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Cisco Announces Its Application-Oriented Networking

Posted on: Friday, 5 August 2005, 09:00 CDT

Cisco Systems Inc. has announced Cisco Application-Oriented Networking (AON), new technology that adds intelligence to the network, enabling the network to better understand business- application communications to support more effective and efficient business decisions.

Cisco's approach to AON is based on technology that moves beyond the packet level to read application-to-application messages flowing within the network - such as purchase orders, investment transaction or shipment approvals. With AON, the network now speaks the language of applications. This new technology supports Cisco's vision for the Intelligent Information Network and is the first network-embedded intelligent message routing system that integrates application message-level communication, visibility, and security into the fabric of the network.

Enterprise IT executives today are challenged with how to better secure, integrate, and optimize business applications to improve productivity and competitiveness. Unlike expensive ad hoc approaches, Cisco AON technology uses the intelligence and reach of the network to provide improved real-time visibility and responsiveness to rapidly changing business conditions.

Because it takes advantage of the existing network footprint, and requires no changes to existing applications, Cisco AON technology also provides excellent investment protection. In addition, by reducing the need for custom software development and extensive systems integration, the Cisco AON solution reduces cost and complexity, speeds application deployment, improves change management, and facilitates regulatory compliance.

The new family of Cisco AON products enables business applications and the network to work together as an integrated system. Announced are Cisco AON modules for data center switches and for branch office routers.

The Cisco AON family complements current Cisco packet and content- aware products by providing true application message-level awareness of business applications. Beta customers are impressed with initial results and the potential they see for streamlining their business processes.

To accelerate successful Cisco AON deployments, Cisco and its technology partners will provide a lifecycle portfolio of professional services that align customers' business and technical requirements through all six phases of the deployment lifecycle: prepare, plan, design, implement, operate and optimize, specifically designed for this new solution.

Cisco's AON approach is also based on collaborative efforts with industry leaders, such as IBM and SAP, which share its vision for helping customers to better manage business applications and business processes through network-embedded solutions.

In addition, Cisco is collaborating with EDS, SAIC, TIBCO Software, and Verisign, as well as innovative services and software firms, including: Actional, ConnecTerra, Contivo, CXO Systems, Infogain, ManTech, Trace Financial, and TransactTools to provide a broad range of Cisco AON solutions. Cisco also has created a full set of Cisco AON partner support, training, testing, certification, and marketing services to help fuel and sustain this ecosystem.

Copyright Publications & Communications, Inc. Jul 2005

Source: Enterprise Networks & Servers

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