As the network becomes more critical in addressing the need to connect billions of objects, people and applications that form the Internet of Everything, IT professionals are challenged to deliver consistent high-performing applications, from the data center to wide-area networks (WAN) and local access networks (LAN). Many IT organizations are struggling with the size and complexity of their networks, performing manual device-by-device operational work, which is estimated to occupy as much as 80 to 90 percent of their time.
To help IT organizations address these challenges, Cisco is expanding its Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) solution by introducing the Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) Enterprise Module, which extends ACI solutions beyond the data center to the WAN and access networks.
Cisco has been updating its data center and networking portfolio to become open, programmable and secure, and this extension of APIC delivers Software Defined Networking (SDN) capabilities that allow the network to become more agile and responsive to the dynamic demands of applications and users.
Cisco has also announced InterCloud – a hybrid cloud solution which paves the way for interoperable and highly secure public, private and hybrid clouds. The expansion of this portfolio broadens Cisco’s commitment to openness and shows the unique value in the company’s partner-led model.
The extension Enterprise Module of the Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) allows IT organizations to have complete visibility into their networks, automating network and policy configuration while managing applications across the WAN and access networks. This automated process can handle traditionally repetitive and complex tasks, eliminating mundane operations from IT personnel so they can focus on more strategic work that will help grow their businesses.
The Cisco APIC Enterprise Module is constructed of three elements: a consolidated network information database, policy infrastructure and automation. Combined, that can substantially increase network automation and agility, lowering the time that IT spends on operational activities by up to 36 percent. To address security concerns, Cisco APIC automates network-wide rapid threat detection and mitigation by integrating and automating Cisco Sourcefire security solutions.
For compliance management across branches and headquarters, Cisco APIC also provides network-wide Quality of Service (QoS), and accelerates Intelligent WAN (IWAN) deployments. It can also be used with third-party solutions to provide an end-to-end WAN orchestration and management.
