During Cisco Live on June 4, Cisco revealed plans to invest $1 billion in AI and introduce a new networking solution in collaboration with NVIDIA. The event, taking place between June 2 and 6 in Las Vegas, focuses on addressing enterprise demands for AI, enhanced visibility, and security.
The partnership between Cisco and NVIDIA has led to the creation of the Cisco Nexus HyperFabric AI clusters. This new networking solution aims to simplify the adoption of AI for customers who may not have extensive knowledge or IT skills in this area. The solution allows businesses to deploy, manage, and monitor generative AI infrastructure.
To assist organizations in deploying AI infrastructure, the Nexus HyperFabric AI clusters combine Cisco Ethernet switching and cloud-managed options with NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, NIM inference microservices, Tensor Core GPUs, the VAST data platform, and more. General availability is expected in the fourth quarter of 2024, with select customers gaining early access in Q4.
Cisco is also offering training on AI infrastructure through the CCDE AI Infrastructure certification. Additionally, Cisco is investing $1 billion in AI through its global fund to support startups and generative AI solutions. Furthermore, enhancements to existing security products were announced, including updates to the Firewall 1200 Series and Security Cloud Control.
Cisco Hypershield, a security architecture unveiled in April 2024, will be supported on AMD Pensando DPUs by the end of the year, expanding to Intel infrastructure processing units as well. ThousandEyes, a visibility engine acquired by Cisco in 2020, has been integrated into Digital Experience Assurance for Cisco Networking Cloud, providing proactive suggestions and device management capabilities.
Overall, Cisco’s announcements at Cisco Live aim to simplify AI deployment, enhance security measures, and offer new training opportunities to IT professionals.
