Cisco Systems, Inc. Presents at Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, Mar-05-2020 07:50 AM - SEHK:4333

SEHK:4333

Sachin Gupta, an executive at Cisco Systems, Inc., presented at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on March 5, 2020. Here are the key points he discussed:

1. Forward-Looking Statements: Sachin began by noting that his statements would include forward-looking information subject to risks and uncertainties as detailed in Cisco’s 10-K and 10-Q filings.

2. Customer Needs in Networking:

   • Customers need solutions that transform the workplace experience, focusing on mobility and providing the best experience.
   • They require the best security and the ability to manage cloud applications and data.
   • Traditional networking methods are no longer sufficient in today’s dynamic and mobile environment.

3. Intent-Based Networking:

   • Cisco’s intent-based networking solution aims to automate and reimagine infrastructure.
   • It focuses on getting analytics and data to improve security and user experience.
   • The goal is to ensure secure and policy-based access across all devices and to the cloud.

4. Hardware and Software Components:

   • Hardware (ASICs, systems, optics) remains crucial for price-performance and features.
   • A modern, programmable, modular operating system has been developed.
   • Software acquisitions like Viptela for SD-WAN and July Systems for location data enhance solutions.
   • Lancope’s Stealthwatch product uses network traffic analytics for threat detection.

5. Partnerships:

   • Partnerships with Apple and STANLEY Healthcare improve end-device and healthcare solutions.
   • Collaborations with major public cloud players like AWS, Azure, and SaaS providers like Office 365 are essential for hybrid cloud environments.

6. Contrast Between Intent-Based Networking and SDN:

   • SDN focused on programming individual devices, while intent-based networking provides a higher-level abstraction.
   • Intent-based networking automates the provisioning of network devices and ensures delivery of the intended outcomes.

7. Skill Augmentation for IT Professionals:

   • IT professionals need to adapt by learning about security policy and API access.
   • DevNet program is helping to reskill networking professionals for the new environment.

8. Operational Expenditure (OpEx) Savings:

   • Intent-based networking enables automated segmentation, reducing operational costs.
   • It provides data to quickly resolve issues, improving productivity and reducing costs.

9. Hybrid Cloud Application:

   • Intent-based networking applies to all networking domains, including hybrid cloud environments.
   • Partnerships with cloud providers ensure consistency in tooling and capabilities.

10. Adaptation to Application Environments:

    • Cisco continues to support evolving application environments (VMs, containers, functions).
    • Flexibility in software ensures scalability and security.

11. Architectural Approach:

    • Cisco offers an architectural solution in every networking domain and links them together.
    • This approach addresses the needs from user and device to application and data.

12. Integration with Other Cisco Products:

    • Security integrations (Umbrella, Threat Grid, Stealthwatch) and application integrations (AppDynamics) enhance the solution.
    • Collaboration products like WebEx require correct network design for optimal performance.

13. Future Enhancements:

    • Focus on automation, analytics, and security enhancements.
    • AI/ML capabilities will be added to personalize solutions and improve troubleshooting.
    • Emphasis on helping customers transition to intent-based networking through design, consulting, and training.

14. Sales Strategy:

    • Combination of solution selling and post-sales support to help customers adopt the entire value proposition.

15. Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN):

    • SD-WAN is driven by the need for hybrid cloud and SaaS application consumption.
    • It addresses connectivity, security, and application optimization challenges.
    • Cisco leverages existing relationships to offer SD-WAN capabilities.

16. Managed Services:

    • SD-WAN is often delivered as a managed service through service providers.
    • Viptela and Meraki SD-WAN solutions cater to different market segments.

17. On-Ramp to SaaS Applications:

    • Cisco exchanges telemetry data with SaaS providers like Office 365 to optimize connectivity.
    • Continues to expand partnerships with SaaS providers for better user experiences.

18. Supporting Remote Workers:

    • Cisco offers solutions like Duo for multi-factor authentication and seamless, secure access to applications.
    • Works with service providers to build better networks for improved remote work experiences.

19. Closing Remarks:

    • Sachin concluded his presentation, thanking the attendees.

"Sachin Gupta;SVP, Product, Intent-Based Networking Group" presented at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on March 5, 2020, discussing the key needs and challenges in networking and how Cisco Systems, Inc.'s intent-based networking solutions address these requirements. Here is a detailed summary:

Key Needs and Challenges in Networking

1. Transforming Workplace Experience: Focus on enhancing mobility and providing seamless access to various devices while ensuring optimal user experience.
2. Security: Prioritizing security to protect against potential threats and maintaining data integrity across different environments.
3. Cloud Integration: Managing applications and data spread across multiple public cloud providers, SaaS applications, and private data centers.
4. Dynamic Infrastructure: Adapting to a rapidly changing landscape where infrastructure needs to be automated, flexible, and scalable.

Cisco Systems' Intent-Based Networking Solutions

1. Architectural Solution: Introducing an intent-based networking approach to automate infrastructure, optimize security, and enhance user experience.
2. System Importance: Emphasizing the importance of systems, including hardware, ASICs, and optics, in delivering price-performance, features, power, and space.
3. Modern Operating System: Redesigning the operating system to be modern, programmable, and modular, facilitating better integration and automation.
4. Software Augmentations: Examples include the acquisition of Viptela for SD-WAN solutions and the integration of location data from wireless infrastructure to offer business-relevant insights.

Partnerships

1. User Access Device Side: Partnerships with Apple for deep insight into end-device experiences and troubleshooting.
2. STANLEY Healthcare Integration: Ensuring network reliability and compliance for hospital baby monitoring services.
3. Cloud Providers: Collaborating with major public cloud players (AWS, Azure) and SaaS providers to ensure consistent integration and management.

SDN Concepts vs. Intent-Based Networking

1. SDN Focus: Software-defined networking focuses on programming individual devices for traffic flow, whereas intent-based networking abstracts this to a higher level of intent.
2. Intent-Based Networking Abstraction: Enables automatic provisioning based on user intent, integrating diverse network devices and ensuring delivery of desired outcomes.

Skills Augmentation

1. New Skillset Requirements: While networking remains essential, there's a shift towards policy thinking, security, and API usage for more agile operations in a digital transformation context.

Cost Savings and Business Outcomes

1. OpEx Savings: Through automation, organizations can reduce operational expenses while improving security and segmentation.
2. Quick Troubleshooting and Root Cause Analysis: Enhanced data and telemetry provide faster identification and resolution of issues, boosting productivity.

Hybrid Cloud and Multi-Environment Support

1. Intent-Based Networking in Hybrid Cloud: Applies to all networking domains, enabling seamless integration between on-premises, campus, branch, wide area networks, and cloud environments.
2. Consistent Tooling: Ensures a uniform approach to managing networks across different environments, maintaining consistency in tool usage.

Application Environment Evolution

1. VM to Container to Function Based: Adapts to the changing application environments while maintaining security and connectivity standards.

Security and Integration

1. Security Product Integration: Seamless integration with cloud security solutions like Umbrella, Threat Grid, and Stealthwatch.
2. Application Integration: Collaboration with AppDynamics to monitor application execution alongside network performance for end-to-end solutions.

Post-Sales Focus

1. Customer Value Realization: Emphasis on partner services, customer experience, and training to ensure full value realization from the intent-based networking solutions.

Demand Drivers for SD-WAN

1. Hybrid Cloud Adoption: Driven by the need for optimized cloud connectivity and security.
2. SaaS Applications Consumption: Enhancing user experience and security for SaaS applications like Office 365.
3. WAN Reconsideration: Rethinking traditional WAN approaches to accommodate modern cloud and security requirements.

Managed Services Role

1. Service Delivery Model: Continues to offer managed services through service providers, alongside direct sales to customers, catering to varying needs.

On-Ramp to SaaS Applications

1. Telemetry Data Exchange: Utilizing telemetry data to dynamically select the best paths for SaaS application connectivity, ensuring optimal performance.

Work-from-Home Security and Experience

1. Zero Trust Framework: Implementing solutions like Duo for multifactor authentication and secure access to applications, complemented by enhanced network services.

Summary

"Sachin Gupta;SVP, Product, Intent-Based Networking Group" provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving networking landscape, emphasizing the importance of intent-based networking in addressing modern challenges. Cisco's solutions are geared towards automating infrastructure, enhancing security, optimizing user experience, and ensuring seamless integration across various environments, all while offering cost-effective and scalable solutions.