Executives at the Edge

Executives at the Edge


SASE and 5G: Delivering Cloud-based Security and Connectivity

May 04, 2023

Versa Networks’ CEO, Kelly Ajuha, emphasizes the need to protect users, data, and networks as cloud migration increases. 5G with SASE enables users to connect to applications across multiple locations while delivering security from the cloud. Can adopting 5G with SASE streamline enterprise security and improve overall efficiency?



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In this Executives at the Edge episode, host Pascal Menezes explores these topics and more with Kelly Ahuja of Versa Networks:



  • How can implementing a SASE architecture better secure networks and applications in a cloud-based, work-from-anywhere world? 

  • Why is unifying networking and security important in SASE and are there challenges?  

  • How can businesses leverage SASE and 5G to improve their cybersecurity posture? 

  • Why is 5G considered a big opportunity for service providers, and how might it impact cybersecurity? 

  • What role do standards play in ensuring interoperability and security in cloud computing and SASE solutions?


About Our Guest

Kelly Ahuja, CEO, Versa Networks



Kelly Ahuja is a seasoned industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience in networking and telecommunications. He currently serves on the board of directors for two startups in Silicon Valley.


Kelly spent 18 years at Cisco rooted in the design and deployment of telecommunications networks. He was most recently SVP of Service Provider Business, Products and Solutions at Cisco where he was responsible for developing and managing the service provider segment strategy and portfolio. Kelly held several other senior executive roles at Cisco, including SVP and GM of the Mobility Business Group, Chief Architect for the Service Provider business, and SVP and GM of the Service Provider Routing Technology Group.

Earlier in his career, Kelly served as VP of Marketing at optical networking startup BlueLeaf Networks and product management leader at Stratacom. He also managed the design and deployment of data and voice networks for AT&T Canada, Bank of Canada and Telesat Canada.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Calgary.

Executives at the Edge podcast is brought to you by MEF, an industry association of 200 service, technology, and cloud providers who together accelerate enterprise digital transformation.



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