In today's interconnected world, securing diverse applications, integrating IoT devices, and maintaining a scalable security environment are paramount for businesses. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) offers a robust solution.
This guide is designed to help you confidently compare ZTNA providers. We understand the challenges of sifting through countless solutions and the stress of balancing security needs with budget constraints — but we also know ZTNA is essential. Just think: what security concern in your own organization might be solved by effective use of ZTNA?
In the following sections, we'll provide practical steps and insights to navigate this complex landscape.
Considerations for Your ZTNA Approach
Clarifying your specific Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) requirements will streamline your decision-making process and significantly strengthen your security posture, whether you’re a small business owner with a compact team or a managed service provider with a booming portfolio. But if the stress involved in integrating new solutions into existing infrastructures feels overwhelming, you’re not the only one. These considerations directly address questions you might have, similar to those frequently asked by others, such as “What if my apps require server-based traffic?” and “Will ZTNA work with IoT devices?”
Read more: Get started with ZTNA for small business
1. Application Types and Protocol Support
Depending on your business type and how long you’ve been operating, your IT environment likely includes a mix of application types — from legacy mainframe systems to modern Web3 and everything in between. As you consider a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution, it’s critical to ask: Will this solution support the full range of applications I rely on — both now and as my environment evolves?
Make sure you explore how zero trust access functions. Some ZTNA solutions, such as identity-aware proxies (IAP), are tailored for web applications but offer limited support for client-server or legacy systems. That might be fine for browser-based tools — but what about that decades-old accounting platform or a specialized RDP-based interface your team still depends on?
CloudConnexa® takes a more comprehensive approach. It supports any application protocol that uses TCP or UDP over IP, giving you the flexibility to secure both web-based and client-based apps — even those older or mission-critical tools you can’t afford to overlook.
If you're feeling unsure about whether all your systems will be covered, you're not alone. It’s easy to miss a legacy app or niche tool during a transition like this. Now is a great time to take stock of your application landscape and identify any gaps in coverage — before they become problems.
2. Server-Initiated Traffic and Specialized Use Cases
Many ZTNA solutions are designed with a one-way assumption: that application clients or devices will always initiate communication with the application server. This model works well for web browsing or SaaS usage — but it falls short when applications require server-initiated traffic.
Consider a device management system that pushes security patches or remote wipe commands to endpoint devices. If the ZTNA solution can’t accommodate that traffic flow, those critical functions may silently fail — or worse, create security blind spots.
Some software-defined perimeter (SDP) models make things even more restrictive, only allowing communication after the client sends a special authorization packet. That approach simply won’t work for environments that depend on real-time server-to-device commands.
CloudConnexa is designed differently. It supports server-initiated communication, making it ideal for scenarios like device management, remote patching, and other business-critical workflows that many ZTNA products overlook.
If you’ve ever worried about “hidden” traffic being blocked or missed, you’re not alone — and there’s no need to compromise. Take a moment to list any applications in your environment that require server-initiated communication. Identifying them now can help you avoid frustrating surprises later.
3. Securing IoT Devices
Many IoT vendors still take a lax approach to built-in security, which means the smart devices scattered across your network may be far easier for attackers to exploit than traditional endpoints. From sensors and cameras to badge readers and HVAC systems, each IoT device expands your organization’s attack surface.
These devices are often unattended and difficult to monitor using traditional access controls. That’s why it’s essential to choose a ZTNA solution—like CloudConnexa—that’s capable of extending zero trust coverage to IoT environments. CloudConnexa supports unattended device access and can enforce strict authentication and isolation policies, even for endpoints that don’t have a human behind them.
If you’ve been concerned that your IoT footprint might be an open door for threats, you’re not alone—and you’re right to be cautious. As your organization adds more connected devices, now is the time to assess whether your current access strategy protects all parts of your infrastructure. Consider where you might expand coverage to include smart devices and ensure that every connection—automated or human—is accounted for in your zero trust model.
4. Planning for Long-Term Scalability
When choosing a ZTNA solution, it’s tempting to focus on solving today’s problems — but short-term fixes can quickly become long-term headaches if your tools can’t keep up with growth. As your business evolves, adds new locations, adopts new applications, or integrates with external partners, your access solution should scale effortlessly alongside you.
We understand the pressure to balance security needs with budget constraints, especially when future requirements aren’t always clear. But future-proofing your ZTNA approach now can save you from costly rip-and-replace scenarios down the line.
A good first step? Set up a brief internal review meeting to evaluate whether your current tools are built to scale with your business. Discover best practices for implementing ZTNA here.
ZTNA vs. Traditional VPN: What's the Difference?
Understanding the distinction between ZTNA and VPNs, or ZTNA and SASE, can help clarify why Zero Trust approaches are gaining momentum in today's security landscape.
Read more: Explore the roadmap for integrating ZTNA within SASE frameworks
Security Model
Traditional VPNs operate on a "verify once, trust always" model, which creates a potential vulnerability. In contrast, ZTNA follows a "never trust, always verify" approach, authenticating each access request. Additionally, ZTNA offers micro-segmentation, limiting user access only to specific applications rather than the entire networkTraditional VPNs use a "verify once, trust always" model, granting broad network access after initial authentication. This creates a vulnerability: if a trusted connection is compromised, an attacker can move laterally, causing widespread damage.
ZTNA, conversely, adopts a "never trust, always verify" philosophy. It continuously authenticates and authorizes every access request, regardless of user location, scrutinizing identity, device, and application requests in real-time.
A key ZTNA benefit is micro-segmentation, limiting user access only to explicitly authorized applications or resources. This granular control severely constrains the "blast radius" of a breach, preventing lateral movement and enhancing security and network visibility.
Deployment Complexity
If you've already adopted a VPN or firewall solution, ZTNA builds naturally on that foundation, reducing risk without reinventing your entire security stack. Unlike traditional VPNs, which often necessitate substantial on-premises infrastructure, ZTNA solutions offer a more agile approach by being deployable as cloud services. This fundamental difference significantly streamlines management and inherently positions ZTNA to adapt more naturally to the evolving demands of hybrid work environments. If your organization has already invested in VPN or firewall solutions, ZTNA can seamlessly integrate with your existing security framework, enhancing risk mitigation without requiring a complete overhaul of your current security stack.
Evaluating Popular ZTNA Providers
Whether you're comparing ZTNA software options or exploring open-source alternatives, it’s important to review a range of ZTNA-capable solutions. The landscape of ZTNA providers is broad, and each solution can vary significantly in how it handles access, scalability, and application compatibility. Two common architectural approaches stand out: identity-aware proxy (IAP) and software-defined perimeter (SDP). IAP-based solutions are often well-suited for web applications but may fall short when it comes to supporting legacy or client-based applications. In contrast, SDP models typically offer broader protocol support and more flexibility for complex environments.
For IT professionals, the search for the right ZTNA solution can be overwhelming. Slick marketing and buzzwords often obscure the core functionality of a product, making it difficult to assess which ZTNA providers truly meet your technical and operational needs. That’s why clarity on essential features — such as support for server-initiated communication, compatibility with TCP/UDP protocols, and ease of deployment — is crucial when comparing options.
As you explore the landscape, consider solutions like CloudConnexa, which offer broad compatibility and strong scalability without compromising security. Taking time to understand how different ZTNA providers approach access control can help ensure you select a solution that aligns with both your current infrastructure and future growth.
CloudConnexa
CloudConnexa sets itself apart from other ZTNA providers by offering a flexible, scalable solution that doesn’t compromise on security or performance. Unlike many zero trust tools that only support one-way, client-initiated connections, CloudConnexa fully supports server-initiated communication — an essential feature for environments relying on device management, remote patching, or IoT-based workflows.
At its core, CloudConnexa instantly creates an isolated, software-defined network that cloaks private IPs and enforces zero trust access principles. By building on the widely trusted OpenVPN protocol, CloudConnexa ensures encrypted, secure connectivity across devices, users, and locations. The platform is equally well-suited for SaaS, internal services, IoT devices, and hybrid cloud environments — offering unified security and visibility without requiring extensive infrastructure overhauls.
With CloudConnexa, the transition to a more secure, future-ready access model can be both smooth and scalable. Sign up for a demo to see how easily CloudConnexa can integrate into your existing environment—and unlock advanced zero trust capabilities without the complexity.
Read more: Step-by-step guide to setting up ZTNA on CloudConnexa
Other Leading ZTNA Providers
The ZTNA landscape is rapidly evolving, with major industry players offering varied approaches that cater to different use cases and IT environments. Palo Alto Networks delivers Prisma Access, a cloud-delivered ZTNA service tightly integrated with its next-gen firewall ecosystem—ideal for organizations already invested in Palo Alto’s security infrastructure. Cisco takes a user-centric approach with its Secure Access offering, built on the Duo platform, emphasizing strong identity verification and user authentication. Zscaler’s Private Access (ZPA) is a core part of its broader cloud security platform, focusing on seamless access to internal applications without exposing them to the internet. Meanwhile, Akamai leverages its global edge infrastructure through Enterprise Application Access, providing secure access with high availability and performance across distributed networks.
According to Gartner’s most recent Security & Risk Management report, Zero Trust is now a top IT priority as organizations adapt to a decentralized workplace and increased reliance on remote access. Yet, with so many providers touting different architectures—from identity-aware proxy (IAP) to software-defined perimeter (SDP)—it's no surprise that IT leaders can feel overwhelmed. There’s no true one-size-fits-all solution, which is why it's critical to evaluate which features align with your organization’s most pressing needs.
Here’s a quick comparison of a few key differentiators to consider when evaluating ZTNA solutions:
- Application Coverage: Some solutions are optimized primarily for web and SaaS access, while others offer broader support for internal or legacy applications, including client-server and device management tools.
- Deployment Model: Many ZTNA offerings are fully cloud-native and easy to deploy, while others may require deeper integration with your existing identity systems, directories, or network infrastructure.
- Pricing Structures: Pricing can vary widely—some solutions use per-user or per-device licensing models, while others bundle ZTNA capabilities into larger enterprise security packages, which may impact total cost and flexibility.
Which of these aligns best with your top priorities identified in Section 1? Understanding how different solutions stack up on the features that matter most to your organization will help ensure you choose a ZTNA approach that fits your environment now—and scales with you into the future.
Get Started With CloudConnexa
Choosing the right ZTNA solution is about more than just checking boxes—it’s about solving the real challenges your team faces every day. Whether you're dealing with data security concerns, managing IoT devices across dispersed networks, or struggling with server-initiated traffic that most solutions overlook, a comprehensive ZTNA approach can ease those pain points. CloudConnexa is purpose-built to address these complexities with support for diverse application types, encrypted connectivity, and seamless scalability.
Read more: Learn strategies for ZTNA adoption among MSPs
As your business grows, your access control strategy should grow with it. CloudConnexa offers the flexibility and future-proofing necessary to adapt to evolving technologies and security requirements—without requiring costly overhauls or sacrificing performance.
You don’t have to feel uncertain about your next steps. With a better understanding of what makes ZTNA effective and scalable, you’re equipped to make an informed, confident decision. Now is the time to evaluate your current and future needs—and see how CloudConnexa stacks up.
Read about Zero Trust strategies to deepen your knowledge, and start your journey toward a secure, zero trust future with CloudConnexa.
