Cisco's Jeetu Patel Discusses the Future of AI-Centric Data Centres, ET Telecom

Cisco's AI-Centric Data Center Strategy

Cisco is focusing on building an AI-centric infrastructure portfolio to power next-generation data centers. This involves a range of products and a unified portfolio designed to outpace competitors such as HPE, Juniper Networks, Broadcom, and Accenture. The company aims to reinvent infrastructure for the next wave of AI, future-proofing the workplace with AI-powered hyper-connectivity.

Key Aspects of Cisco's Approach

• AI Integration: Cisco's offerings integrate AI across compute, networking, security, optics, and observability and data businesses, addressing the growing needs for compute power and network bandwidth in the AI era.
• Data Center Trends: The article notes massive data center build-outs globally, driven by AI and data sovereignty concerns. Cisco aims to assist hyperscalers, neoclouds, service providers, and enterprises in navigating these trends.
• Portfolio Highlights: Cisco's portfolio includes Nexus switches, Silicon One silicon, ACI infrastructure for fabric management, and optical systems for ultra-long-haul interconnects. The company also partners with Nvidia, AMD, and OpenAI.
• Partnerships and Projects: Cisco is collaborating with governments in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Abu Dhabi, and working with companies like G42, to build data center capacity. These projects aim to establish a blueprint for global deployment.
• Telecom Partnerships: Cisco is collaborating with major telecom providers like Jio and Bharti Airtel, leveraging Agile Services Networking and ultra-long-haul optics for data center interconnects. They are integrating their technologies for improved connectivity and efficiency.
• Security Focus: Cisco emphasizes security in its AI solutions, offering products like Hypershield and AI Defense to protect AI systems and enterprise networks. AI is being integrated into cyber defense mechanisms like hybrid mesh firewalls.