We are on the cusp of a whole new wave of digital entertainment experiences that will make video content much easier to find, navigate, interact with and enjoy, on any device and network. Today, Cisco took another important step towards realizing that vision by announcing its intention to acquireNDSGroup Ltd. a leading provider of video software and content security solutions that enables users to intuitively view, search and navigate across digital content anytime, anywhere and on any device.
Video is transforming every aspect of our lives. Telemedicine services in New Mexico are helping patients in underserved communities to secure video consultations with expert doctors many miles away. In India, classrooms in tiny rural villages are now being taught by remote teachers using Webex video. We’re even seeing technology that lets us use video to try on dozens of outfits without ever stepping into a fitting room. For thousands of business professionals around the world, attending a meeting with colleagues, customers and partners in some far flung corner of the world via TelePresence is a routine part of their day.
It’s impossible to argue with the transformational power of video, but perhaps the most noticeable changes are happening right in our own homes, and on our mobile devices.
Television has been truly transformed in the past decade, from a one-way inflexible viewing experience, to a highly dynamic one, which can be time-shifted and enjoyed on an increasing array of digital video devices. But this is only the beginning of an exciting journey.
While clearly a substantial acquisition and major landmark in Cisco’s history in its own right, today’s acquisition is the latest in a series of milestones for Cisco’s Videoscape strategy. Videoscape is Cisco’s vision and platform for the creation of new visual, mobile and social video entertainment experiences through the convergence of digital TV, online content, and social media and video communications applications.
Today, Cisco announced its intent to acquire Lightwire, which develops optical interconnects for high-speed networking applications. This acquisition provides Cisco with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) photonics technology, which will enable service providers and data centers to meet the growing demands of video, data, voice, mobility, and cloud services. This is an exciting milestone in our goal of delivering cost-effective, high-speed networks with the next generation of optical connectivity.
By acquiring Lightwire, we continue our long-standing tradition of bringing world-class talent into the Cisco family. Lightwire brings a strong team with cutting-edge expertise and thought leadership in silicon engineering, including a Kal Shastri, Lightwire Founder and CTO, who will be joining Cisco as a Distinguished Engineer.
The Lightwire acquisition is a great example of Cisco’s commitment to build, buy, and partner to drive innovation; it also supports our strategy to drive market leadership in the core, one of Cisco’s five foundational priorities, and is a strong follow-on to the acquisition of CoreOptics, another key acquisition in the advanced silicon arena. Together, they will enable cost-effective, scalable, converged packet-optical networks to address the needs of our customers and continue Cisco’s long track record of technology innovation and leadership.
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The network needs to be fast, run all of the latest applications, adeptly handle video, not to mention offer stability and security. Oh, and the network should also be scalable and serve users’ needs.
Whew. Needless to say, we expect a lot from the network. And so do customers.
With all these features on customers’ network wish lists, all too often acquisition costs are the only consideration when planning for the future. But Bob Cagnazzi, CEO of Cisco Master Partner BlueWater Communications Group, says that’s a big mistake.
BlueWater provides a lifecycle suite of services around the network, including: collaboration, video, virtualization, and cloud computing for a range of clients in the tri-state New York area. We caught up with Bob on a recent trip to California to get his thoughts on why it’s important for customers to understand both short- and long-term costs associated with the network.
What questions does Bob ask his customers when they’re planning for the future of their networks? Read More »
