Cisco Showcases Simplicity, Security, and AI Readiness at Cisco Live Amsterdam 2025
Cisco unveils innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and skills programs to empower businesses with simplified IT, enhanced security, and AI-driven transformation.
SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 10, 2025 — Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), the global leader in networking and security, is making waves at Cisco Live EMEA, its flagship technology event in Amsterdam, by addressing the growing challenges of IT complexity, cybersecurity, and AI adoption. With over 17,000 IT professionals in attendance, Cisco is showcasing a clear vision for helping customers simplify operations, secure their networks, and prepare for the AI-driven future.
“Cisco is uniquely positioned to guide our customers through the unprecedented changes sweeping across industries,” said Oliver Tuszik, President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Cisco. “From evolving workplace dynamics to the AI revolution reshaping data centers and network infrastructure, Cisco provides solutions that tackle our customers’ most pressing challenges while fostering digital resilience.”
Recent research from Cisco highlights the urgency of these challenges. Over 70% of CEOs express concerns about losing competitive ground due to gaps in IT infrastructure. Recognizing this, 96% of CEOs are turning to trusted partners like Cisco to future-proof their networks for AI. Cisco’s innovations at Cisco Live EMEA demonstrate its commitment to empowering businesses with simplicity, security, and AI readiness.
Simplifying IT Operations with AI-Driven Solutions
At the heart of Cisco’s strategy is a focus on simplifying IT operations while embedding security at every level. Jeetu Patel, EVP and Chief Product Officer at Cisco, emphasized this mission: “Our goal is to actively shape the future of AI and help our customers succeed. The innovations we’re unveiling today reflect our dedication to delivering solutions that address the opportunities and challenges of the AI era.”
Key announcements include:
- AI Infrastructure and Data Center Solutions: Cisco is enabling enterprises and service providers to transform their infrastructure to support AI workloads.
- Cisco N9300 Smart Switches with Hypershield: These switches redefine AI data center architectures by embedding services directly into the network. Hypershield converges security and networking into a single solution, eliminating traditional gaps.
- Cisco Hybrid Mesh Firewall: This distributed security fabric protects AI applications in data centers and public clouds, offering zero-trust segmentation and vulnerability protection under a unified management console.
- Cisco Agile Services Networking: Designed for service providers, this architecture includes Silicon One-powered platforms, coherent pluggable optics, and enhanced management software to monetize assured services and enable AI connectivity.
Empowering Businesses with AI Innovation
To meet the demands of modern AI workloads, Cisco introduced the Cisco UCS C845A M8 server, based on NVIDIA’s MGX reference architecture. This powerful addition to Cisco’s AI server family delivers computational power and efficiency for intensive tasks, accelerating AI innovation.
Additionally, Cisco unveiled advancements in workplace connectivity and collaboration:
- Universal Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Cisco extends its identity-first ZTNA with Hybrid Private Access, ensuring sensitive data remains private while optimizing in-office experiences. Policy Assurance capabilities predict and prevent access disruptions, making zero trust universal.
- Zero Friction Workplace Connectivity: Cisco introduced an expanded portfolio of Wi-Fi 7 access points and stackable access switches, delivering intelligent, secure, and seamless wireless infrastructure for small and mid-size deployments.
- Cisco AI Assistant for Webex Contact Center: Now generally available, this tool enhances agent and customer experiences with features like context transfer summaries, dropped call summaries, and automatic customer satisfaction scores. Additional features, such as real-time transcription and mid-call summaries, will roll out in Q2 2025.
- Cisco Room Bar BYOD: Designed for Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) environments, the Room Bar BYOD connects via USB-C, providing cost-effective, scalable, and AI-powered meeting experiences.
Enhancing Observability, Assurance, and Security
Cisco is also expanding its observability and security solutions to encompass customers’ entire digital footprints:
- Cisco ThousandEyes Traffic Insights: Available in March, this solution provides deeper visibility into on-premises networks by correlating traffic flows with synthetic measurements, ensuring end-to-end assurance for every digital experience.
- New Cisco and Splunk Integrations: Cisco Secure Application for Splunk AppDynamics and Cisco Talos Threat Intelligence now integrate with Splunk security solutions, enhancing threat detection and enabling faster investigations.
Addressing AI Challenges Through Partnerships and Skills Programs
Recognizing the energy efficiency and skills gap challenges posed by AI, Cisco announced new initiatives:
- Engineering Alliances: Cisco has partnered with companies like Vertiv, DeepCoolAI, and Green Revolution Cooling to deliver liquid cooling solutions for AI data centers. Additionally, alliances with Panduit, MHT Technologies, and ThinLabs focus on energy-efficient microgrid solutions for smart buildings.
- AI Skilling Programs: Cisco launched its AI Skills Journey program, offering training from entry to expert levels. Updated certifications, including CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE, reflect the AI and cybersecurity skills needed for impactful business outcomes. Select programs are complimentary through March 24.
AI-Led Customer Experience
Cisco also announced its first jointly developed AI solution with Mistral AI: the AI Renewals Agent. This groundbreaking tool streamlines renewal proposal creation by analyzing data from over 50 sources, providing real-time sentiment analysis, recommendations, and intelligent automation. By tying proposals to customer outcomes and KPIs, the AI Renewals Agent exemplifies Cisco’s vision of delivering personalized, proactive, and predictive customer experiences.
Simplifying the Path to AI Success
Cisco’s announcements at Cisco Live EMEA underscore its leadership in driving AI adoption while addressing the complexities of modern IT. By combining innovative technologies, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive skills programs, Cisco is equipping businesses to thrive in the AI era.
As Oliver Tuszik aptly stated, “In a world where change is constant, Cisco is here to ensure our customers not only keep pace but lead the way.”
For more information on Cisco’s innovations and programs, visit cisco.com.
