With the onset of cloud, we’re being asked more and more by our customers about the architectural requirements that result from it.  While the customers have an instinct as to what’s needed, there seems to be less actual data to that effect than what they would like.  When confronted with a similar situation over 5 years ago about the network, we developed the Cisco Visual Networking Index which focuses on the amount of traffic carried across the network to the end user to help gauge the extent of infrastructure needed to support the data deluge.  Now with the network becoming inextricably linked to the data center and cloud, we realized we need to look at the other half of the equation as well to get a truly comprehensive architectural view.  To achieve this, we reviewed 30Tb of data each month, more than 45 million speed tests, analyst forecasts, and inputs from our customers.  The result?  The inaugural Cisco Global Cloud Index, released today.

Here are a few takeaways to consider:

• Global data center traffic is estimated to grow four-fold to reaching a total of 4.8 zettabytes annually by 2015.
• The vast majority of the traffic – 76% — surprisingly, doesn’t even hit the network but instead stays within the data center itself, as workloads are constantly being migrated to different virtual servers.
• Of the total data center traffic, about 11%, or 130 exabytes of annual data center traffic in 2010 is considered part of the cloud  – however that amount is going to grow significantly in the next half decade, reaching more than a third of data center traffic, or 1.6 zettabytes annually, by 2015.

Cloud may be the concept-of-the-day for the industry, but with growth like that, it shouldn’t be discounted as a passing fad but rather a lasting trend whose impact will fundamentally affect network architectures going forward. Read More »

Tags: cloud, data center, datacenter, global cloud index, infographic, Service Provider, visual networking index, vni

When someone mentions Power over Ethernet (PoE), what comes to your mind? If you are in IT, you may think about powering IP phones and wireless access points over the network. However, did you know that you can now power a whole new range of devices over the network with Cisco UPOE, including virtual desktop terminals, IP Turrets for financial trading, compact switches, personal telepresence systems, and more?

But how is this connected to saving energy? Read More »

Tags: 4500E, Cat4500, Catalyst 4500E, compact switches, energy savings, Energywise, infographic, UPOE

Until the good times return, it’s likely that you, I and buyers of IT equipment everywhere will continue to look carefully at price labels. That’s the nature of things in these uncertain economic times, right?

Well, maybe not. Before we get carried away with economizing, perhaps we should reflect on the words of the author Josh Billings:

“Economy is a savings-bank, into which men drop pennies, and get dollars in return,” said Billings. In other words, the wise invest now to earn later.

That pretty much sums up the contrasting propositions of the Cisco ‘Next Generation network’ and the H-P ‘Good Enough’ network. With one (H-P), network buyers save a few bucks up front knowing it will cost them more (financially and in terms of capabilities) in the future.

With the other (Cisco), they invest a little more up front, knowing that the future return (and ability to grow with their business) is superior and safeguarded.

The infographic below details exactly what’s at stake.

Cisco HP Networking Total Cost of Ownership Comparison

You can learn more about the real economics of networking in this blog post by Ross Fowler, VP, Cisco Borderless Network Architecture.

Tags: Cisco, HP, infographic, network

Long commutes and being in an office at a certain time with limited flexibility is gradually becoming a thing of the past. The future will see an increase in workplace mobility creating the “anywhere office,” a place where employees can work anytime from anywhere.

Which global region will lead the way in mobility by 2013? Click on our interactive infographic to find out.

In terms of sheer mass, the Asia-Pacific region will have the largest amount of mobile workers, topping out over 700 million people and making up for 62% of all the world’s mobile workers. In regards of being the leader in mobile penetration, the US will lead the world with Japan in tow with roughly three-fourths of all employees having workplace mobility options.

Read More »

Tags: future of mobility, global, Green, infographic, mobility, workplace

The pace of IT and data is moving exponentially. With a rapidly growing networks across all industries, keeping track of all these connection points will give rise to a new business leader:  The Chief Information Officer, or CIO.

Why will a CIO be such a crucial part of future business? Read More »

Tags: Chief Information Officer, CIO, infographic, internet, network