Cisco launches AI-driven enhancements for secure cloud networking
Cisco, a global giant in networking and security, has introduced new security and artificial intelligence abilities, marking a significant step forward in its Cisco Networking Cloud vision. The latest offerings extend the company's integrated networking and security services, featuring further integrations across its portfolio. The goal is to empower IT teams to better manage varying networking technologies for campus and branch secure networking, centralising their control in a cloud-based, AI-driven platform.
The new iterations are designed to fulfil three substantial IT organisation requirements: a unified digital user experience, automation, and security. With more companies looking to deploy AI-driven technology, the needs for a comprehensive and unified approach to network management have become increasingly vital. As noted by Jonathan Davidson, EVP and GM, Cisco Networking, "The future of AI depends on the network and the future of the network depends on AI." He also emphasised that the Cisco Networking Cloud's AI technology is sourced from over one billion endpoints, a unique offering that is unmatched in the competitive networking market.
Cisco's latest advancements offer an answer to firm's looking for a secure networking solution that can provide a united overview of their full network, enforce security policies at scale, and optimise user experiences. Diving headfirst into Cisco Networking Cloud innovations include deep integrations with the Cisco Secure Access platform, linking Cisco Networking and Security Cloud platforms together. This promotes cohesion between networking and security teams and introduces an automated monitoring system for digital experiences, tracking performance metrics across various platforms. The integrations are currently available with Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and ThousandEyes.
Industrial users are further supported with a feature to help protect against cyber attacks. Utilising the Security Posture report, firms can generate comprehensive reports detailing top vulnerabilities, OT asset inventories, and the highest cyber risks to their system. These features are available within Cisco Cyber Vision and are integrated within industrial-grade routers, switches, and firewalls.
Cisco is also introducing measures in cloud monitoring for Catalyst Wireless, extending a capability formerly exclusive to Catalyst switching. Clients can manage selected wireless devices via the Meraki dashboard, ensuring a complete, cloud-managed perspective of their access networks. In addition, the networking titan is making headway towards a unified hardware architecture with the introduction of Catalyst 9300-M switches, which will be operated directly from the Meraki dashboard.
Underpinning its persistent push to simplify operations, Cisco is also unveiling technologies designed to fast-track AI adoption by providing the right infrastructure for multiple use cases. Additions to the award-winning UCS X Series Modular System involves the new Cisco X-Series Direct, designed specifically for environments requiring high connectivity and compute power at the edge. Cisco is also amplifying its variety of validated design offerings, with solutions that can expedite AI/ML deployments and minimise risk. The company aims to support a broad spectrum of AI-driven enterprise use cases, delivering high-performance computing and data centre network fabrics, all tailored for the client's specific needs.
