From Theory to Practice: The Evolution of AI-Powered SASE/SSE
This panel delves into the transformative potential of AI-powered Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Security Service Edge (SSE) frameworks, examining how AI integration is redefining security paradigms for the cloud-based, multi-device enterprise of 2025. Moderated by an expert in AI and network security, this discussion will bring together industry leaders and practitioners to explore the evolution of SASE/SSE powered by AI, covering real-world deployments, success stories, and hurdles. Key topics include automated threat detection, adaptive policy frameworks, and AI-driven insights for robust, scalable cybersecurity. Attendees will gain practical insights into implementing and scaling AI-enhanced SASE/SSE, overcoming integration challenges, and realizing the true potential of AI in cybersecurity.
Joe Skorupa is a former Gartner Research VP/Distinguished Analyst. He continues to advise senior leaders at technology and service providers on strategic matters such as product plans, go-to-market/positioning, partnerships and M&A. His area of focus is disruptive market forces, whether technology, business model or broader geopolitical, economic or social factors.
Joe, along with Neil MacDonald, lead Gartner’s research on the transformation of the Network Security and SD-WAN markets into a new, combined $28B market – the Secure Access Service Edge, or SASE.
Joe has more than 40 years of experience in enterprise, service provider and storage networking. He has experience working in global enterprises and in early-stage startups, holding a variety of engineering, marketing and analyst roles at companies such as FORE Systems, Motorola, Indiana University, RHK and Gartner.
He is a Life Member of IEEE Member and was a member of 802.3 Ethernet committee for more than eight years and chaired the 802.3 Network Management Task Force for four years.
Aidan Walden has served as the Global Director of Public Cloud Architecture and Engineering at Fortinet for the past three years. Prior to Fortinet, he served in various engineering and leadership roles at a tier 1 mobility and global ISP. Throughout his 18-year career, he has navigated the evolving security landscape across mobility, IoT, and service provider infrastructure.
