Cisco Live 2024 in Las Vegas
Focus on outcomes-based technology adoption
During the event, we focused on how Calian can make it easier for customers to work with our managed services, aligning with Cisco’s “outcomes-based approach to technology adoption.” Managing entire network infrastructures while maintaining security through a single pane of glass and providing real-time information to customers is crucial. Cisco continues to demonstrate digital resilience through various customer experiences in:
- Modernizing infrastructure
- Enhancing cybersecurity
- Leveraging AI and data
Key points in this area include:
- Full stack observability: Enhanced by the Splunk relationship and Crosswork automation
- ThousandEyes rebranding: Now known as Digital Assurance
- CX Cognitive Operations and XDR Suite (Beta): Added with Meraki MX, enhancing capabilities across the NOC and SOC
- Managed services sales program accelerators: Cisco’s focus on the growth of managed services
- WebEx Cisco contact centre: Infused with Cisco AI Assistant to improve Helpdesk services
Major announcements
Nexus HyperFabric:
Cisco’s largest announcement was Nexus HyperFabric, a data centre compute technology with NVIDIA for generative AI development and deployment. This solution promises to streamline AI implementations, enhancing infrastructure capabilities.
Meraki Management:
There was a heavy emphasis on Meraki management, with many Meraki MS switches being discontinued. Moving forward, Meraki deployments will utilize Catalyst switches running a new generation of Meraki Firmware which is native IOS XE. This shift aims for more stable development and deeper troubleshooting tools. An automated connection between Meraki SD-WAN and Catalyst SD-WAN (Viptela) , called “Cisco SD-WAN Interconnects”, was also announced.
Cloud Push:
Cisco is pushing to move more clients onto the cloud platform. Most Catalyst wired and wireless devices can now be managed in the Meraki dashboard, supporting the trend towards cloud-based AI services.
CUCM Migration:
Cisco is encouraging on-premise CUCM customers to migrate to CUCM 15, as the base CentOS7 in CUCM 12.5 and 14 will no longer be supported by Red Hat at the end of this month.
Specific insights
WebEx contact centre AI:
Webex contact centre AI now allows automatic CSAT calculation on 100 per cent of calls. It also calculates agent burnout, promoting breaks when needed, which reduces agent churn and saves onboarding and training costs.
SLED customers and ERate funding:
ERate funding is now available for wireless on school buses, featuring Meraki MG with external antennas and 5G on the roof.
Reflections and future directions
Reflecting on last year’s focus on Silicon One, this year’s emphasis on AI and partnerships marks a strategic shift. The integration of Splunk with Cisco’s observability solutions and the launch of new AI-driven tools solidify Cisco’s position as a leader in digital resilience.
Cisco is clearly positioning itself as a central player in IT infrastructure and operations. Their comprehensive approach to integrating AI, cybersecurity and networking solutions is commendable. The real challenge will be engaging customers effectively and ensuring the pricing model is attractive, especially as IT budgets face increasing scrutiny.
Conclusion
Cisco Live 2024 showcased the potential of technology to transform businesses and create seamless, secure, and efficient operations. We are excited to explore how these advancements can be integrated into our offerings to deliver exceptional outcomes for our customers.
References:
- Cisco Continues Elevating Partner AI Capabilities to Meet Customer Demand
(https://blogs.cisco.com/partner/cisco-continues-elevating-partner-ai-capabilities-to-meet-customer-demand) - Cisco Launches $1B Global AI Investment Fund
(https://investor.cisco.com/news/news-details/2024/Cisco-Live-2024-Cisco-Announces-New-AI-powered-Innovations-and-Investments-to-Help-Customers-Unlock-a-More-Connected-and-Secure-Future/default.aspx) - Cisco Live 2024: Cisco Announces New AI-powered Innovations and Investments to Help Customers Unlock a More Connected and Secure Future
(https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2024/m06/cisco-live-2024-cisco-announces-new-ai-powered-innovations-and-investments-to-help-customers-unlock-a-more-connected-and-secure-future.html) - Outshift by Cisco Releases Motific’s AI Capabilities with the Power of Mistral AI Behind It
(https://blogs.cisco.com/tag/outshift-by-cisco)