UPDATED 18:08 EDT / JUNE 06 2023

AI

The power of superclouds: TheCUBE’s analysis of Cisco’s vision for a simpler, more secure future

With a goal of trillion-dollar opportunity in sight, Cisco Systems Inc. aims to unify its network and security offerings, leverage its installed base and enable developers to build on its platform.

Cisco Live 2023 unveiled Cisco’s multicloud network and security vision, igniting discussions and analysis by theCUBE’s John Furrier (pictured, left) and Dave Vellante (right). The conversation centered around Cisco’s determination to simplify complexity and drive innovation through a strategic focus on networking, security and observability.

“They’re developing the portfolio with the eye on those three things: network at AI scale, silicon and networking software — well silicon chips and networking software — and AI-enabled security solutions,” Furrier said.

Furrier spoke with Vellante at Cisco Live, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed key insights on the path Cisco is charting toward a future of simplified complexity and groundbreaking solutions.

The path to trillion-dollar success

Cisco has focused in on networking and security as it embraces the cloud. In a parallel with Microsoft Corp.’s approach, Cisco has leveraged its install base and embraced open source and market forces. The company is also doubling down on networking and laser-focused on security, aiming to change the dynamics of the stack to be cloud-friendly while supporting on-premises and edge environments.

“[Cisco’s] got a really strong management team,” Vellante said. “They’ve got a great focus. And I’ve got to tell you, they’re more unified now than I’ve ever seen Cisco, because they’re in a position to not just move up the stack, but change the stack dynamics to be very cloud-friendly, cloud-first and support on-premises and support the edge.”

The analysts posited that Cisco has the potential in the future do what Apple and Microsoft did and reach the trillion-dollar milestone by transforming an industry. According to the analysts, Cisco needs to retain and nurture its installed base while driving innovation and attracting developers. It is important that Cisco executes a cloud-first strategy, enabling developers to build on top of its platform. This will allow for the creation of an ecosystem that aligns with the open-source and cloud-native movements.

Cisco also has placed an emphasis on full-stack observability. The company’s integration of its ThousandEyes Internet and Cloud Intelligence into its portfolio brings valuable visibility. By simplifying and providing a common experience across on-premises, multicloud and edge environments, Cisco aims to tackle the challenges of observability.

“Cisco’s AI play is a no-brainer,” Vellante said. “They’re going to inject AI into their networks, into security, into collaboration, into observability. They’re just going to inject it into their entire portfolio. And that’s a sure bet that they’ll win.”

The question the analysts left with is does Cisco have another card up its sleeve when it comes to AI? And could that be a trump card that enables Cisco to dramatically increase its value to customers and market valuation.

Only time will tell.

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s editorial coverage of Cisco Live:

Photo: SiliconANGLE

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