Connecting What's Next

Curious about how technology is shaping the future? In this edition, we showcase how Cisco’s teams are driving innovation and AI adoption — from AI-powered networking to robust solutions that strengthen our architecture.

Our new 2025 AI Readiness Index showcases how "Pacesetters" are setting the benchmark for AI success. These organizations are four times more likely to have moved AI use cases into production and exhibit significantly higher confidence in getting financial value from their AI investments. Get the data and understand ways to help strengthen your organization's AI foundation 🌏 https://cs.co/6041AQP9d

Evolving Connectivity

Our daily lives are continually impacted by changing technologies. Creating and enabling seamless digital experiences requires intelligent connectivity and responsiveness. Cisco is developing architecture to support this next phase of connection.

• Martin Lund , EVP Common Hardware Group, explains how we’ve taken a significant step toward a future where networks intuitively understand intent, adapt dynamically, and ensure seamless, reliable digital interactions. We are now moving beyond insights to automated, intent-driven network actions—reaching the third dimension of AI Networking. Learn more ➡️ http://cs.co/9005710bd
• How can AI data centers stay ahead of rapid innovation? Cisco’s Cloud Reference Architecture, enhanced with NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet integration, delivers seamless adaptive routing and low latency to optimize AI workloads. Learn how this partnership is shaping the future of AI infrastructure from Cisco SVP Network Engineering Will Eatherton 🤝http://cs.co/90067109y
• The evolution of wireless networks towards AI-native capabilities marks a significant shift in intelligent connectivity. Masum Mir , SVP & GM Cisco Networking: Provider Mobility, explains how this enables real-time learning and optimization to meet future demands. This transformation allows networks to function as distributed AI engines. Read more ➡️ http://cs.co/9006710ei

Cisco President and Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel sat down with Deepu Talla, VP of Robotics & Edge AI, NVIDIA. They explored how artificial intelligence and robotics are reshaping the modern workplace and what the future holds for technology and work. ▶️ Watch the recording

Building tomorrow

We’re shaping the future of work and security by integrating artificial intelligence into our offices and defense strategies.

• Our workspaces are undergoing a significant transformation, now centered on combining human and artificial intelligence to elevate how we collaborate and produce. This approach fosters dynamic environments where people and AI work hand-in-hand, leading to faster insights and more innovative solutions. Aruna Ravichandran (she/her) , SVP & CMO, AI, Networking & Collaboration shares more about how the future is taking shape. Read more ➡️ http://cs.co/9006710Un
• The rise of AI brings incredible opportunities, but also new, rapidly evolving security challenges. Amy Chang , AI Researcher with the AI Software and Platform team, explains how Cisco AI Defense is designed to meet this head-on, using first and third-party AI threat intelligence findings to rapidly expand the breadth and depth of in-product coverage. This proactive approach ensures our customers can innovate with AI confidently, knowing they are protected against cutting-edge risks. Read more ➡️ http://cs.co/9007710ct

Being Cisco

Cisco employees are dedicated to their work, especially with the positive impact it has on the industry and their communities. From setting new industry standards with the AI Defense team, to celebrating 20 years of supporting our communities, to adopting the latest technologies in their daily workflows, Cisconians are making a real difference.

• To keep our customers protected against rapidly evolving AI threats, Cisco AI Defense uses a dynamic framework to transform intel into protection. We’re proud to share the complete paper on this framework, available on arXiv. It’s published by Amy Chang , Adam Swanda , Alexander C. , Fraser Burch , Paul Kassianik , and Konstantin Berlin . Access the full paper ➡️ A Framework for Rapidly Developing and Deploying Protection Against Large Language Model Attacks.
• For two decades, our Cisco Crisis Response team has stood alongside communities, offering vital support and restoring connections in the face of devastating events. Brian Tippens , SVP Chief Social Impact & Inclusion Officer, shares more about this incredible 20-year journey that goes beyond the technology. He shares how it demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our teams who work tirelessly to ensure critical communications are restored when they're needed most. Read more about our commitment ➡️ http://cs.co/90097GMjD
• AI is reshaping customer experience, learn exactly how, from Cisco Fellow & CX Chief Architect, Carlos Pereira . He breaks down the opportunities and realities of AI adoption in the latest TechBeat Podcast 🎧 http://cs.co/90057GMxR

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