Cisco Introduces Innovative AI Solutions for Enterprises
New solutions with NVIDIA are highly adaptive and scalable for the evolving AI demands of enterprises
News Summary:
- Cisco launches plug-and-play AI PODs tailored for various use cases, making AI infrastructure deployment easier for partners and customers.
- The company expands its UCS portfolio with a new family of servers optimized for NVIDIA accelerated computing.
- Powered by new 800G switches, Cisco emphasizes its strategy to rapidly advance enterprise AI adoption by offering a simplified path to AI infrastructure.
CISCO PARTNER SUMMIT -- Today, Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) announced exciting new additions to its data center infrastructure portfolio. This includes an AI server family designed specifically for GPU-intensive workloads utilizing NVIDIA technology, alongside AI PODs intended to simplify and mitigate risks related to AI infrastructure investments. These offerings provide businesses with a flexible and scalable approach to AI, backed by Cisco's renowned networking capabilities.
"Enterprise customers face mounting pressures to implement AI workloads, especially as we progress toward more autonomous workflows where AI resolves issues independently," said Jeetu Patel, Chief Product Officer at Cisco. "Innovations like AI PODs and our enhanced GPU server fortify the security, compliance, and processing capabilities essential as organizations navigate their AI journey—from inference to full-scale training."
The rapid rise of AI is reshaping data center needs, fueling demand for networks that are scalable, sustainable, programmable, and secure. Reports indicate that generative AI could contribute between $2.6 trillion and $4.4 trillion to global economic output annually, with enterprises leading the charge in value creation. Despite this, a significant portion of IT professionals—89%—intend to adopt AI workloads in the next two years. However, only 14% of organizations currently believe their infrastructure is ready for such a shift.
Eliminating Obstacles to AI Adoption
Cisco's new solutions equip customers with essential infrastructure components to advance their AI adoption, regardless of their current status. These innovations build upon existing setups, allowing for growth and innovation without additional complexity. Managed through Cisco Intersight, the new solutions provide centralized control and automation, thereby streamlining everything from initial setups to daily tasks. Key offerings unveiled today include:
- Enhanced Compute for the AI Era: Cisco expands its UCS AI computing portfolio with the introduction of the UCS C885A M8 servers, built specifically for demanding GPU-driven AI workloads. These high-density servers tackle intensive AI training and inference utilizing the advanced NVIDIA HGX supercomputing platform, integrating NVIDIA H100 and H200 Tensor Core GPUs. Each server is equipped with NVIDIA NICs or SuperNICs aimed at boosting AI networking efficiency, complemented by NVIDIA BlueField-3 DPUs for enhanced security and data access.
- Plug-and-Play AI Infrastructure: Cisco is launching AI PODs—tailored infrastructure stacks that cater to diverse AI use cases and industries. Combining compute resources, networking, storage, and cloud management, these solutions enhance scalability and operational efficiency. Built on Cisco Validated Designs, the AI PODs present a reliable starting point for AI deployment, simplifying the integration of AI inference solutions for companies.
These innovative offerings add to Cisco's robust existing portfolio of AI and data center infrastructure, which includes recently introduced 800G Nexus switching platforms leveraged by the Cisco Silicon One G200 chip.
Fostering an AI Ecosystem with Industry Partners
As customers and partners navigate the evolving AI landscape, Cisco remains dedicated to fostering innovation and growth within the industry. Leveraging its strengths in networking, security, and observability, Cisco collaborates closely with partners to deliver substantial business value, respecting each customer's unique journey toward AI.
Bob Pette, Vice President of Enterprise Platforms at NVIDIA, expressed, "A new age of intelligent generative AI applications is instigating change for enterprises globally. With the launch of our dedicated AI server and AI PODs, Cisco is enhancing the infrastructure that companies can utilize for growth in this AI-driven era."
"AI is poised to revolutionize business operations, but it will necessitate robust infrastructure capable of meeting accelerated computing demands," noted Rob Kim, CTO at Presidio. "We are thrilled about Cisco's initiatives, which simplify AI setup and management for our customers. These new solutions integrate seamlessly within their current infrastructure, enabling efficient deployment and management."
Availability and Additional Resources
- The UCS C885A M8 servers are now available for ordering, with deliveries anticipated by the end of the year.
- AI PODs will also be available for ordering shortly.
- Various payment solutions are on hand to help partners lower financial risks and promote better cash flow. More information is available on the Cisco website.
About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is a leading technology company committed to securely connecting everything to empower possibilities. Their mission is to drive an inclusive future by assisting customers in reimagining applications, enhancing hybrid work, ensuring enterprise security, transforming infrastructure, and achieving sustainability objectives.
Cisco continues to be a trusted partner for companies looking to harness the power of AI while ensuring reliability and security throughout their operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new AI solutions has Cisco announced?
Cisco has unveiled new AI PODs and a family of AI servers designed for NVIDIA accelerated workloads to simplify AI infrastructure deployment.
How do AI PODs benefit enterprises?
AI PODs streamline the process of deploying AI solutions by providing pre-configured, scalable infrastructure tailored for specific use cases.
What role does NVIDIA play in Cisco's AI strategy?
NVIDIA provides advanced computing technology that enhances Cisco's AI solutions, enabling powerful processing for complex AI tasks.
When will the new Cisco AI solutions be available?
The UCS C885A M8 servers are ready for order now, while AI PODs are slated to be available shortly.
What is Cisco's commitment to AI?
Cisco aims to remove barriers to AI adoption, offering infrastructure and tools that support enterprises in leveraging AI effectively and securely.
