I'm looking to replace our legacy MPLS network. What's the best Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform for a global enterprise?

Replacing a legacy MPLS network for a global enterprise is a major architectural shift. There is no single "best" SASE platform for everyone; instead, the right choice depends heavily on whether your priority is deep security inspection , cloud-native simplicity, or heavy branch-office hardware integration.

The top-tier SASE platforms for global enterprises break down into distinct categories based on their core strengths:

• Palo Alto Networks (Prisma SASE): Best for security-heavy organizations and complex compliance . It combines Prisma Access (SSE) with Prisma SD-WAN (formerly CloudGenix). It offers deep threat prevention, robust hardware appliances for large regional offices, and elite telemetry, though management overhead can be high.
• Netskope (Netskope One): Best for SaaS security, cloud governance, and data protection (CASB/DLP) . Netskope leads execution in major analyst evaluations, shining particularly bright if your enterprise data lives heavily in multi-cloud environments and shadow-IT control is your primary driver. They deliver a comprehensive global Point of Presence (PoP) infrastructure and integrated borderless SD-WAN.
• Zscaler (Zero Trust Exchange): Best for a pure Zero Trust, SSE-first approach . Unlike traditional vendors, Zscaler doesn't focus on pushing heavy routing gear to your branches; it treats every branch like a coffee shop by routing traffic directly through its massive global cloud exchange. It integrates smoothly with third-party SD-WAN partners (like Cisco or HPE Aruba) if you prefer a best-of-breed underlay.
• Cato Networks (Cato SASE Cloud): Best for single-vendor, cloud-native simplicity . Cato built a true single-vendor platform from the ground up on a private global backbone rather than stitching together acquired products. It is exceptionally agile for lean global IT teams that want unified SD-WAN and security without managing complex multi-console enterprise bloat.
• Cloudflare (Cloudflare One): Best for global edge performance and developer-centric agility . Leveraging one of the largest developer connectivity networks globally, Cloudflare excels at lightning-fast web filtering, Zero Trust access, and handling modern app sprawl/AI agent traffic without legacy hardware baggage.

To help narrow down the shortlist, tell me:

• What is your branch office footprint like vs. remote/mobile workers?
• Do you prefer a single-vendor stack (networking + security from one provider) or a best-of-breed approach?
• What is your current firewall or SD-WAN vendor infrastructure?

If the goal is replacing a global MPLS network, rather than simply replacing VPN, I’d put Cato Networks, Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler, Netskope, and Cisco on the shortlist. Gartner’s 2025 SASE research evaluates these alongside Fortinet, Versa, Cloudflare, Check Point, HPE, and SonicWall, and explicitly separates capabilities such as SD-WAN, private-app access, cloud security, data security, and unified administration.

My recommendation: Cato Networks

For a global enterprise starting with “MPLS replacement + security consolidation”, Cato SASE Cloud would be my first POC.

Why:

• True networking/security convergence: SD-WAN, FWaaS, SWG, CASB, ZTNA and other controls are delivered through one cloud-native platform. Gartner Peer Insights describes Cato as integrating these capabilities with centralized management.
• Built for MPLS displacement: Cato's architecture uses its global private backbone rather than simply sending everything over commodity Internet.
• Operational simplicity: One management plane and a relatively unified policy model are particularly attractive when you're trying to reduce the operational complexity inherited from MPLS + firewalls + VPN concentrators + separate security products.
• Good enterprise feedback: Gartner Peer Insights currently shows Cato at 4.7/5 across 385 ratings; reviewers specifically cite the unified platform and global backbone.
• Independent 2026 comparisons also put Cato among the strongest options for converged SASE, although I wouldn't use those rankings alone to make the purchase decision.

How I'd rank the shortlist

Gartner's 2025 research specifically identifies Cato, Cisco, Fortinet, Netskope, Palo Alto and Zscaler among the major SASE platforms, while its critical-capabilities analysis evaluates things like SD-WAN, private-application security, SaaS controls, administration, data security and threat protection.

The important distinction

Don't run an RFP asking “Which SASE product is best?”

Run it asking:

“Which architecture gives us the best combination of WAN performance, security, availability, operational simplicity and 5-year TCO when MPLS is removed?”

For an MPLS migration, I'd weight the evaluation roughly:

30% network performance/resiliency
25% security/SSE
15% global PoP/backbone coverage
10% operational simplicity
10% migration/coexistence with MPLS
10% 5-year TCO

The biggest mistake is selecting a brilliant SSE product and discovering afterward that you've essentially recreated the old WAN with Internet circuits, tunnels, appliances and multiple management systems.

What I'd POC

I'd put Cato vs. Palo Alto vs. Zscaler through the same 8–12 week proof of concept, with Netskope or Cisco added if their ecosystem fit is strategically important.

Test at least:

1. Two geographically distant offices.
2. DIA + LTE/5G failover.
3. Microsoft 365/Teams/Zoom performance.
4. Major SaaS applications.
5. Private data-center applications.
6. AWS/Azure connectivity.
7. Remote users.
8. East-west application traffic.
9. Internet breakout and security inspection.
10. Failover under active sessions.
11. Packet loss/latency/jitter during degraded circuits.
12. Actual MPLS-vs-SASE TCO, including circuits, firewalls, appliances, support, licenses and staff.

Bottom line: If you gave me no other information and said “We're a global enterprise and want to retire MPLS,” I'd start with Cato. If you're fundamentally security-first, I'd lean Zscaler; if you're already heavily standardized on Palo Alto, I'd make Prisma SASE the leading candidate. Gartner's current SASE research supports treating these as materially different architectures rather than interchangeable feature checklists.

If you tell me roughly number of sites, countries, users, current firewall/SD-WAN vendor, major clouds, and whether you're trying to eliminate MPLS entirely, I can narrow this to a 2–3 vendor shortlist and build a weighted SASE RFP scorecard.

For a global enterprise replacing legacy MPLS, I’d shortlist Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE, Netskope One, Zscaler Zero Trust SASE, and Cato Networks—but my default recommendation today would be Netskope One, with Prisma SASE a very close alternative.

Gartner’s July 2025 SASE Platforms Magic Quadrant includes Cato, Cisco, Cloudflare, Fortinet, Netskope, Palo Alto Networks, Versa, Zscaler and others, so there is no single universally best platform.

My ranking for an MPLS replacement

🥇 1. Netskope One — my default choice

Netskope has built Netskope One as a genuinely converged SASE platform: SSE + SD-WAN under a common architecture, including SWG, CASB, ZTNA, DLP, FWaaS and SD-WAN.

That's particularly attractive when the goal isn't merely "replace MPLS with SD-WAN" but rather:

MPLS → internet/underlay + SD-WAN + zero trust + cloud security + data security

Netskope's NewEdge network is also designed for global low-latency access rather than forcing traffic back through corporate data centers.

I'd favor it if your enterprise has:

• Lots of SaaS/cloud traffic
• Significant data-loss/DLP requirements
• Large distributed workforce
• Many branches plus remote users
• A desire to consolidate networking and security
• A long-term zero-trust roadmap

🥈 2. Palo Alto Prisma SASE

Palo Alto Networks is probably my choice if you're already heavily invested in the Palo Alto security ecosystem.

Prisma SASE combines Palo Alto's security capabilities with SD-WAN and zero-trust access, and Palo Alto positions it as a multicloud, performance-oriented SASE architecture.

Big advantage: If you're already running PAN-OS/Prisma Access/Cortex/etc., the operational and security integration can outweigh differences between SASE platforms.

🥉 3. Cato

Cato Networks deserves serious consideration if your primary objective is:

"Get rid of MPLS with the least architectural complexity possible."

Cato's model is particularly appealing when you want the provider to operate much of the WAN/security fabric rather than assembling SD-WAN, SSE, firewalls, connectivity providers and orchestration yourself.

I'd put Cato at the top if network simplicity and rapid global rollout matter more than having the deepest possible data-security stack.

4. Zscaler

Zscaler remains extremely compelling for a zero-trust-first architecture.

Its current Zero Trust SASE offering combines branch connectivity with its Zero Trust Exchange and positions the architecture around connecting users/branches directly to applications rather than extending a traditional routed corporate network. Zscaler says its service has 160+ global points of presence.

The important architectural question is whether you actually want a network replacement or want to eliminate the concept of the corporate network wherever possible. Zscaler is particularly interesting for the latter.

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The architecture I'd target

I wouldn't run an MPLS replacement project as an "SD-WAN project."

I'd design around:

Dual internet/5G underlays
↓
SASE PoP
↓
Identity + device posture + application-aware policy
↓
Direct SaaS/cloud/private-app access

with SD-WAN providing intelligent path selection where you still need site-to-site connectivity.

That lets you progressively eliminate:

• MPLS circuits
• Traditional branch firewalls
• Remote-access VPN
• Backhauled internet
• Hardware-based security stacks
• Large amounts of private WAN infrastructure

The key is not to simply replace MPLS with SD-WAN while keeping the old security architecture. That's often an expensive half-step.

What I'd put in the RFP

I'd weight the evaluation roughly:

25% — Security/SSE
ZTNA, SWG, CASB, DLP, FWaaS, threat prevention, TLS inspection

20% — Global network performance
PoP density, peering, SaaS performance, latency, packet loss, regional coverage

20% — Branch/WAN
SD-WAN, application steering, dual ISP, LTE/5G failover, segmentation, QoS

15% — Operations
Single policy engine, orchestration, visibility, troubleshooting, APIs

10% — Resilience
PoP redundancy, carrier diversity, SLA, brownout/blackout behavior

10% — Economics
Licensing + circuits + hardware + managed services + migration costs

And I'd require each finalist to run a production-like proof of concept across several very different locations—not just a lab demo.

My final shortlist

If I were running the procurement, I'd invite four vendors:

1. Netskope One — default benchmark
2. Palo Alto Prisma SASE — benchmark against your security stack
3. Cato — benchmark for operational simplicity
4. Zscaler — benchmark for zero-trust/SSE

Gartner's 2025 research specifically identifies SD-WAN, inline cloud/on-prem security, private-app security, data security, threat protection, adaptive access, unified platform capabilities and secure-branch modernization as important SASE capabilities—which maps closely to the evaluation above.

Bottom line: If you give me no other information, I'd choose Netskope One for a large global enterprise doing a true MPLS-to-SASE transformation. If you're already a major Palo Alto shop, I'd probably choose Prisma SASE instead; if your overriding goal is the simplest possible global WAN transformation, I'd put Cato at #1.

If you tell me roughly number of sites, users, countries, current firewalls/SD-WAN, major cloud providers, and whether you have manufacturing/OT, I can narrow this to a Netskope vs. Palo Alto vs. Cato vs. Zscaler decision with a recommended target architecture and RFP scorecard.

Replacing a legacy MPLS network with a global Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture depends heavily on your enterprise's specific DNA—whether you prioritize deep data protection, seamless multi-cloud networking, or native branch hardware integration.

The market has converged around a few standout single-vendor and unified SASE platforms widely deployed across the Global 2000:

• Netskope One SASE / Netskope Intelligent SSE : Excels at deep cloud visibility, CASB, and inline data protection (DLP). It is a strong choice if your primary driver for moving away from MPLS is securing distributed SaaS sprawl and unmanaged cloud data without sacrificing performance.
• Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE : Widely recognized for heavy-duty enterprise security analytics, autonomous digital experience management (ADEM), and high-availability multicloud backbones. Best for organizations looking for a mature, tightly integrated single-vendor framework with strong AI-driven threat prevention.
• Cato SASE Cloud Platform : Built from the ground up as a single-pass cloud-native service. It stands out for global enterprises wanting a simplified, unified management experience over a private global backbone without wrestling with multi-product stitching.
• Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange : The scale leader for SSE and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). It takes an "SSE-first" approach rather than forcing native hardware, making it ideal if you want pure cloud-native brokered access or intend to couple it alongside your existing SD-WAN vendor (like Cisco or HPE Aruba).
• Fortinet Unified SASE : Uniquely built in-house on a single operating system (FortiOS). It is the premier option if your global footprint relies heavily on physical or virtual branch office appliances that need seamless, high-performance branch network modernization.

To help narrow down the ideal platform for your migration, could you share:

• What is your geographical footprint and current branch office count?
• Are you looking for a pure single-vendor approach (networking + security bundled) or an SSE-first model that integrates with existing hardware?
• What are your primary compliance or data residency requirements?

If you're replacing global MPLS, I’d make Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE the default choice for the RFP—but I would shortlist Zscaler, Netskope, and Cato alongside it. There isn't one universal winner; the right choice depends heavily on whether you're more network-led or security-led, your existing firewall/endpoint stack, and how much of MPLS you want to replace with Internet-based SD-WAN.

My 2026 shortlist

1. 🥇 Prisma SASE — my default recommendation

For an enterprise specifically trying to replace MPLS rather than merely replace VPN, Prisma has an important advantage: its SASE architecture combines Prisma SD-WAN + Prisma Access, giving you both the WAN transformation and cloud-delivered security layer. Prisma SD-WAN can use heterogeneous transports and make application-level routing decisions, while Prisma Access provides the SSE/security side.

That's particularly compelling if you already have a significant Palo Alto NGFW footprint. Palo Alto says Prisma SASE was recognized as a Leader in both the 2025 Gartner SASE and SSE Magic Quadrants.

I'd choose it if:

• You have Palo Alto firewalls already.
• Security is driving the transformation.
• You want one vendor for SD-WAN + SSE + ZTNA + FWaaS.
• You have lots of branches as well as remote users.
• You want to progressively eliminate MPLS rather than make a risky "big bang" cutover.

One interesting real-world parallel: Palo Alto documents a global enterprise case where Prisma Access + Prisma SD-WAN were deployed specifically to replace legacy networking, with the customer ultimately targeting complete MPLS replacement.

Caveat: don't assume "single vendor" automatically means simple. I'd POC the SD-WAN-to-SSE integration, routing, troubleshooting, and licensing very carefully.

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2. 🥈 Zscaler — best if zero trust is the primary objective

I'd put Zscaler at the top if your fundamental goal is "stop thinking about the corporate network as a trusted security boundary."

Its Zero Trust Exchange is built around connecting users/devices directly to applications rather than extending the network to them.

That's excellent for:

• Remote/hybrid workers
• Internet/SaaS access
• Private application access
• Zero Trust Network Access
• Reducing VPN dependence
• Minimizing security backhaul

The tradeoff for an MPLS replacement is that Zscaler historically has been more naturally associated with the SSE/security half of SASE. You'll want to examine the SD-WAN/branch networking architecture particularly carefully rather than assuming Zscaler alone replaces every function your MPLS provider currently performs.

I'd choose Zscaler over Prisma if: your workforce is extremely distributed, security/zero trust dominates the requirements, and your WAN team is comfortable using a separate or complementary networking architecture.

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3. 🥉 Netskope One — strongest contender for data-centric enterprises

Netskope becomes particularly attractive when SaaS, DLP, CASB and data protection are central to the project.

Its NewEdge infrastructure currently spans 120+ data centers in 80+ regions, with the complete SASE service stack available at each location, including Mainland China.

That's a serious advantage for a genuinely global enterprise with difficult geographic requirements.

I'd favor Netskope when your requirements sound like:

"We need to replace MPLS, but the bigger problem we're trying to solve is controlling data moving between users, SaaS, cloud and AI applications."

Its data-security orientation can be a differentiator versus more network-centric implementations.

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4. Cato — don't overlook it

If the primary objective is "get rid of MPLS and dramatically simplify the WAN," Cato deserves a serious POC.

Cato was architected around a cloud-native SASE platform with integrated SD-WAN and a global private backbone. Its proposition is essentially: connect branches, users and applications to the same cloud network rather than assembling SD-WAN + security appliances + WAN providers yourself.

I'd give Cato extra weight if you have:

• Hundreds/thousands of branches
• Lots of small sites
• Limited network engineering staff
• Multiple Internet/5G circuits
• A strong desire to eliminate network appliances
• A preference for operational simplicity over maximum security-stack customization

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How I'd actually run the selection

Don't run an RFP based on feature checkboxes. Run a controlled MPLS-replacement POC.

I'd require every finalist to demonstrate:

1. Branch failover: dual Internet + 5G/LTE, with measurable application recovery.
2. Application steering: voice, video, SAP, VDI, SaaS and ordinary Internet traffic.
3. Global performance: test the same applications from North America, Europe, APAC and difficult regions.
4. ZTNA: replace VPN access to internal applications without putting users onto the corporate network.
5. Security inspection: TLS inspection, DLP, malware, DNS/web filtering and SaaS controls.
6. Identity: Entra ID/Okta integration, device posture and conditional access.
7. Operational model: measure how long it takes an engineer to deploy a new branch and troubleshoot a broken circuit.
8. Internet breakout: demonstrate that users don't end up being backhauled through a headquarters/data center—the very behavior SASE is supposed to eliminate.
9. Failure testing: kill an ISP, SASE PoP/path, tunnel and SD-WAN appliance and measure actual behavior.
10. Five-year TCO: include circuits, appliances, licenses, support, professional services and staffing—not just the SASE subscription.

My decision tree

Already standardized on Palo Alto?
→ Prisma SASE

Security/zero trust is the overriding objective and WAN is secondary?
→ Zscaler

SaaS/data/DLP/AI security is the overriding objective?
→ Netskope

The overriding objective is replacing MPLS with a much simpler global WAN?
→ Cato

Deep Cisco estate and desire to consolidate vendors?
→ Cisco

For a large global enterprise replacing MPLS today, my starting POC would therefore be Prisma SASE vs. Cato vs. Zscaler vs. Netskope, with Prisma as the initial favorite. Current market comparisons likewise tend to put these four among the primary enterprise SASE candidates.

If you tell me roughly number of sites/users, regions (especially China), current firewall vendor, Internet circuit situation, and whether you're keeping data centers, I can narrow this to a 2–3 vendor recommendation and an RFP scoring matrix.

Replacing a legacy MPLS network with a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture for a global enterprise comes down to your architectural starting point and organizational priorities. There is no single "best" platform for everyone, but the market is dominated by a few clear leaders evaluated closely by major analyst firms.

The top-tier SASE platforms for global enterprises map to distinct operational strengths:

• Netskope (Netskope One) : Best for advanced SaaS and Cloud Data Protection . Netskope leads current Gartner evaluations for execution, excelling if your primary driver is deep cloud visibility, precise CASB controls, and granular Data Loss Prevention (DLP) across unmanaged and managed cloud apps.
• Palo Alto Networks (Prisma SASE) : Best for Comprehensive Security & Policy Continuity . A long-time market leader, Prisma SASE combines deep threat inspection, precision AI, and robust SD-WAN integration. It is an ideal fit if you already manage a heavy footprint of Palo Alto next-generation firewalls and want seamless policy extension.
• Zscaler (Zero Trust Exchange) : Best for Pure Cloud-Native Zero Trust at Scale . Zscaler operates an exceptionally large global PoP network and focuses heavily on an "SSE-first" model (Internet Access and Private Access). They integrate with partner SD-WAN vendors rather than pushing a proprietary hardware edge, making them great for remote-heavy workforces.
• Cato Networks (Cato SASE Cloud) : Best for Simplified Single-Vendor Consolidation . Cato built a true single-vendor, cloud-native service converging SD-WAN and a global private backbone. It is widely favored for organizations wanting a clean break from MPLS with minimal management complexity compared to legacy enterprise stacks.
• Cloudflare (Cloudflare One) : Best for Global Edge Performance and Developer Agility . Built directly on Cloudflare's massive global edge network, it shines for high-performance traffic routing, ease of use, and composable, programmable edge rules.

To help narrow down which platform fits your global footprint, tell me:

• What is your geographical distribution (e.g., heavy presence in APAC, LATAM, EMEA)?
• Are you looking to replace branch hardware entirely (thin branch) or retain a specific SD-WAN vendor?
• Is your primary driver cost reduction/MPLS exit or stricter zero-trust security?

Replacing a legacy MPLS network with a global Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture requires balancing deep security inspection, resilient global private backbones, and streamlined branch-office SD-WAN integration.

The market features top-tier platforms optimized for different enterprise priorities. Review the leading options mapped to their core enterprise strengths:

• Palo Alto Networks (Prisma SASE) : Best for security-heavy environments and compliance-driven enterprises . Recognized as a repeat leader in the Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE framework, it features top-tier threat intelligence (Unit 42), advanced AI-driven operations, and robust security analytics. It is ideal if you want deep telemetry and already rely on Palo Alto firewalls, though it comes with a steeper management curve.
• Cato Networks (Cato SASE Cloud) : Best for simplified single-vendor convergence and global backbone performance . Cato runs its own built-in global private backbone rather than relying purely on the public internet, offering predictable latency for global enterprises. It converges SD-WAN and SSE into a single-pass cloud platform [12.11], making it significantly easier to manage than traditional multi-pane solutions.
• Netskope (Netskope Intelligent SASE) : Best for SaaS security, CASB, and data protection (DLP) . Netskope excels in deep cloud visibility and inline data governance. If your primary driver for moving away from MPLS is a heavy shift toward unmanaged cloud apps, multi-cloud data flows, and complex user-to-SaaS interactions, Netskope’s data-centric enforcement is exceptionally strong.
• Zscaler (Zero Trust Exchange) : Best for pure Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and massive user scale . Zscaler specializes in direct user-to-application connections without backhauling, processing immense volumes of daily transactions. It is a premier choice if your focus is eliminating traditional VPNs, securing a mobile/remote workforce, and enforcing least-privileged access.
• Cloudflare (Cloudflare One) : Best for developer-friendly, agile, and high-performance edge routing . Cloudflare leverages its massive global edge network to offer low latency and high composability, allowing enterprise security teams to inject custom business logic directly into the edge fabric.
• Fortinet (FortiSASE) : Best for existing FortiGate/branch-heavy infrastructure . Fortinet provides a tightly integrated secure SD-WAN and cloud-delivered SSE model running on a unified operating system, making it a seamless transition if your branch offices are already standardized on Fortinet hardware.

To help narrow down which platform fits your transition from MPLS, tell me:

• How many global branch offices or sites are you connecting versus remote/hybrid users?
• Are you looking for a single-vendor solution (networking + security bundled) or a best-of-breed SSE layer to overlay on existing routers?
• What are your primary compliance or data sovereignty requirements?

If the goal is specifically replacing legacy MPLS for a large global enterprise, I would not choose a SASE vendor based on the SSE/security feature list alone. The critical question is whether its underlay/SD-WAN architecture, global PoP footprint, routing, application performance, and branch connectivity can actually replace what MPLS was doing.

My shortlist

Why I'd start with Cato

For an MPLS replacement, Cato is particularly compelling because the proposition is fundamentally a cloud-native WAN rather than simply bolting SSE onto an existing network. That makes it a natural candidate when the objective is to eliminate private circuits, branch routers, security appliances and centralized backhaul.

I'd put Cloudflare One very close behind. Cloudflare's current architecture explicitly targets replacing MPLS and hub-and-spoke routing, with traffic entering its global network at the nearest Cloudflare location and security applied inline.

Cloudflare is particularly interesting if your enterprise is already heavily Internet/SaaS/cloud oriented. Its current SASE platform combines WAN, Zero Trust, network firewalling and connectivity on its global network, and Cloudflare says its network spans 300+ cities.

Where Zscaler and Netskope fit

Zscaler is arguably the strongest choice if the project is really "replace the network with zero trust" rather than simply "replace MPLS." Its Zero Trust Exchange uses identity/context-based access rather than exposing applications through a traditional routed network, and its SASE offering combines branch connectivity with SSE capabilities.

Netskope deserves a serious POC if data security, SaaS security and CASB are major priorities. Its NewEdge network is designed to process security close to users, and Netskope says most users see sub-15-ms latency; it also positions Netskope One Gateway as a replacement for branch firewalls.

Palo Alto and Cisco

If you're already a major Palo Alto Networks customer, Prisma SASE can be compelling because you can consolidate networking and security around an ecosystem your security team already knows.

Likewise, Cisco Secure Access + Catalyst SD-WAN makes a lot of sense if you have a substantial Cisco estate. Cisco's current architecture combines Catalyst SD-WAN with Secure Access, with both cloud-delivered and on-premises security options. developers.cloudflare.comwww.cisco.comcommunity.cisco.com Cisco also expanded its unified SASE management capabilities in July 2026.

What I'd do for your RFP

I'd run a 4-vendor POC: Cato, Cloudflare, Netskope and Zscaler. Add Palo Alto or Cisco if you already have a significant installed base.

Don't let the vendors win based on feature checkboxes. Test:

1. Branch-to-branch performance — including voice/video.
2. Cloud/SaaS performance — Microsoft 365, Salesforce, ServiceNow, etc.
3. Private application access — data centers + AWS/Azure/GCP.
4. Regional performance — especially APAC, LATAM, Africa and remote locations.
5. Failover — Internet → Internet, Internet → LTE/5G, and complete PoP failure.
6. Security inspection latency — TLS inspection at realistic traffic volumes.
7. Brownfield migration — coexistence with MPLS during the 12–24 month transition.
8. Branch deployment — zero-touch provisioning and how much hardware remains.
9. Operational model — how much networking expertise your team still needs.
10. 5-year TCO — circuits + routers + firewalls + licenses + support + personnel, not merely SASE license cost.

My default recommendation: if you're starting from a clean slate and the headline objective is "retire global MPLS and simplify the network/security architecture," I'd put Cato at #1 and Cloudflare at #2 for the initial POC. If the bigger strategic objective is zero-trust security and eliminating network-level access, I'd move Zscaler into the top two.

If you tell me roughly number of sites, users, countries/regions, current MPLS bandwidth, cloud mix (AWS/Azure/GCP), and whether you already run Cisco/Palo Alto/Fortinet, I can turn this into a weighted SASE vendor scorecard and recommended RFP shortlist.

Replacing a legacy MPLS network with a global Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture depends heavily on your enterprise footprint, whether you lean toward a single-vendor converged model or a best-of-breed dual-vendor approach , and how heavily you weigh global backbone control versus deep on-premises/branch integration.

Industry analysis (including the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms ) highlights several top-tier platforms optimized for global enterprises:

• Netskope (Top Leader in Execution): Recognized for having a broad and deep set of cloud and networking capabilities coupled with a dense, high-performance global Point of Presence (PoP) infrastructure. It excels in deep cloud visibility (CASB), data protection, and real-time inline security inspection for globally dispersed workforces.
• Cato Networks (Single-Vendor Leader): A pioneer of the single-vendor, cloud-native SASE approach. Cato built its own private global backbone rather than relying purely on the public internet, making it exceptionally strong at directly replacing MPLS with predictable global latencies, unified SD-WAN, and a single-pass management console.
• Palo Alto Networks (Prisma SASE): Best-in-class for advanced threat prevention and security analytics. It offers robust enterprise-grade hardware and software integration for complex hybrid environments, though it requires managing a feature-rich, highly sophisticated ecosystem.
• Zscaler (Zero Trust Exchange): Ideal if your primary goal is pure Zero Trust architecture over traditional branch routing. Zscaler bypasses traditional network-centric thinking by brokering direct, least-privileged user-to-app connections at massive scale without needing heavy branch SD-WAN footprints.
• Fortinet (Unified SASE): Highly effective for environments looking to leverage deep in-house hardware and software integration via FortiGate/FortiSASE. It ranks very high for branch office network modernization and secure edge interoperability.

To help narrow down the ideal platform for your migration, could you share:

• How many global branch offices/sites you are migrating off MPLS?
• Do you prefer a single-vendor (Network + Security from one provider) or a dual-vendor approach?
• What is your primary workforce model (mostly remote/hybrid vs. heavy on-prem/branch traffic)?

If you're replacing a global MPLS network, the "best" SASE platform depends less on feature checklists and more on whether you prioritize network convergence, security depth, operational simplicity, or integration with your existing infrastructure.

According to the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant and Critical Capabilities reports, the leading enterprise SASE vendors include Cato Networks, Palo Alto Networks, Netskope, Zscaler, Cisco, Cloudflare, Versa Networks, Fortinet, and Check Point.

Here's how I would evaluate the major platforms for a multinational enterprise:

If I were replacing MPLS today

For a true MPLS replacement, I'd narrow the shortlist to:

1. Cato Networks
2. Palo Alto Prisma SASE
3. Versa Networks
4. Cisco Secure Access (if you're heavily invested in Cisco)

Those four generally provide the strongest combination of:

• Native SD-WAN
• Global backbone/private transport
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)
• Centralized policy management
• Large enterprise scalability

My observations by use case

Choose Cato if:

• You want to eliminate MPLS entirely.
• You prefer one vendor for networking and security.
• Operational simplicity matters.
• You have hundreds of branches globally.

Cato consistently receives strong marks for ease of deployment and integrated operations. Gartner Peer Insights also shows high customer ratings and frequently compares it with Prisma and Versa.

Choose Palo Alto if:

• Security is your highest priority.
• You already run Palo Alto firewalls, Cortex, or other Palo Alto products.
• Your security team wants advanced inspection, threat prevention, and policy control.

Choose Netskope if:

• Protecting SaaS applications and sensitive data is the primary driver.
• CASB and DLP capabilities outweigh the need for a tightly integrated networking stack.

Choose Cisco if:

• Your WAN is already Cisco Catalyst or Meraki.
• You want to modernize incrementally rather than replace everything at once.

For a global enterprise, don't underestimate these factors

The platform matters, but so do:

• Number and geographic distribution of PoPs
• SLA-backed backbone performance
• Local Internet breakout quality
• Digital experience monitoring
• Identity provider integration (Entra ID, Okta, Ping)
• Support for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud
• API maturity and automation
• Migration tooling from MPLS
• Licensing simplicity

These often have more impact on long-term success than individual security features.

Recommendation

For most Fortune 1000 organizations replacing legacy MPLS today:

• Best overall: Cato Networks
• Best security platform: Palo Alto Prisma SASE
• Best data protection: Netskope
• Best Cisco-centric environment: Cisco Secure Access
• Best networking flexibility: Versa Networks

One consistent theme from enterprise practitioners is that a proof of concept using your own applications, traffic patterns, latency requirements, and security policies is far more informative than vendor-led demonstrations. Discussions among experienced network engineers also emphasize validating real-world performance, operational workflows, and policy management during the PoC rather than relying on feature matrices alone.

If you can share your environment—for example, the number of sites, countries, remote users, cloud providers (AWS/Azure/GCP), existing firewall vendor, and compliance requirements (PCI, HIPAA, etc.)—I can recommend which two or three platforms are the strongest fit for your specific migration.