
How Cisco is Quietly Building the AI-Powered Future
In this feature, Next Wave uncovers insights from DJ Sampath, Cisco's Senior Vice President of AI Products, to explore the innovative technologies shaping the AI landscape. You'll learn how AI-driven applications are being deployed across industries, how innovative tools like AI Canvas are redefining collaboration, and why securing AI systems is as crucial as the breakthroughs themselves. But this isn't just a story about technology—it's about the profound ways AI is reshaping how we work, create, and solve problems. As you read, consider this: how will these advancements not only change industries but also challenge us to rethink the boundaries of human potential? Cisco's AI Innovations Cisco's Role in Building AI-Ready Infrastructure
Cisco has established itself as a cornerstone of internet infrastructure, providing essential technologies such as routers, Wi-Fi access points, and data center components. As AI becomes a driving force across industries, Cisco is evolving its infrastructure to meet the demands of this new era, making sure that enterprises can deploy AI solutions effectively and securely.
Here's how Cisco is building AI-ready infrastructure: Optimized networks designed to handle AI workloads, allowing faster data processing and seamless connectivity.
designed to handle AI workloads, allowing faster data processing and seamless connectivity. Support for deploying AI-driven applications across diverse industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.
across diverse industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Scalable solutions that allow enterprises to integrate AI without compromising performance or security.
By focusing on these areas, Cisco is making sure that businesses have the tools they need to thrive in an AI-driven world. This infrastructure not only supports AI innovation but also addresses the growing demand for reliable and secure systems capable of handling complex AI workloads. AI Canvas: Redefining Human-AI Collaboration
One of Cisco's most innovative contributions to AI is the AI Canvas, a platform designed to enhance collaboration between humans and AI systems. This tool combines conversational AI, generative user interfaces (UIs), and real-time problem-solving capabilities to simplify complex tasks and improve productivity.
AI Canvas offers several practical applications: Creating dynamic dashboards to troubleshoot network issues efficiently.
to troubleshoot network issues efficiently. Generating widgets for managing workflows and streamlining operations.
Facilitating intuitive interactions between users and AI systems, making collaboration seamless and effective.
This platform exemplifies how AI can transform operational efficiency, allowing you to focus on strategic decision-making while AI handles routine and repetitive tasks. By bridging the gap between human expertise and AI capabilities, AI Canvas is setting a new standard for human-AI collaboration. Exploring Cisco's Vision for AI-Ready Systems
Watch this video on YouTube.
Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to AI Infrastructure that you may find helpful. AI in Enterprise Applications: A Growing Trend
AI is becoming an integral part of enterprise operations, enhancing both customer-facing and internal processes. Companies like Starbucks and Airbnb are already using AI for personalized rewards systems and chat-based customer support, respectively. Cisco is at the forefront of this trend, developing AI solutions that prioritize productivity, efficiency, and security.
Here's how AI is reshaping enterprise applications: Streamlining customer interactions through intelligent chatbots and personalized recommendation systems.
through intelligent chatbots and personalized recommendation systems. Automating repetitive tasks to enhance operational efficiency and reduce human error.
and reduce human error. Improving security by detecting and mitigating potential threats in real time.
For businesses, adopting AI is no longer a choice—it's a necessity for staying competitive in today's fast-paced environment. Cisco's AI solutions are designed to address these needs, allowing enterprises to use AI effectively while maintaining a strong focus on security and reliability. Tackling AI Security and Safety Challenges
As AI adoption accelerates, so do the risks associated with its use. Threats such as prompt injection attacks, model vulnerabilities, and malicious AI applications are becoming increasingly prevalent. Cisco is addressing these challenges through its AI Defense product, which focuses on providing robust security measures for AI systems.
Key features of Cisco's AI Defense include: Monitoring AI applications to detect and prevent security breaches before they occur.
to detect and prevent security breaches before they occur. Validating AI models to ensure they are reliable and free from bias .
. Implementing runtime guardrails to protect systems from external attacks and unauthorized access.
It's crucial to distinguish between AI safety and AI security. While safety ensures that AI models are ethical and free from bias, security focuses on protecting systems from malicious actors. Cisco's comprehensive approach addresses both, providing enterprises with the confidence to deploy AI solutions without compromising integrity or safety. AI's Impact on Jobs and Workforce Skills
The rise of AI is reshaping the workforce, creating opportunities for those who embrace it while automating repetitive tasks. Rather than displacing jobs, AI is allowing workers to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their roles. However, adapting to this new landscape requires a commitment to developing skills in AI tools and technologies.
Cisco emphasizes the importance of AI education and offers resources to help workers adapt. Key areas to focus on include: Learning how to use AI tools effectively in your role to enhance productivity.
in your role to enhance productivity. Developing technical skills to work alongside AI systems and understand their capabilities.
and understand their capabilities. Staying informed about emerging AI trends and applications to remain competitive in the job market.
By investing in these skills, you can position yourself for success in an increasingly AI-driven world. Cisco's initiatives in workforce education aim to empower individuals and organizations to navigate this transformation confidently. Creative and Physical AI: Expanding Boundaries
AI is making significant strides in both creative and physical domains, unlocking new possibilities across industries. On the creative side, AI can generate videos, synthesize research, and assist in artistic projects. Meanwhile, embodied AI—robots with a semantic understanding of the physical world—is transforming fields like healthcare and manufacturing.
Consider these advancements: AI systems capable of producing high-quality creative content with minimal input.
with minimal input. Robots designed to navigate complex environments and perform intricate tasks with precision.
with precision. AI tools that assist researchers in synthesizing and analyzing vast amounts of data.
These developments highlight AI's potential to enhance productivity and unlock new opportunities across diverse fields. By combining creativity with physical capabilities, AI is pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve. The Road Ahead for AI
The future of AI is filled with possibilities, from advanced AI agents capable of real-time problem-solving to embodied AI systems that interact seamlessly with the physical world. Cisco's role in this future is clear: to provide the infrastructure, tools, and security measures needed to enable fantastic AI applications.
As AI continues to evolve, its potential to reshape industries and improve lives becomes increasingly evident. Whether through innovative tools like AI Canvas or robust security solutions, Cisco is helping to pave the way for an AI-driven future. Understanding and using these advancements will be essential for staying ahead in an increasingly AI-integrated world.
Media Credit: The Next Wave – AI and the Future of Technology Filed Under: AI, Top News
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Reuters
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- Reuters
Software startup Observe raises $156 million in Sutter Hill-led fundraise
July 30 (Reuters) - Observe, whose tools help detect and resolve issues in app systems, said it has raised $156 million in a funding round led by private equity firm Sutter Hill Ventures as demand rises for software that helps businesses manage a growing deluge of data. The San Mateo, California-based startup has pitched itself as a one-stop alternative to data monitoring and analytics tools from Datadog (DDOG.O), opens new tab and Cisco-owned Splunk, aiming to simplify how businesses detect failures in complex systems. The Series C round was joined by existing investors Madrona Ventures, Alumni Ventures as well as the venture capital arms of cloud company Snowflake and U.S. bank Capital One, Observe said on Wednesday, declining to share its valuation Observe said it plans to use the funds to accelerate product development and expand its North American presence, including hiring more sales staff to grow its nearly 200-strong team. It stores all customer data in a single, central "lake" built on Snowflake and offers a lower-cost alternative to larger rivals, a strategy that has helped it attract about 100 clients, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia ( opens new tab. "We've deliberately, I'd say over the last 18 months, moved our go-to-market away from the smaller organizations. So, we've been focused on companies operating at scale," CEO Jeremy Burton said in an interview. "Capital One is our biggest customer. But Commonwealth Bank actually is very close." Observe has tripled its revenue over the past year and has a 93% gross retention and 180% net revenue retention, the company said, in signs of customer loyalty in a market where clients are chasing lower costs. The startup, which raised $115 million in a Series B round, opens new tab last year, is using artificial intelligence to power an assistant that helps users query data in plain English and diagnose issues without writing complex code.


Coin Geek
22-07-2025
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Indonesia unveils AI Center of Excellence to increase adoption
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... After months of planning, Indonesia has launched a national AI Center of Excellence designed to accelerate the mainstream adoption of emerging technologies. According to a local news outlet report, Indonesia's Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs will spearhead the AI Center of Excellence initiative. The Ministry is teaming up with several entities, including Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), Ooredoo Hutchison, and Indosat (NASDAQ: PTITF), for technical and commercial direction. The Center of Excellence will aim to establish Indonesia's sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. At the top of the list of priorities is digital inclusivity for Indonesian residents, which will be supported by training programs on AI and data science. Furthermore, the newly minted AI Center of Excellence will support local AI innovation rather than a full dependency on foreign AI companies. 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Geeky Gadgets
16-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
How Cisco is Quietly Building the AI-Powered Future
What if the tools shaping our future were being built right now—and by the very companies that laid the foundation for the internet itself? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept; it's a force actively transforming industries, workflows, and even the way we collaborate. Yet, behind the headlines and hype, the real story lies in how AI is being designed to integrate seamlessly into our lives. Enter Cisco, a global leader in internet infrastructure, now spearheading the development of AI-ready systems. From transforming human-AI collaboration to tackling the critical challenges of security and workforce adaptation, Cisco's work offers a glimpse into the future of AI—one that's as promising as it is complex. In this feature, Next Wave uncovers insights from DJ Sampath, Cisco's Senior Vice President of AI Products, to explore the innovative technologies shaping the AI landscape. You'll learn how AI-driven applications are being deployed across industries, how innovative tools like AI Canvas are redefining collaboration, and why securing AI systems is as crucial as the breakthroughs themselves. But this isn't just a story about technology—it's about the profound ways AI is reshaping how we work, create, and solve problems. As you read, consider this: how will these advancements not only change industries but also challenge us to rethink the boundaries of human potential? Cisco's AI Innovations Cisco's Role in Building AI-Ready Infrastructure Cisco has established itself as a cornerstone of internet infrastructure, providing essential technologies such as routers, Wi-Fi access points, and data center components. As AI becomes a driving force across industries, Cisco is evolving its infrastructure to meet the demands of this new era, making sure that enterprises can deploy AI solutions effectively and securely. Here's how Cisco is building AI-ready infrastructure: Optimized networks designed to handle AI workloads, allowing faster data processing and seamless connectivity. designed to handle AI workloads, allowing faster data processing and seamless connectivity. Support for deploying AI-driven applications across diverse industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. across diverse industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Scalable solutions that allow enterprises to integrate AI without compromising performance or security. By focusing on these areas, Cisco is making sure that businesses have the tools they need to thrive in an AI-driven world. This infrastructure not only supports AI innovation but also addresses the growing demand for reliable and secure systems capable of handling complex AI workloads. AI Canvas: Redefining Human-AI Collaboration One of Cisco's most innovative contributions to AI is the AI Canvas, a platform designed to enhance collaboration between humans and AI systems. This tool combines conversational AI, generative user interfaces (UIs), and real-time problem-solving capabilities to simplify complex tasks and improve productivity. AI Canvas offers several practical applications: Creating dynamic dashboards to troubleshoot network issues efficiently. to troubleshoot network issues efficiently. Generating widgets for managing workflows and streamlining operations. Facilitating intuitive interactions between users and AI systems, making collaboration seamless and effective. This platform exemplifies how AI can transform operational efficiency, allowing you to focus on strategic decision-making while AI handles routine and repetitive tasks. By bridging the gap between human expertise and AI capabilities, AI Canvas is setting a new standard for human-AI collaboration. Exploring Cisco's Vision for AI-Ready Systems Watch this video on YouTube. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to AI Infrastructure that you may find helpful. AI in Enterprise Applications: A Growing Trend AI is becoming an integral part of enterprise operations, enhancing both customer-facing and internal processes. Companies like Starbucks and Airbnb are already using AI for personalized rewards systems and chat-based customer support, respectively. Cisco is at the forefront of this trend, developing AI solutions that prioritize productivity, efficiency, and security. Here's how AI is reshaping enterprise applications: Streamlining customer interactions through intelligent chatbots and personalized recommendation systems. through intelligent chatbots and personalized recommendation systems. Automating repetitive tasks to enhance operational efficiency and reduce human error. and reduce human error. Improving security by detecting and mitigating potential threats in real time. For businesses, adopting AI is no longer a choice—it's a necessity for staying competitive in today's fast-paced environment. Cisco's AI solutions are designed to address these needs, allowing enterprises to use AI effectively while maintaining a strong focus on security and reliability. Tackling AI Security and Safety Challenges As AI adoption accelerates, so do the risks associated with its use. Threats such as prompt injection attacks, model vulnerabilities, and malicious AI applications are becoming increasingly prevalent. Cisco is addressing these challenges through its AI Defense product, which focuses on providing robust security measures for AI systems. Key features of Cisco's AI Defense include: Monitoring AI applications to detect and prevent security breaches before they occur. to detect and prevent security breaches before they occur. Validating AI models to ensure they are reliable and free from bias . . Implementing runtime guardrails to protect systems from external attacks and unauthorized access. It's crucial to distinguish between AI safety and AI security. While safety ensures that AI models are ethical and free from bias, security focuses on protecting systems from malicious actors. Cisco's comprehensive approach addresses both, providing enterprises with the confidence to deploy AI solutions without compromising integrity or safety. AI's Impact on Jobs and Workforce Skills The rise of AI is reshaping the workforce, creating opportunities for those who embrace it while automating repetitive tasks. Rather than displacing jobs, AI is allowing workers to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their roles. However, adapting to this new landscape requires a commitment to developing skills in AI tools and technologies. Cisco emphasizes the importance of AI education and offers resources to help workers adapt. Key areas to focus on include: Learning how to use AI tools effectively in your role to enhance productivity. in your role to enhance productivity. Developing technical skills to work alongside AI systems and understand their capabilities. and understand their capabilities. Staying informed about emerging AI trends and applications to remain competitive in the job market. By investing in these skills, you can position yourself for success in an increasingly AI-driven world. Cisco's initiatives in workforce education aim to empower individuals and organizations to navigate this transformation confidently. Creative and Physical AI: Expanding Boundaries AI is making significant strides in both creative and physical domains, unlocking new possibilities across industries. On the creative side, AI can generate videos, synthesize research, and assist in artistic projects. Meanwhile, embodied AI—robots with a semantic understanding of the physical world—is transforming fields like healthcare and manufacturing. Consider these advancements: AI systems capable of producing high-quality creative content with minimal input. with minimal input. Robots designed to navigate complex environments and perform intricate tasks with precision. with precision. AI tools that assist researchers in synthesizing and analyzing vast amounts of data. These developments highlight AI's potential to enhance productivity and unlock new opportunities across diverse fields. By combining creativity with physical capabilities, AI is pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve. The Road Ahead for AI The future of AI is filled with possibilities, from advanced AI agents capable of real-time problem-solving to embodied AI systems that interact seamlessly with the physical world. Cisco's role in this future is clear: to provide the infrastructure, tools, and security measures needed to enable fantastic AI applications. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to reshape industries and improve lives becomes increasingly evident. Whether through innovative tools like AI Canvas or robust security solutions, Cisco is helping to pave the way for an AI-driven future. Understanding and using these advancements will be essential for staying ahead in an increasingly AI-integrated world. Media Credit: The Next Wave – AI and the Future of Technology Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.