Many variables must align for optimum Application Performance Management (APM), and security is certainly among them. I offer the following APM predictions for 2020, which revolve around the reality that we will definitely begin to see much deeper integration of WAN technology on the security front. Look for this integration to take shape in the following ways:

First, connectivity and security will continue to become more reliably seamless — so that companies will be able to function with greater agility across application ecosystems — with the help of SD-WAN technology. SD-WAN won't just link devices with sites but will also help with security needs and application requirements for the enterprise.

In addition to boosting performance and security, software-based networking will reduce both the complexity of new app and service delivery, as well as the cost. I predict this year more and more IT departments will merge their networking and security groups into one united team. There will also be heightened IT focus on analytics tools and machine learning.

Second, the Zero Trust model will gain traction this year, spurred on by ongoing security issues that result from virtual private network (VPN) systems. The Zero Trust model safeguards against VPN vulnerabilities by allowing only authorized users access to specific applications, rather than giving all users the run of the network or exposing apps to the Internet. One result of these built-in Zero Trust precautions is a surface that's safe from the type of attacks that frequently plague VPNs. Think of Zero Trust as offering a distinct "protect surface" for your company's most sensitive apps and services. With a microperimeter around this protect surface, the only users that can get their mitts on this critical data are the ones that IT has specifically approved.

Third, expect digital transformation to grow legs in the New Year, moving beyond the buzzword to become a true business advantage, driven by the expansion of IoT. Enterprises can now finally effectively deliver optimized personal experiences to consumers by leveraging the seamless security mentioned above through a plethora of connected devices with speedy connectivity.

To summarize, 2020 will advance past the historical pattern of the network coming first, with security a mere protective appendage. We're rapidly entering a time — spurred along by the deeper integration of security with WAN technology — where security will become the enterprise's top priority, even ahead of connectivity. This is very different than the original intention of the Internet!

All in all, it's good news for the enterprise in 2020, as the security shortfalls of VPNs gradually take a backseat to the zero-attack surface of the Zero Trust model, and businesses can take greater advantage of the digital transformation and IoT through the integration of WAN technology with security.