Advancing AI-Powered Networking: NTT DATA Collaborates with Cisco to Revolutionize Connectivity in the Digital Era

:

Network Modernization: The Critical Foundation for AI-Driven Growth

The demand for high-speed, low-latency, and secure networks is surging as organizations integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into more applications. From manufacturing and healthcare to financial services, legacy infrastructure is proving insufficient to support the scale and complexity of modern AI workloads.A new study from NTT DATA and Cisco underscores this, offering strategic guidance for enterprise network modernization.

The report highlights that a modern network is no longer just a support system; it’s a catalyst for growth and innovation. Over 78% of companies now believe networking capabilities are crucial when selecting vendors for GenAI infrastructure. This signifies a pressing need for networks capable of handling and securing ever-increasing AI demands, including complex training, inference, and storage.

According to Dilip Kumar, Global Head of Technology Solutions at NTT DATA, “As two market leaders, NTT DATA and Cisco are well positioned to help clients modernize their digital infrastructure foundations for the AI era.The network exists as a catalyst for growth and organizations can unlock powerful new capabilities and achieve AI-driven business transformation at scale.”

Beyond capacity, network modernization is increasingly leveraging AI itself. AI-driven configuration, anomaly detection, self-healing capabilities, and clever monitoring are becoming vital for accelerating issue resolution and improving user experience. Industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services are already experiencing the benefits of AI in networking, achieving improved operational efficiency, enhanced security, and cost reduction.

Cisco’s Senior vice President of Global networking Sales, Brink Sanders, adds, “Network modernization is about more than replacing old hardware-it’s about allowing enterprises to lead in an AI-driven world. Our partnership with NTT DATA equips clients with the technology and expertise needed to build secure and connected networks.”

Chris Barnard, Vice President, European Telecoms and Infrastructure at IDC, emphasizes the essential nature of this modernization, stating, “Your network will make or break your AI transformation. Overcoming the challenges of legacy networking technologies is essential. This IDC InfoBrief gives organizations the steps to transform enterprise networking from a bottleneck into a business advantage.”

NTT DATA’s comprehensive suite of services streamlines network modernization throughout the entire lifecycle. This includes strategic advisory services, technology sourcing, architecture and deployment, software-defined infrastructure adoption, and full managed network solutions. As organizations embark on hardware refresh cycles to meet the demands of AI,these services provide the necessary expertise and support for a triumphant transition.

How does teh NTT DATA and cisco collaboration specifically address the challenges of proactively managing evolving security threats within network infrastructure?

The Convergence of AI and Network Infrastructure

The demand for clever, adaptable networks is soaring.Businesses require connectivity that can not only handle increasing data volumes but also proactively respond to evolving security threats and optimize performance in real-time. This is driving a powerful convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and network infrastructure, and NTT DATA’s collaboration with Cisco is at the forefront of this revolution. This partnership leverages the strengths of both companies – NTT DATA’s extensive consulting and IT services expertise and Cisco’s leading networking technologies – to deliver next-generation connectivity solutions.

Understanding the core of the Collaboration

NTT DATA, a prominent entity within the Nippon Telegraph and telephone (NTT) Group, specializes in consulting and IT services. Thier collaboration with Cisco isn’t simply a technology integration; it’s a strategic alliance focused on developing and deploying AI-powered networking solutions. Key areas of focus include:

Intent-Based Networking (IBN): Moving beyond traditional configuration, IBN uses AI to translate business intent into network policies, automating network operations and reducing manual errors.

Network Automation: Automating repetitive tasks like provisioning,configuration,and troubleshooting,freeing up network engineers to focus on strategic initiatives.

Predictive Analytics: Utilizing AI and machine learning to analyze network data, predict potential issues, and proactively optimize performance.

Enhanced Cybersecurity: Employing AI-driven threat detection and response mechanisms to bolster network security and mitigate risks.

SD-WAN Optimization: Leveraging AI to dynamically optimize Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) performance based on application needs and network conditions.

Key Technologies Driving the Transformation

Several core technologies are fueling this advancement in AI-powered networking:

Cisco DNA Center: Cisco’s network management and automation platform, providing a centralized control point for IBN and network automation.

Cisco thousandeyes: A network intelligence platform offering visibility into the entire digital experience, enabling proactive monitoring and troubleshooting.

NTT DATA’s AI/ML Platforms: NTT DATA brings its proprietary AI and machine learning platforms to the table, enhancing Cisco’s capabilities with advanced analytics and predictive modeling.

APIs and Open Standards: The collaboration emphasizes open APIs and adherence to industry standards, ensuring interoperability and flexibility.

Cloud-Native Architectures: Deploying AI-powered networking solutions in cloud-native environments for scalability, agility, and cost-effectiveness.

Benefits of AI-Powered Networking: A tangible Impact

The benefits of integrating AI into network infrastructure are substantial and far-reaching:

Reduced Operational Costs: Automation and proactive problem resolution minimize manual intervention, lowering operational expenses.

Improved Network Performance: AI-driven optimization ensures applications receive the bandwidth and resources they need, enhancing user experience.

Enhanced Security Posture: AI-powered threat detection and response capabilities provide a more robust defense against cyberattacks.

Increased agility and Scalability: Networks can adapt quickly to changing business needs and scale seamlessly to accommodate growth.

Faster Time to Resolution: Predictive analytics and automated troubleshooting accelerate issue identification and resolution.

Optimized User Experience: Consistent and reliable network performance translates to a better user experience for employees and customers.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

The application of this collaboration extends across various industries:

Financial Services: Ensuring secure and reliable connectivity for high-frequency trading and critical financial transactions. AI can detect and mitigate fraudulent activity in real-time.

Healthcare: Supporting telehealth services, remote patient monitoring, and secure data exchange with optimized bandwidth and low latency.

Retail: Optimizing network performance for point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and customer engagement applications.

Manufacturing: Enabling real-time monitoring and control of industrial equipment, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

* Smart Cities: Supporting intelligent transportation systems, public safety networks, and smart grid infrastructure.

Practical Tips for implementing AI-Powered networking

Organizations considering adopting AI-powered networking shoudl consider these practical steps:

1. Define Clear Business Objectives: Identify specific business challenges that AI-powered networking can address.
2. Assess Network Readiness: Evaluate your existing network infrastructure and identify areas for enhancement.
3. Start Small and Scale Gradually: Begin with a pilot project to test and refine your AI-powered networking strategy.
4. invest in Skills Growth: Train your IT staff on the latest AI and networking technologies.
5. Prioritize Data Security and Privacy: Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive network data.
6. Choose the Right Partner: Select a partner with proven expertise in AI, networking, and your specific industry. NTT DATA and Cisco offer a compelling combination of capabilities.

The Future of Connectivity: A Proactive, Intelligent Network

The collaboration between NTT DATA and Cisco signifies a pivotal shift in the evolution of networking.By harnessing the power of AI, organizations can move beyond reactive network management to a proactive, intelligent network that anticipates needs, optimizes performance, and safeguards against threats. This isn’t just about