At the recent Cisco Live conference in Las Vegas, Cisco introduced the Cisco Nexus HyperFabric in collaboration with Nvidia, a breakthrough in providing network infrastructure for generative AI models. The product includes Nvidia GPU and AI software, Cisco Ethernet switching, and a data warehouse, and is set to be available for testing in the fourth quarter. Cisco aims to capitalize on the growing demand for AI in enterprise data centers, a market they had previously overlooked during the rise of public cloud usage.
Chuck Robbins, CEO of Cisco, emphasized their commitment to embracing AI infrastructure after learning from past mistakes. The company’s partnership with Nvidia positions them as a key player in the AI infrastructure market, with the goal of helping customers navigate the complexities of integrating GenAI models into their networks.
One potential customer, PTC, expressed curiosity about how HyperFabric could benefit them. Michael Blake, Vice President of IT at PTC, highlighted the challenge of understanding GenAI models due to limited exposure to AI infrastructure. The Nexus HyperFabric product boasts high-speed Ethernet capabilities and utilizes Nvidia’s AI Enterprise software to enhance security, networking, and data access.
Cisco’s collaboration with Nvidia is part of a larger trend of infrastructure providers expanding their AI offerings. As part of their strategic initiative, Cisco has also launched a $1 billion seed investment fund to support AI startups. The acquisition of Splunk, a big data analytics company, further demonstrates Cisco’s commitment to integrating AI into their infrastructure services.
Despite the potential of AI in infrastructure, challenges remain in implementing AI-driven solutions across diverse environments. Analyst Jim Frey emphasized the complexity of using AI for root cause analysis and the need to account for unique client environments. Cisco’s expansion of its ThousandEyes network visibility platform to include public clouds, on-premises networks, and Wi-Fi and LANs demonstrates their commitment to providing comprehensive monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities.
In conclusion, Cisco’s partnership with Nvidia and investments in AI demonstrate their dedication to leading the charge in AI infrastructure. The unveiling of the Cisco Nexus HyperFabric marks a significant milestone in their efforts to support generative AI models and help customers harness the power of AI in their networks.
Article Source
https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/news/366587736/Cisco-commits-to-GenAI-with-HyperFabric-1B-fund
