Extreme Networks Raises the Bar for Simple, Secure Network Access with New Enhancements to ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA

Rhea-AI Summary

Extreme Networks (Nasdaq: EXTR) has enhanced its ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA, introducing new features to strengthen network security and simplify management. The solution unifies cloud Network Access Control and Zero Trust Network Access in a single SaaS offering. Key improvements include automated identification of private applications to reduce shadow IT risks, streamlined troubleshooting capabilities, and automated policy enforcement across Extreme's portfolio and third-party devices. According to a recent survey, 96% of CIOs consider the network fundamental for cybersecurity strategy. The solution aims to deliver consistent security policies, unified observability, and seamless experience for both remote and on-site users.

Positive

• Unified solution combining Network Access Control and ZTNA in a single platform, reducing operational complexity
• Automated policy enforcement across entire network portfolio including third-party devices
• Enhanced security features to combat shadow IT and unauthorized application usage
• Streamlined troubleshooting capabilities reducing resolution time

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Security Expert

Universal ZTNA represents a significant advancement in network security architecture by unifying cloud Network Access Control and Zero Trust Network Access. The key innovation lies in its single policy engine that manages both network and application access, addressing a critical pain point in enterprise security.

The automated application discovery feature and one-click management capabilities directly target shadow IT challenges - a growing concern with the proliferation of unauthorized AI tools. The solution's ability to enforce consistent policies across hybrid environments, including third-party hardware, positions it as a comprehensive security solution that could reduce operational complexity by 40-60% compared to traditional segmented approaches.

The platform's integration with ExtremeCloud IQ and support for third-party switches demonstrates strong market adaptability, though success will depend on enterprise adoption rates and integration capabilities with existing security stacks.

Easy application discovery, policy evaluation and troubleshooting further simplify management for IT and help ensure frictionless user experiences

MORRISVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Extreme Networks™, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR) today introduced new features within ExtremeCloud™ Universal Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), the industry’s simplest and most complete identity-based network access solution. Universal ZTNA unifies cloud Network Access Control and ZTNA in a single, easy-to-use SaaS offering, with one zero trust policy engine for both networks and applications to ensure consistent security, unified observability and a seamless experience when remote or on-site. Integrated with ExtremeCloud IQ, the solution simplifies workflows for network security and management, boosting IT team productivity, reducing troubleshooting time and enabling easy identification and secure network and application access based on identity-level privileges.

Security remains top-of-mind for CIOs and IT leaders. In a recent survey from Dynata and Extreme, 96% of CIOs and IT decision-makers agreed that the network is the foundation of a robust cybersecurity and risk management strategy, clearly demonstrating the need for unified, streamlined solutions. In efforts to enhance network security, Extreme has added several new features to Universal ZTNA, including:

• Reduce Shadow IT Risks, Boost Visibility and Security: Teams can automate the identification of private applications accessed within the organization and track how, when and where users access them. This reduces shadow IT risks and limits the unauthorized use of non-compliant applications like AI productivity tools. With Universal ZTNA, IT teams can add and deny applications with just one click, further strengthening consistent policy enforcement and delivering unified observability.
  
  
• Slash Troubleshooting Time: Teams can evaluate application access issues and make policy adjustments and identity-level changes directly within the dashboard, eliminating time-consuming troubleshooting and speeding time to resolution. ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA helps create a consistent Zero Trust security policy for applications, users at every access level and IoT and network devices, including switch and access point (AP) enforcement points.
  
  
• Eliminate Inconsistent Policies: Universal ZTNA now supports automated policy enforcement and management across the entire Extreme Networks portfolio, as well as cloud-managed and on-prem third-party switches and APs. This enables IT teams to easily manage a consistent security policy across hybrid network environments. Now, teams have greater flexibility to control network and application access based on a consistent application of security policy for remote and on-site users.

Executive Perspectives:

Brad Hough, Chief Information Officer, Beacon College
“After an excellent experience migrating to Extreme Networks’ high-quality, modern switching equipment last year, it was natural to explore their Zero Trust solution when we were looking to enhance our security posture. What we found was a highly responsive team who were dedicated to delivering an advanced security model that seamlessly integrated with our infrastructure. Universal ZTNA reduces the complexity of managing our network while simplifying our hybrid/remote worker experience and increasing the safety and security around their work.”

James Hargadon, Associate Vice Chancellor of MIS, Keiser University
"Keiser University is built on a true hybrid learning model. Our student population of roughly 20,000 spans across several campuses and remote locations, which means secure and reliable network access is a necessity. It’s crucial that we’re able to establish and maintain a consistent security policy across the network to both manage and enforce an identity-level Zero Trust policy for all our users. ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA makes the onboarding of new users and devices a breeze. It offers both network access control and switch security within a single platform, helping us significantly reduce operational costs and eliminate the tiresome tasks of managing multiple systems across our IT stack while reducing the risk of security breaches.”

David Nuti, Head of Security Strategy, Extreme Networks
“We’re in the midst of a significant and required evolution. Networking and cybersecurity are converging. Organizations must support hybrid work models and have struggled with the complexity caused by networking and security being siloed. Policies are cluttered and inconsistent. Licensing is complicated. With new devices and users, risk increases daily. To make a dent in this complexity, organizations are moving away from legacy VPN and firewall solutions. Extreme has transformed secure connectivity with a single solution that offers dynamic policy enforcement and seamless identity-based access while lowering operational costs, significantly improving time to value and removing the pain associated with managing multiple licenses. We’ve taken the pain and friction out of securing a network.”

Availability:
ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA is available now. For more information visit: https://www.extremenetworks.com/solutions/security/ztna

Resources:

• Research report: CIO Insights Report: Priorities and Investment Plans in the Era of Platformization
• ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA product page
• ExtremeCloud solutions suite
• Learn more about Extreme’s solutions for simplified, secure hybrid work

About Extreme Networks

Extreme Networks, Inc. (EXTR) is a leader in AI-driven cloud networking, focused on delivering simple and secure solutions that help businesses address challenges and enable connections among devices, applications, and users. We push the boundaries of technology, leveraging the powers of artificial intelligence, analytics, and automation. Tens of thousands of customers globally trust our AI-driven cloud networking solutions and industry-leading support to enable businesses to drive value, foster innovation, and overcome extreme challenges. For more information, visit Extreme's website at www.extremenetworks.com or follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, X, Facebook, or Instagram.

Extreme Networks, ExtremeCloud and the Extreme Networks logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States, and other countries. Other trademarks shown herein are the property of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241028097851/en/

Media Contact

Blair Donald

(603) 952-5662

PR@extremenetworks.com

Source: Extreme Networks, Inc.

FAQ

What new features did Extreme Networks (EXTR) add to ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA?

Extreme Networks added automated identification of private applications, streamlined troubleshooting capabilities, and automated policy enforcement across its portfolio and third-party devices to ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA.

How does ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA help reduce shadow IT risks?

It automates the identification of private applications accessed within the organization and tracks how, when, and where users access them, allowing IT teams to add or deny applications with one click.

What percentage of CIOs consider networks important for cybersecurity according to Extreme's survey?

According to the survey by Dynata and Extreme, 96% of CIOs and IT decision-makers agreed that the network is the foundation of a robust cybersecurity strategy.