A Partnership That Powers the AI Revolution
The AI-powered enterprise is here, transforming industries and changing business operations. As AI shifts from experimental to mainstream, it requires infrastructure that delivers top performance, scale, and simplicity. However, many enterprises realize that their current systems cannot keep up with these demands.
This is why the partnership between Cisco and NetApp stands out. Together, we deliver a solution designed for AI’s demands and set a new benchmark for innovation. At the center is NetApp AFX, a breakthrough disaggregated storage architecture, and Cisco’s AI Networking, which uses Nexus Series Switches. This partnership goes beyond technical integration. Instead, it offers a unified approach to building AI-ready data centers, which unlocks the full potential of AI for enterprises worldwide.
NetApp AFX: The Foundation of AI Storage
Unveiled at NetApp Insight 2025, NetApp AFX is built for the AI-powered enterprise. Its disaggregated architecture separates the compute layer (data management and I/O) from the capacity layer (high-performance NVMe over Ethernet flash storage). As a result, organizations can scale performance and capacity independently. This flexibility and performance are crucial for modern AI workloads.
Figure 1: NetApp AFX
NetApp AFX helps you unlock the full value of your data. It enables AI initiatives to grow without sacrificing security, reliability, or enterprise-grade features. Nevertheless, even the most advanced storage needs a robust network to reach its full potential. That is where Cisco’s AI Networking comes in.
Cisco AI Networking: The Backbone of AI-Ready Data Centers
AI depends on data, so moving data between storage, compute, and applications is critical. Cisco’s AI Networking, built on Nexus 9000 Series switches, meets the unique needs of AI and ML workloads. It does more than connect devices; it accelerates AI innovation and performance. Here’s how it works with NetApp AFX:
- Accelerate AI Workflows with Unmatched Speed: Achieve the massive throughput required for data-intensive AI pipelines with up to 64 fixed 400G ports on the Cisco Nexus 9364D-GX2A and 32 fixed 400G ports on the Nexus 9332D-GX2B.
Figure 2: Cisco Nexus 9332D-GX2B switches
These high-performance switches ensure your GPUs operate at peak efficiency by seamlessly connecting to NetApp AFX’s high-performance NVMe over Ethernet flash storage. This integration enables faster data access and processing, driving quicker insights and innovation.
- Optimize Performance for AI at Scale: Advanced features like Cisco Intelligent Packet Flow and lossless transport with RoCEv2 deliver low-latency, high-efficiency data transfer, ensuring seamless performance for even the most demanding AI/ML workloads.
Figure 3: Powering AI fabrics with Cisco Nexus Dashboard
- Future-Proof Your AI Infrastructure: Flexible connectivity options, including support for 800G, 400G, 200G, 100G, and 40G speeds, combined with enterprise-grade reliability and security, and enhanced by Nexus Dashboard for unified management, provide a scalable, secure foundation that evolves with your AI needs.
Why Cisco and NetApp Are Better Together
The collaboration between Cisco and NetApp is more than a technical integration—it’s a shared vision for the AI-powered future. Together, we’re delivering a unified solution that combines NetApp’s decades of expertise in data management and storage with Cisco’s leadership in AI Networking.
“This innovative alliance between Cisco and NetApp marks a new chapter in AI infrastructure”, states Ivan Iannaccone, VP of Product Management, Enterprise Storage, NetApp “By combining Cisco’s high-performance AI Networking technologies with NetApp’s industry-leading data management solutions. Together, we deliver unmatched value to the organizations we serve and those we have yet to reach, enabling transformative, scalable solutions that foster innovation, drive business growth, and position our customers for long-term success in an AI-powered future.”
Here’s what makes this partnership unique:
- Performance: Maximize the speed and responsiveness of your AI workloads with a solution purpose-built to handle the most demanding data and compute requirements, ensuring exceptional results for AI-driven enterprises.
- Scale: Seamlessly grow your AI infrastructure as your needs evolve, with the flexibility to expand without compromising on performance, reliability, or efficiency.
- Simplification: Reduce complexity with enterprise-grade security, reliability, and manageability, making it easier to deploy, operate, and scale AI initiatives with confidence.
The Future of AI is Here—And It’s Powered by Cisco and NetApp
The AI-powered enterprise is now a reality, requiring infrastructure that keeps pace with change. Cisco and NetApp have joined forces to redefine what’s possible in AI-ready data centers. By combining NetApp’s AFX architecture with Cisco’s AI Networking, enterprises can unlock more value, accelerate innovation, and drive outcomes.
Together, Cisco and NetApp set the standard for the AI era. Their unified solution drives performance, enables scalability, and simplifies operations for industry transformation.
Ready to Build Your AI-Powered Enterprise?
Empower your AI ambitions with modern, future-ready infrastructure. Discover how Cisco’s AI Networking and NetApp AFX can revolutionize your data center and accelerate your journey to AI-driven success.
- Read more about the solution
- Learn more about Cisco AI Networking
- Explore the capabilities of NetApp AFX
Let’s build the future of AI together. Contact us today to see how Cisco and NetApp can help you unleash the full potential of your AI initiatives.
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