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pww.comCisco Systems, Inc., Bank of America Securities - Special Call - NasdaqGS:CSCO

NasdaqGS:CSCO

Scott Harrell [Former Senior VP & GM of Intent Based Networking Group] 💬

During the special call hosted by Bank of America Securities on April 7, 2020, Scott Harrell, an executive at Cisco Systems, Inc., discussed several aspects of Cisco's offerings and strategies, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a detailed summary of his statements:

General Overview

  • Forward-Looking Statements: Scott mentioned that he might make forward-looking statements and referred listeners to Cisco's SEC filings for additional details.

Connectivity, Security, and Collaboration

  • Three Main Ways Cisco Helps:
    • Connectivity: Helping remote users connect to the network securely.
    • Security: Offering a portfolio of solutions for secure remote connections.
    • Collaboration: Providing tools for remote workers to collaborate effectively.

Connectivity Space

  • Shift from Campus to Home:
    • There is a significant shift from campus-based work to working from home, particularly among knowledge workers.
  • Flexible IT:
    • There is a need for IT departments to be flexible and able to quickly set up and provision mobile offices or clinics.
  • Home Worker Solutions:
    • Classical VPN Connectivity: Connecting to the corporate network via a VPN client.
    • Premium Teleworker Solutions: For handling sensitive data like PII (Personal Identifiable Information), requiring a smaller-scale version of a branch or campus deployment.
    • Meraki Z-Series: Offers a single box solution that includes wireless, switching, full security stack, and full routing stack for home users, manageable from the corporate network.

Wireless Portfolio

  • OfficeExtend Technology:
    • Allows seamless extension of wireless infrastructure to home or small sites by reprogramming corporate access points.
  • Examples:
    • Universities sending home professors and employees for remote learning and research.
    • Pharmaceutical companies and public sectors utilizing similar setups.
    • Stand-up health clinics using Meraki devices or extending APs for testing and evaluation purposes.

New Wireless Technologies

  • Wi-Fi 6:
    • Next evolution of Wi-Fi, providing increased bandwidth and determinism.
    • Handles high-density environments better by prioritizing critical assets and providing improved performance.
  • Intent-Based Networking:
    • Framework for managing networks that includes automation and analytics, addressing the complexity of managing wireless networks.
    • Shift from managing individual boxes to managing the entire network fabric, with centralized policies written in natural language.

Security

  • Cloud-Based Security:
    • Increased demand for existing cloud-based security solutions.
    • Cloud-delivered security follows users wherever they go, providing consistent protection.
  • Cisco Umbrella:
    • Protects users accessing the internet or cloud applications.
    • Free version called OpenDNS for consumers.
    • Cisco-Duo for multi-factor authentication.
  • Endpoint Protection:
    • Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) scans files for signs of malware, using behavioral analysis rather than static signatures.
    • Integrated with other Cisco security products, including firewalls, email gateways, and web gateways, for a comprehensive approach.

Collaboration Tools

  • WebEx Portfolio:
    • WebEx Meetings, WebEx Teams, and cloud-based calling for social collaboration.
    • Content center solutions for customer support.
    • On-premise equipment such as telepresence units and WebEx Boards.
  • Differentiation:
    • Security-first approach, leveraging Cisco's expertise in enterprise security.
    • Comprehensive and integrated portfolio, supporting both on-premise and cloud environments.
    • High-quality video and robust performance during the pandemic, with significant increases in usage.

Telco Networks

  • Handling Capacity Changes:
    • Telcos have generally handled the increased capacity demands well due to changes in usage patterns.
    • Challenges mainly at exchange points between different networks.
  • Future Investments:
    • Continued investment in ultra-high-performance technologies, such as Cisco's Silicon One ASIC and optics.
    • Need for increased flexibility and automation, similar to enterprise networks, to adapt to dynamic user behavior.

Scott Harrell concluded the call by thanking everyone for participating.