Analyst Report

Cisco named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape for Worldwide SASE

HOW TO USE THE MARKETSCAPE

The position gets attention. The analysis improves the decision.

The IDC MarketScape notes, “the 2026 SASE competitive landscape includes a diverse array of vendors approaching the market from different heritages, customer bases, and technology philosophies. Understanding where a vendor started helps buyers anticipate where capabilities are most mature, where integration is native versus assembled, and where gaps are most likely to persist.”

  • Start with what is nonnegotiable
    Coverage, performance, sovereign controls, latency and security gaps should map to operational reality.
  • Evaluate for the journey
    Road maps should align with AI governance, post-quantum readiness and dynamic threat response—not only today’s requirements.
  • Measure fit with what you already own
    Identity, endpoint, SIEM and network-monitoring integrations can materially change time to value.

WHY CISCO DESERVES A CLOSER LOOK

Cisco is positioned in the Leaders Category.

The IDC MarketScape Report for SASE recognized Cisco for the following strengths: architectural breadth and flexibility, AI capabilities, Identity integration, Threat visibility, and R&D. The Cisco profile also offers buyers the challenges and fit considerations needed for a credible evaluation.

CONSIDER CISCO WHEN

Your environment cannot choose between networking and security.

Cisco is well suited for large enterprises and global organizations that require integrated networking and security across hybrid environments, including branch, cloud, and on-premises infrastructure. It aligns with organizations that prioritize identity-driven zero trust architectures, distributed enforcement models, and integrated visibility across network and application layers. Cisco is also appropriate for enterprises with existing Cisco investments seeking to extend into SASE using a platform approach, as well as those with separate NetOps and SecOps teams requiring role-based operational control.

BUILD A BETTER SASE SHORTLIST

See the position. Understand the Guidance. Evaluate the fit.

Download the 2026 IDC MarketScape excerpt for the vendor assessment, buyer guidance, Cisco profile, strengths, challenges and best-fit considerations.