional, comprehensive SASE platform that integrates various security and networking functions. They typically rely on a global network of fixed PoPs. Their solutions are often built for both remote workers and office branches, providing a unified platform for all users and locations. They offer a single, converged management console for policies and traffic.
• Evaluation: Cloudbrink’s approach is highly optimized for the performance and security of individual remote users. This is a potential advantage for organizations with a large, distributed workforce where a consistent user experience is critical. However, for a full-scale SASE deployment that includes office locations and complex WAN requirements, the more established platforms from Netskope, Zscaler, and Cato Networks might offer a more robust and proven solution.

CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker)

• Cloudbrink: While Cloudbrink’s core focus is on high-performance access and ZTNA, its platform includes features that provide visibility and control over cloud applications. However, it does not appear to have the deep, dedicated CASB functionalities (like extensive API integrations for data-at-rest scanning or fine-grained controls over unsanctioned apps) that its competitors are known for.
• Netskope, Zscaler, Cato Networks: These companies are leaders in the CASB space. They offer full-featured CASB capabilities, including discovery of shadow IT, data loss prevention (DLP) for cloud applications, and real-time policy enforcement for both sanctioned and unsanctioned cloud services. Their CASB offerings are a major component of their SASE platforms.
• Evaluation: For organizations where comprehensive cloud security and compliance (especially in the use of SaaS applications) is a top priority, Netskope and Zscaler would likely be a better fit. Cloudbrink’s CASB capabilities are likely more focused on the real-time access and security of data in transit, rather than the extensive data governance and compliance features of a dedicated CASB solution.

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network)

• Cloudbrink: Cloudbrink’s “Personal SD-WAN” is a key component of its platform, but it’s designed for the individual user’s device, not for connecting physical office locations. It leverages AI-driven protocols to optimize network performance, address packet loss, and improve the user experience on any network (Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.).
• Netskope, Zscaler, Cato Networks: These vendors have SD-WAN solutions that are designed to connect and manage traffic for entire office branches and data centers. They offer features like dynamic path selection, quality of service (QoS), and centralized orchestration to ensure optimal performance and connectivity across a distributed enterprise.
• Evaluation: The SD-WAN offerings from Netskope, Zscaler, and Cato are better suited for traditional enterprise networking scenarios with a mix of branch offices and remote users. Cloudbrink’s SD-WAN is a unique, user-centric approach that is highly effective for the hybrid workforce but does not replace a traditional SD-WAN for site-to-site connectivity.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) and ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)

• Cloudbrink: Cloudbrink positions itself as a modern, high-performance alternative to traditional VPNs. Its ZTNA solution is at the core of its offering, providing least-privilege access based on user identity and device posture. Its use of dynamic edges and “moving target defense” security is a major selling point, as it constantly changes the network path to thwart attackers.
• Netskope, Zscaler, Cato Networks: All three vendors have robust ZTNA offerings that are key components of their SASE platforms. They also aim to replace legacy VPNs by providing secure, application-specific access. They use a broker-based or proxy-based architecture to connect users to applications without placing them on the corporate network.
• Evaluation: All four companies are strong in the ZTNA space and are actively competing with legacy VPN solutions. Cloudbrink’s “moving target defense” and performance-enhancing protocol are unique features that could give it an edge for organizations with a strong focus on security and an extremely demanding performance-sensitive hybrid workforce.

Summary