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Mala Anand

No Longer with Cisco

Mala Anand is senior vice president for the Cisco Software Platforms Group. Anand is committed to innovative software development and go-to-market strategy. Her responsibilities include Cisco software-enabled smart services, big data and analytics, application integration and automation enablement platforms. She has over 20 years of experience leading product development for enterprise-focused software companies. Her expertise includes technology innovation, go-to-market planning, product line development and cloud-based strategies.

In her previous role as vice president of the Cisco Services Product Group, Anand was responsible for the vision, strategy, and development of the Cisco smart services portfolio. Her innovative approach helped Cisco exceed one billion dollars in bookings and contributed to Cisco’s services market differentiation. Under her leadership, the Group launched over 15 market-leading software offerings.

Prior to Cisco, Anand held senior executive positions in product, services, and technology business units, and she holds multiple technology patents. She also served as COO and senior vice president for Informative, a private software company focusing on business analytics. In addition, she was also entrepreneur in residence (EIR) for the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers. Prior to that she helped lead development for software products from Corosoft (BMC), Rapt (Microsoft) and Beyond, Inc. Anand has also led software teams at Oracle and Digital Equipment Corporation.

Anand holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from University of Massachusetts and a master’s degree in computer science from Brown University.

Articles

December 17, 2015

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

Analytics: Building a Winning Strategy in Manufacturing

2 min read

Machinery, supply chains, and raw materials have always been core concerns in manufacturing. Today, another asset is just as critical — data. General Electric Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Immelt said it well: “The industrial world is changing dramatically, and those companies that make the best use of data will be the most successful.” I certainly […]

Cisco Analytics and Automation Software Shapes Digital Transformation

1 min read

Imagine a future where data, processes and people are all digitally connected to provide real-time insights that change the user experience for the better. No need to wait. You can experience that future today. Forward looking businesses today are transforming themselves into digital enterprises. The choice is disrupt or be disrupted. Are you ready to […]

November 10, 2015

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

Insights to Interactions: Defining New Connected User Experiences

5 min read

This summer’s announced development alliance between Apple and Cisco reminded me of a quote from Tim Cook, Apple CEO, that I once read, “Most business models have focused on self-interest instead of user experience.” Needless to say, Apple has built one of the most successful brands in history by focusing on consistently delivering an exceptional […]

Leverage & Prepare for the Future of Networked Communications

1 min read

Several years ago, Cisco published predictions on the growth of Internet traffic – such as by 2017, there will be 5 devices and related connections for every Internet user worldwide. While the vision of the Internet of Things (IoT) is growing into reality, in just a couple of years, it’s expected to create more global […]

September 30, 2015

NETWORKING

Connected Analytics: Learn to Live on the Edge – and Love It!

4 min read

Not surprisingly, as a networking company Cisco frequently publishes predictions on the growth of Internet traffic. Bragging unintended, typically the forecasts are pretty accurate. In a 2012 report we predicted that by 2017 there would be 2.5 devices and related connections for every person on earth, while there would be 5 devices and related connections […]

September 1, 2015

NETWORKING

Increase Your Network Operations IQ

4 min read

This is the time of year when summer vacations end and students head back to the classroom. For those of us who have school-age children like me, it’s important that we know that their academic environment provides access to tools and information that will ensure successful learning. Knowledge of our children’s academic resources gives us […]

September 8, 2015

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Making the Right Connections Opens New Doors to Digital Business Success

5 min read

Making the Right Connections Opens New Doors to Digital Business Success The digital transformation of business isn’t just about the connection of things, though those connections are certainly important.  Industrial or IT automation can take many forms, whether it’s connections between people, the connections between people and things or, perhaps most importantly, the processes that […]

August 5, 2015

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

Why the Fortune 500 is Fast Becoming the Digital 500

4 min read

As part of its research for this year’s annual Fortune™ 500 issue the magazine polled the CEOs of all the companies on its latest list of industry leaders. When asked, “What is your company’s greatest challenge?” the number one answer among the CEOs was, “The rapid pace of technological change.” Holding second position on their […]

July 29, 2015

NETWORKING

How to Make the Invisible Visible: An Automated Answer for Network Transparency

3 min read

Let’s face it. Danger lurks inside every enterprise network, and when it hits, addressing the crisis with manual processes that are inefficient and error-prone can take days – or even weeks – to resolve. If you’ve ever been in a situation like this, minutes can seem like hours. You’re aware that not only is fast […]

Internet of Everything’s Sea-Worthy Innovations Show Potential for All

2 min read

Though the high seas action of a competitive regatta and the halls of your office may not seem similar, those two worlds suddenly become alike when leaders in both environments use real-time data to steer critical decisions when seconds count for optimum outcomes. As businesses race to innovate their environments and outpace industry competition, the […]

U.S. Army Builds Internet of Everything Infrastructure for the Fighting Force of Tomorrow

2 min read

Every July, we celebrate on the 4th to commemorate the Continental Congress’ approval of the Declaration of Independence.  This year, the patriotic occasion reminded me of an event held last...

June 11, 2015

NETWORKING

10 Smart New Ways to Keep Your Network Up and Running: Final Thoughts from Cisco Live

4 min read

After several days of attending Cisco Live, I’m excited about what I’ve seen and heard. Not just from my Cisco colleagues but from customers who are transforming their businesses by using their networks in new and previously unimaginable ways. Today’s business call to action, “Disrupt or be disrupted,” couldn’t be more true. In my blog […]

June 4, 2015

NETWORKING

10 Smart New Ways to Keep Your Network Up and Running: A Preview of What to See at Cisco Live

3 min read

CiscoLive! is next week. With more than 23,000 people expected to attend, there’s no event more popular with IT professionals who pride themselves on their networking expertise. As I prepare to travel to San Diego for the occasion, I wanted to share my perspective on how IT organizations can better operate and protect the networks that […]

Analytics Opens a Window into Each Shopper’s Journey

1 min read

The key to retail today is customer understanding —where each customer stands on his or her personal shopping journey, whether in-store or out. Retailers must “know” each shopper as never before. And they must offer the kinds of contextual, personally relevant experiences that will optimize their merchandise mix, create faster inventory turns, and drive greater […]

May 11, 2015

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

Analytics Opens a Window into Each Shopper’s Journey

3 min read

The key to retail today is customer understanding —where each customer stands on his or her personal shopping journey, whether in-store or out. Retailers must “know” each shopper as never...

March 25, 2015

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

Entrepreneurs: Your Invitation to Innovate with Cisco in Europe – Second Season Application Now Open

2 min read

It was only last November that I wrote about our first Cisco Entrepreneurs in Residence (Cisco EIR) cohort in Europe. I knew then we had started something special – an incubation model that allows Cisco to tap into the immense talent of the European startup community and helps address many of the unique challenges entrepreneurs […]

February 13, 2015

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

Putting Cisco Entrepreneurs in Residence into High Gear: More Startup Innovations for the Internet of Everything

4 min read

Cisco’s leadership in the emerging market for the Internet of Everything (IoE), Smart Cities and Big Data/analytics rests on our ability to harness the technologies and business models of our global partner ecosystem – especially those of early-stage startups who are building truly disruptive capabilities for the future. I previously shared my vision of Cisco […]