Open Systems adds 3 operating models to its SASE platform

Open Systems on Oct. 1, 2026 introduced a new commercial model that lets enterprises choose how much of their security operations they run themselves, hand to AI, or delegate to Open Systems. The move reframes SASE as an operating model, with the company positioning AI Operations as the next competitive battleground.

Why it matters: - Open Systems is trying to shift the conversation from SASE features to how security and networking operations are actually run. - The model gives enterprises a way to change operating responsibility without replacing the platform or moving to a new vendor. - That matters for companies trying to lower operational load while keeping control over sensitive security decisions.

What happened: - Open Systems introduced a new commercial model on Oct. 1, 2026. - The company says enterprises can now choose one of three operating modes on the same platform: self-serve, AI-assisted, or fully managed by Open Systems. - The new portfolio and commercial model are available starting Oct. 1, 2026. - Open Systems will present the operating model and its latest AI features at it-sa Expo&Congress in Nuremberg from Oct. 27 to 29, 2026.

The details: - In the self-serve model, customers operate the Open Systems platform themselves and use networking and security functions, APIs, policy management, analytics, and automation. - In the AIOps model, AI handles a growing share of operational work while the customer retains control. - Lucy, Open Systems’ AI operator, acts as a single interface to specialized AI functions that can analyze problems, gather context, suggest actions, and execute approved workflows within defined guardrails. - In the Mission Control model, Open Systems runs the same platform and AI capabilities with 24/7 operations and Level-3 engineering expertise. - The underlying platform stays the same across all three models, so customers can change the level of operational responsibility without migrating to a different security stack or vendor. - Open Systems says AI can increasingly analyze, diagnose, suggest actions, and initiate actions within clear boundaries. - Customers and Open Systems engineers still approve actions where required. - Actions remain traceable, and Level-3 experts retain responsibility for critical decisions. - The company ties the new model to its AI Matrix announced in September 2026 and to 35 years of operating enterprise networks and security environments.

Between the lines: - Open Systems is betting that the market is moving from feature competition to operational simplicity. - The company is also drawing a line around AI adoption: more automation, but not full autonomy. - CEO Dennis Monner said customers need to decide who does the work — their team, AI, or Open Systems — and that the platform is designed to let them change that choice over time. - CTO Markus Ehrenmann said the goal is not maximum autonomy and that guardrails should come before autonomy. - Gartner has described the SASE platform market as increasingly mature and has highlighted automation as a way to reduce operating burden.

What's next: - Open Systems will use the October it-sa event to showcase the new model and its AI capabilities. - Enterprises adopting the platform can start in one operating mode and shift later as requirements change. - The company is positioning the model as a long-term answer to rising operational complexity in enterprise security.

The bottom line: - Open Systems is turning SASE into a choice about operations, not just features, and is using AI to offer three distinct ways to run the same platform.