Application security firm F5 Inc. today laid out a new framework for the evolution of application delivery controllers aimed at addressing the increasing complexity of hybrid, multicloud and artificial intelligence-powered information technology environments.

The new ADC framework, known as ADC 3.0, introduces reference architectures and strategic partnerships designed to help enterprises securely deploy and manage modern applications in the era of artificial intelligence.

The impetus behind the new framework is the rise of AI. F5’s State of Application Strategy Report found that 75% of enterprises are already deploying AI apps in some form. The company argues that despite the rush to implement new digital experiences, enterprises are ill-equipped to secure and deliver both AI applications and the massive amounts of data required to fuel them.

ADC 3.0 addresses these issues by emphasizing a platform-based approach that combines high-performance load balancing with robust application and application programming interface security features.

The new direction is designed to close the gap between the growing demand for AI-driven applications and the ability of enterprises to deliver them securely at scale. The overall idea is to simplify the complexity of hybrid and multicloud environments while addressing emerging AI-specific threats such as model theft and data poisoning.

F5 unveiled a series of reference architectures that streamline AI and machine learning workflows into seven core building blocks. The blocks include best practices for security, application traffic management and platform optimization to give enterprises a clear pathway to aligning their business and technical requirements. The architectures also incorporate critical security considerations such as OWASP’s Top 10 risks for large language models and F5’s own “Application Delivery Top 10” challenges.

As part of ADC 3.0, F5 is also building new strategic partnerships for the framework, collaborating with companies including Nvidia Corp., Intel Corp. and NetApp Inc. Examples include the use of Nvidia’s Bluefield-3 DPUs to enhance AI application delivery and using NetApp to assist with large-scale language model deployments. The alliances are designed to provide enterprises with the tools and infrastructure needed to handle the immense data processing and security demands of AI applications.

F5 also highlighted its commitment to tackling the broader challenges of IT complexity through its “Application Delivery Top 10” resource. The initiative aims to help enterprises overcome common issues such as siloed management systems, interoperability gaps and manual processes. By addressing these pain points, F5 aims to help enterprises adopt more streamlined and secure approaches to application delivery in the AI era.

“The rise of AI and modern applications demands a fundamental rethinking of application security and delivery,” said Chief Innovation Officer Kunal Anand. “Traditional approaches fall short in managing today’s complex, distributed systems.”

“Organizations need solutions that provide consistency, flexibility and complete visibility across their IT landscape,” Anand added. “F5 has transformed our technology portfolio to meet these challenges head-on, enabling our customers to confidently secure and deliver advanced digital experiences.”

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