Remote access solution market

The global remote access solution market is expected to be valued at US$ 20.91 Billion in 2023 and expected to reach US$ 49.18 Billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% from 2023 to 2030.

Remote access solutions refer to software and hardware infrastructure that enables users to securely access a company's network and data from a remote location outside the office perimeter. It provides authenticated access to applications and services hosted in the company's data center or public cloud. These solutions enhance employee mobility and productivity. The rising adoption of cloud computing and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies are key factors driving market growth.

Remote Access Solution Market Regional Insights

• North America is expected to be the largest market for remote access solution during the forecast period, accounting for over 38.0% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in North America is attributed to the early adoption of BYOD and cloud computing in the region.
• The Europe market is expected to be the second-largest market for remote access solution, accounting for over 26.0% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in Europe is attributed to stringent regulations around data security and privacy in the region.
• The Asia Pacific market is expected to be the fastest-growing market for remote access solution, accounting for over 18.0% during the forecast period. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is attributed to increasing digital transformation and IT modernization in emerging economies like India and China.

Figure 1. Global Remote Access Solution Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

Remote Access Solution Market Analyst Viewpoint:

The global remote access solution market is expected to witness steady growth over the next decade, driven by the growing need for energy efficiency and conservation across the industrial and residential sectors. Rapid urbanization coupled with rising global energy costs is compelling utilities and end users to invest in smart energy metering solutions to monitor and control heating consumption. Stringent government policies and building codes pertaining to carbon emissions are further propelling the adoption of heat meters worldwide. While Europe currently dominates the global remote access solution market, led by strong policy push in countries like Germany, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market. Rapid industrialization and infrastructural development in China and India are creating significant demand for heat meters from the manufacturing and district heating industries. Furthermore, implementation of smart city initiatives in major APAC economies will accelerate the deployment of advanced smart heat metering technology across municipal networks and residential buildings. High initial installation and procurement costs continue to restrain the universal uptake of heat meters, especially in price sensitive developing markets. Interoperability issues also challenge the proliferation of networked remote access solution systems. However, recent technological advancements such as sensor-based thermal measurement and modular plug-and-play designs are helping overcome these barriers.

Remote Access Solution Market Drivers:

• Rising Adoption of BYOD Policies Propels Market Growth: The rising popularity of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies in organizations is a key factor driving the growth of the remote access solution market. BYOD allows employees to use their personal devices, like laptops, tablets, and smartphones to access company data and applications. This approach enhances workflow flexibility, productivity, and job satisfaction. However, it also increases vulnerability to cyber threats if not managed properly. This is where remote access security becomes crucial. Solutions like virtual private networks (VPNs), virtual desktops, and cloud access software help secure BYOD programs. According to Global Workplace Analytics, 78% of companies currently allow BYOD in some form. As more organizations adopt flexible BYOD policies, the demand for securing remote access will consequently rise.
• Surging Cybercrime Warrants Advanced Remote Security: The growing threat of cybercrimes such as malware attacks, phishing, ransomware, and data breaches is compelling enterprises to ramp up their remote access security. Verizon’s 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report revealed that 85% of breaches involved a human element, indicating the need for robust access management. Attackers are exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated legacy architectures to gain unauthorized access to valuable company data. Remote access solutions like zero trust network access implement strict identity verification and multi-factor authentication to prevent breaches. The requirement for advanced protection against sophisticated cyber threats continues to propel market growth.
• Widespread Adoption of Cloud-based Solutions Stimulating Market Growth: The rapid adoption of cloud-based services like IaaS (infrastructure as a service), PaaS (platform as a service), and SaaS (software as a service) has led to a parallel rise in cloud-based remote access security solutions. Migrating to the cloud enables anytime, anywhere access for a distributed workforce. It provides superior flexibility and scalability. However, factors like data security risks, compliance issues, and a lack of control can inhibit cloud adoption. Robust cloud-based remote access solutions are vital for safeguarding cloud environments. For instance, cloud access security brokers (CASBs) monitor user activity and enforce security policies. The exponential growth in cloud computing and services is consequently driving the demand for associated remote access security solutions. For instance, in January 2022, Yokogawa Electric Corporation is a global company specializing in industrial automation, control, and measurement technology declared its plans to launch Collaborative Information Server (CI Server) R1.02 by March 2022. This upgraded version of CI Server, part of the OpreX™ Control and Safety System series, will be deployable on Yokogawa Cloud*1, the company's cloud platform.
• Flexibility and Agility Essential for Business Continuity: The unprecedented disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of having a flexible and agile remote access infrastructure. Restrictions compelled enterprises to transition to remote work models to ensure business continuity. This sudden shift only emphasized the need for securing access outside the traditional perimeter. Remote access solutions enabled organizations to adapt swiftly and provide quick, protected access to applications and networks. The growing requirement for flexibility and agility to withstand market uncertainties continues to stimulate the adoption of secure and reliable remote access solutions.

Remote Access Solution Market Opportunities:

• Immense Potential in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): While large enterprises are steadily adopting remote access solutions, small and midsized businesses remain an untapped market segment with immense growth potential. SMEs face greater cyber risks due to limited security budgets and IT expertise. However, they recognize the significance of strengthening access security as they embrace remote work and cloud-based tools. Scalable and budget-friendly solutions tailored for SMBs can unlock a massive opportunity in this space. Collaborations with managed service providers allow solution vendors to deliver robust protection to SMEs. Overall, the underserved SMB sector represents a lucrative incremental growth avenue.
• Rapid Digital Transformation in Emerging Markets: Emerging economies like China, India, Brazil, and Mexico are undergoing rapid digital transformation. Technologies like cloud computing, mobility and virtualization are opening new growth avenues as companies modernize their IT infrastructure. This is creating substantial demand for securing remote access to data and networks. Global players are entering these markets through partnerships with local vendors. Moreover, various government initiatives like Digital India are propelling technology adoption and the need for associated security solutions. The ongoing digital revolution across high-potential emerging markets offers attractive expansion and diversification opportunities. For instance, in January 2023, Lexmark is a multinational company specializing in imaging and printing solutions collaborated with HARMAN International to jointly develop industrial IoT applications.
• Increasing Enterprise Investments in Digital Workplace Technologies: The remote work transition has compelled organizations to reimagine workplace technology with an emphasis on enabling secure collaboration and productivity. Companies are investing in solutions like enterprise mobility management (EMM), VDI (Virtual desktop infrastructure), SDP (software defined perimeter), virtual meeting tools and improved VPNs/VDIs to empower the digital workplace. Gartner is a leading global research and advisory company providing insights, analysis, and recommendations across various industries and sectors predicts that by 2024, 60% of enterprises will implement structured remote work policies. This will drive spending on digital workplace infrastructure, in turn fueling the growth of complementary remote access security solutions. Solution vendors can capitalize on this accelerated enterprise shift towards the digital workplace ecosystem.
• Rise of Remote and Mobile Workforce Expanding Addressable Market: The COVID-19 induced remote work trend is blurring geographic boundaries. Location is no longer a constraint as a larger share of workforce opts for remote models, even post-pandemic. This is expanding the addressable market for remote access security solutions. Furthermore, the workforce is becoming increasingly mobile, utilizing multiple devices across different locations. IDC (Institute for Development and Communication) predicts that by 2024, the mobile worker population will increase to 1.87 Billion. Catering to this growing, heterogeneous, and dispersed workforce will be critical. Solution providers can gain a competitive edge by delivering secure access optimized across devices and platforms. The rise of the mobile and geo-distributed workforce will continue to widen the scope of the remote access security market.

Remote Access Solution Market Trends:

• Zero Trust Security Gradually Replacing VPNs: While virtual private networks (VPNs) have traditionally secured remote access, inherent weaknesses like excessive trust and lack of visibility are prompting enterprises to shift towards zero trust network access (ZTNA). The zero trust model eliminates implicit trust by verifying user identity and establishing access rules before granting admission to applications. Software-defined perimeters provide context-aware access after ensuring the device posture complies with policies. Point solutions like ZTNA are being integrated into consolidated secure access service edge (SASE) platforms. According to Gartner, by 2025, at least 60% of enterprises will phase out most VPNs in favor of zero trust network access. The gradual obsoletion of VPNs in favor of zero trust remote access is a key trend.
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Advanced integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is emerging as a key trend in the remote access security landscape. ML algorithms allow solutions to learn user behavior patterns over time and detect anomalies indicative of internal or external threats. Contextual data analysis facilitates the dynamic adjustment of access policies based on real-time information and situational factors. User and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) aid in promptly identifying suspicious activities. Chatbots simplify IT support for remote users while reducing costs. As threats get more sophisticated, the scalable self-learning capabilities of AI and ML will become imperative. Key players like Microsoft and VMware are already enhancing their offerings with intelligent automation. For instance, in June 2022, Zscaler, Inc., a leading provider in cloud security, unveiled advanced AI/ML enhancements leveraging the world's largest security cloud. These innovations offer exceptional user protection and monitoring of digital experiences. The upgraded capabilities aim to strengthen Zscaler's Zero Trust Exchange™ security platform, empowering organizations to establish a Security Service Edge (SSE). This SSE shields against sophisticated cyber threats, ensures superior digital experiences for users, and simplifies the integration of a zero trust architecture.
• Acceleration of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Adoption: The remote-work driven need to securely connect distributed users to resources anywhere is fueling the adoption of SASE architecture. SASE converged networking and network security functions like Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), zero trust network access (ZTNA) and Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) into a unified cloud-native platform. This reduces complexity while improving user experience and lowering costs. Gartner predicts that by 2025, over 50% of enterprises will have explicit strategies to adopt SASE, up from less than 1% in 2020. Major players such as Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet and others are making strategic investments in SASE platform development. The accelerated adoption of SASE for simplifying secure access is a predominant trend.
• Surge in Mobile-based Remote Access: Mobility is becoming indispensable to the modern remote workforce, with growing dependence on smartphones for work. BYOD programs also require secure mobile access. These factors are fueling the demand for mobile-based remote access solutions. Workspace as a Service (WaaS) platforms enable secure mobile access to enterprise apps and data across devices. Solutions are evolving to offer advanced mobile security capabilities like behavioral analytics, threat prevention and multi-factor authentication. Gartner expects that by 2023, over 50% of midsize enterprises will adopt mobile-centric strategies for remote work enablement. The surge in mobile-based remote work access presents an opportunity for solution providers to enhance mobile capabilities.

Remote Access Solution Market Restraints:

• Data Privacy and Security Risks Hinder Market Growth: Remote access solutions enable users to access organizational networks and resources from outside the perimeter. This introduces vulnerabilities that can be exploited to steal data. Solutions relying on VPNs face security limitations due to excessive implicit trust. Cloud-based access can also increase potential data leakage risks. These data privacy and security issues continue to deter many highly regulated enterprises, like healthcare and finance, from adopting remote access software. Additionally, factors like low cybersecurity awareness among employees and weak access governance controls exacerbate risks. Overcoming these data protection challenges is essential for solution vendors.
• High Cost of Implementation Impedes Market Adoption: For small businesses, the high costs involved in installing, configuring and maintaining complex remote access software and hardware act as adoption barriers. Legacy VPN infrastructure requires expensive hardware components like concentrators. The licensing costs of certain virtual desktops and RDS software can be prohibitive for SMEs. Transitioning to emerging architectures like SASE and ZTNA also demands significant initial investments. Additionally, extensive IT training and hiring skilled professionals further drive up costs. Solution providers are developing lightweight, scalable options and SaaS models to reduce costs and expand SMB adoption.
• Shortage of Skilled IT Security Professionals: The remote access security domain demands highly skilled IT security professionals well-versed in emerging technologies like zero trust, SASE, and cloud platforms. However, the severe shortage of cybersecurity skills across the talent pool hampers successful implementation. A 2021 report by ISC states that the global cybersecurity workforce gap is around 2,422 million. Companies are struggling to find qualified professionals to deploy and manage complex remote access solutions. Vendors are mitigating this by offering managed services, automation capabilities and comprehensive training. But the dearth of skilled IT personnel remains a challenge.

Recent Developments

New product launches

• In September 2023, VMware is a leading software company specializing in cloud infrastructure and digital workspace technology introduced VMware Secure Access service edge solution in August 2020. It unifies SD-WAN, firewalling and zero trust network access.
• In August 2021, BeyondTrust is a cybersecurity company specializing in privileged access management (PAM) solutions released the latest iteration, version 21.2, of its leading Privileged Remote Access solution. This software enables IT/OT teams to oversee, regulate, and audit remote privileged access granted to authorized personnel, including employees, contractors, and vendors, while maintaining stringent security measures.
• In June 2023, Cisco Systems, Inc is a global technology company known for its networking hardware, software, and services launched a cloud-native unified SASE solution, Cisco+ Secure Connect, which converges networking and security capabilities.
• In October 2022, JumpCloud is a cloud-based platform that specializes in providing Directory-as-a-Service (DaaS) solutions planned to introduce a complimentary remote access solution, aiding IT administrators in overseeing remote workforces.

Acquisition and partnerships

• In February 2022, Juniper Networks, renowned for its secure, AI-powered networks, revealed the acquisition of WiteSand, a trailblazer in cloud-native zero trust Network Access Control (NAC) solutions.
• In July 2020, Fortinet is a global cybersecurity company known for its comprehensive security solutions completed the acquisition of OPAQ Networks, a pioneering company specializing in cloud security and networking innovations.

Figure 2. Global Remote Access Solution Market Share (%), by Deployment Mode, 2023

Top companies in Remote Access Solution Market

• Microsoft
• Cisco
• Juniper Networks
• VMware
• Citrix Systems
• Pulse Secure
• Array Networks
• F5 Networks
• Barracuda Networks
• Symantec
• NetScreen Technologies
• Check Point Software Technologies
• SSL VPN Products
• Sangfor Technologies
• QNO Technology
• H3C Technologies
• Beijing NetentSec
• LeadSec
• DPWORK Technologies
• Tianjin Yongxin Jiesheng Technology

Definition: Remote access solutions refer to software, hardware, and services that enable employees to securely access a company's data, applications, and networks remotely from outside the office. It authenticates off-site users and grants them access to authorized resources.

Remote Access Solution Market Segmentation:

• By Component:
• • Software
  • Hardware
  • Services
• By Deployment Mode:
• • On-Premise
  • Cloud
• By Organization Size
• • Large Enterprises
  • SMEs
• By End-User
• • IT & Telecom
  • BFSI
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing
  • Government
  • Others
• By Region:
• • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa