Versa versus Cato

Unified SASE architecture

VERSA

SASE and SD-WAN solutions for on-premises, hybrid, and cloud; integration-ready for smooth digital transitions.

CATO

Cloud-based solution required with rip-and-replace for installs.

Enterprise-class SD-WAN

VERSA

Longstanding SD-WAN leader capable of handling advanced networking requirements of Fortune 100 customers.

CATO

Has never appeared on a Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN despite claiming SD-WAN availability since 2017.

Network performance

VERSA

Path optimization for each connection for lower latency.

CATO

Traffic must be backhauled via PoP backbone, increasing latency; throughput depends on distance from PoP.

On-premises security

VERSA

Supports full stack inspection, NGFW, threat protection on-premises.

CATO

Requires connection to cloud gateway for full security services, impacting session quality.

Global compliance

VERSA

Built-in support for global compliance and data sovereignty laws, FedRAMP High Ready.

CATO

"Cato has limited support for turnkey compliance with data sovereignty laws and constraints on log storage locations across various countries."

– Gartner, Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms, 9 July 2025

Versa Unified SASE versus Cato

Enterprise-ready SASE platform

Versa delivers a comprehensive, unified SASE platform that natively integrates SD-WAN and SSE. The solution supports on-premises, hybrid, and cloud deployments, offering seamless digital transformation for any enterprise use case.

Cato's cloud-based SASE solution requires cloud connection with minimal support for phased deployments.

Advanced security everywhere

Versa’s full security stack is available in any deployment mode (on-premises, hybrid, and cloud). Everywhere security includes network sandboxing, full anti-malware/IPS/IDS capabilities, deep packet inspection of private app traffic, and complete DLP support with built-in standards-based compliance.

"Cato Networks lacks on-premises intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and content filtering capabilities"

– Gartner, Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms, 9 July 2025

Enterprise-class SD-WAN

Versa combines industry-leading SD-WAN with advanced security capable of meeting the needs of large, complex WAN deployments. Whether for small branches or global Fortune 100 companies, Versa’s architecture ensures optimized performance and effortless scalability.

"At the same time, Cato Networks’ offering has weaknesses with in-line on-premises security controls and basic networking capabilities."

– Gartner, Critical Capabilities for SASE Platforms, 14 July 2025

Compliance and integration ready

Meet global data mandates effortlessly with Versa’s Sovereign SASE and built-in compliance. Versa readily integrates with third platforms and monitoring tools so enterprises can build custom best-in-class ecosystems.

Cato lacks turnkey compliance with data sovereignty laws and integration with common business platforms.

Resources

ANALYST REPORT

Gartner SSE Magic Quadrant

Versa has once again been recognized in the Gartner Magic Quadrant™ for Security Service Edge (SSE) and is one of nine vendors chosen to be evaluated in this year's report.

ANALYST REPORT

Cyberratings.org / NSS labs test results

Versa SSE Achieves Recommended Rating and 99.98% Security Effectiveness from CyberRatings.org in Testing by NSS Labs

Enterprise Class SASE and SD-WAN with Versa