Latest news with #AbdelilahNejjari
Tahawul Tech
14-04-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
From Routers to AI: Cisco's pioneering 40-year journey
Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director, Gulf and Levant – Cisco, examines how their past experience with networking and communications will inform their future within an evolving digital landscape. Over the past four decades, Cisco has significantly influenced the evolution of networking technology, facilitating the seamless communication of computers and devices while integrating security, power, and connectivity into the digital landscape. The Network Evolution: The introduction of TCP/IP in the 1970s and Cisco's launch of its first multiprotocol router in 1986 marked pivotal moments in establishing the foundation for the modern internet. This era witnessed the convergence of once-isolated technologies, setting the scene for major digital transformations in areas like email, e-commerce, and multimedia content sharing. As the internet grew in accessibility during the 1990s and early 2000s, Cisco solidified its leadership role through innovations such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and the development of early wireless standards, enabling a flexible network environment that fostered new forms of online interaction. As more people joined online platforms, the network absorbed security, power (with innovations like Power over Ethernet), and the ability to deliver stable, always-on connectivity. The 2010s saw an explosion of big data and cloud computing, with Cisco adapting its capabilities to enable real-time network analysis and the functioning of IoT devices, while addressing growing cybersecurity threats with advanced firewalls and protection mechanisms. In the current AI era, Cisco remains at the forefront of technology by continuously shaping the networking landscape and providing the high-speed infrastructure needed for complex workloads and integrating solutions such as Cisco Hypershield and AI Defence to combat new security challenges, in an increasingly interconnected world. Looking Ahead: Looking at the future of networking technology, it is being reshaped by significant trends, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). AI is expected to revolutionise network management by enabling systems to learn from their own traffic, allowing for predictive problem-solving, instant data re-routing, and enhanced streaming or gaming experiences. This advancement will transform AI into the 'brain' of networks, facilitating personalised connectivity and proactive cyber threat neutralisation. The emergence of Agentic AI takes this a step further, as AI agents not only interact with users but also collaborate with one another, automating complex business functions such as supply chain management. However, as these capabilities evolve, organisations must implement ethical guidelines to ensure fairness, transparency, and protection of intellectual property in AI-driven decisions. Simultaneously, the IoT is expected to introduce hundreds of billions of connected devices in the near future, turning homes into mini data centres that manage various aspects of daily life, from appliances to vehicles. This rapid growth in connectivity will demand increased bandwidth and reliability as innovations like wearables and projection technologies redefine work and entertainment experiences. Looking ahead, the challenge lies in evolving the network without losing the foundational technologies that have come before. Key questions remain regarding security integration in this expanding digital landscape and how to make advanced computational technologies like quantum computing accessible to a broader range of organisations. Drawing from historical precedents, the evolution of the network teaches us that seemingly gradual changes can lead to profound impacts, paving the way for a more secure and inclusive digital future that harnesses the intelligence, resilience, and adaptability of current technologies. Image Credit: Cisco
Tahawul Tech
14-04-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
From Routers to AI: Cisco's pioneering 40 year journey
Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director, Gulf and Levant – Cisco, examines how their past experience with networking and communications will inform their future within an evolving digital landscape. Over the past four decades, Cisco has significantly influenced the evolution of networking technology, facilitating the seamless communication of computers and devices while integrating security, power, and connectivity into the digital landscape. The Network Evolution: The introduction of TCP/IP in the 1970s and Cisco's launch of its first multiprotocol router in 1986 marked pivotal moments in establishing the foundation for the modern internet. This era witnessed the convergence of once-isolated technologies, setting the scene for major digital transformations in areas like email, e-commerce, and multimedia content sharing. As the internet grew in accessibility during the 1990s and early 2000s, Cisco solidified its leadership role through innovations such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and the development of early wireless standards, enabling a flexible network environment that fostered new forms of online interaction. As more people joined online platforms, the network absorbed security, power (with innovations like Power over Ethernet), and the ability to deliver stable, always-on connectivity. The 2010s saw an explosion of big data and cloud computing, with Cisco adapting its capabilities to enable real-time network analysis and the functioning of IoT devices, while addressing growing cybersecurity threats with advanced firewalls and protection mechanisms. In the current AI era, Cisco remains at the forefront of technology by continuously shaping the networking landscape and providing the high-speed infrastructure needed for complex workloads and integrating solutions such as Cisco Hypershield and AI Defence to combat new security challenges, in an increasingly interconnected world. Looking Ahead: Looking at the future of networking technology, it is being reshaped by significant trends, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). AI is expected to revolutionise network management by enabling systems to learn from their own traffic, allowing for predictive problem-solving, instant data re-routing, and enhanced streaming or gaming experiences. This advancement will transform AI into the 'brain' of networks, facilitating personalised connectivity and proactive cyber threat neutralisation. The emergence of Agentic AI takes this a step further, as AI agents not only interact with users but also collaborate with one another, automating complex business functions such as supply chain management. However, as these capabilities evolve, organisations must implement ethical guidelines to ensure fairness, transparency, and protection of intellectual property in AI-driven decisions. Simultaneously, the IoT is expected to introduce hundreds of billions of connected devices in the near future, turning homes into mini data centres that manage various aspects of daily life, from appliances to vehicles. This rapid growth in connectivity will demand increased bandwidth and reliability as innovations like wearables and projection technologies redefine work and entertainment experiences. Looking ahead, the challenge lies in evolving the network without losing the foundational technologies that have come before. Key questions remain regarding security integration in this expanding digital landscape and how to make advanced computational technologies like quantum computing accessible to a broader range of organisations. Drawing from historical precedents, the evolution of the network teaches us that seemingly gradual changes can lead to profound impacts, paving the way for a more secure and inclusive digital future that harnesses the intelligence, resilience, and adaptability of current technologies. Image Credit: Cisco
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cisco AI readiness index in the UAE
News Summary: 64% of organizations in the UAE have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions. Yet businesses are facing challenges in fully leveraging AI. Organizations are investing heavily in AI, with almost half (47%) of companies allocating 10-30% of their current IT budget to AI deployment, but returns are not yet meeting expectations. There is a relentless sense of urgency with 64% of companies saying they have a maximum of a year to get their AI strategies right or face potential negative impacts. Networks yet need to be equipped to meet AI workloads; only 14% of companies in the UAE report having the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Cisco today announced findings from its latest AI Readiness Index, that reveals that 64% of organizations in the UAE have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions in their organisation. The report highlights that despite increasing urgency in deployment and investment, businesses in the UAE face challenges in adopting, deploying, and fully leveraging AI. The Index is based on a double-blind survey of 7,985 senior business leaders from organizations with 500 or more employees across 30 markets, including UAE. These leaders are responsible for AI integration and deployment within their organizations. The Index is measured across six pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture. Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director, Cisco in Gulf and Levant, commented: "Our survey reveals that companies need to prioritize investments in infrastructure and talent to effectively navigate the complexities of AI deployment. Organizations in the region need to prepare their workforce, existing data centres and cloud strategies to meet the AI requirements and harness its full potential.' Key Findings include: Acting with Urgency: AI has become a cornerstone for business strategy, and there is an increasing urgency among companies to adopt and deploy AI technologies. In UAE, nearly all (99%) report an increased urgency to deploy AI, primarily driven by the CEO and leadership team. Nearly all (86%) companies say they only have 18 months to start demonstrating the impact of AI. More than half (64%) give it only 12 months. Rising Investment: Businesses in the UAE are accelerating efforts and increasing investments to overcome barriers and embrace AI-driven transformation. Notably, over a third (34%) of organizations plan to allocate more than 40% of their IT budget to AI investments in the next four to five years, a significant increase from 8% of companies who said they are allocating a similar portion of their IT budget to AI currently. Additionally, almost half (47%) of companies indicate that between 10% to 30% of their IT budget is allocated to AI deployments. AI investments focus on three strategic areas: cybersecurity (45%), IT infrastructure (39%), as well as data management (34%), and data analysis (33%). The top three outcomes they aim to achieve are improving the efficiency of systems, processes, operations, and profitability; the ability to innovate and remain competitive; and growing revenue and market share for the business. However, over 40% of respondents report that the gains from their AI investments have not yet met expectations in augmenting, assisting, or automating current processes and operations. Infrastructure Preparedness: Networks are yet to be equipped to meet AI workloads. There are gaps in compute, data centre network performance, and cybersecurity, amongst other areas. Only 14% of organizations have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands and only a third (31%) have the capabilities to protect data in AI models with end–to–end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring, and instant threat response. Positive developments are underway as companies acknowledge the necessity of enhancing their readiness to effectively leverage AI. In the UAE, 54% say improving the scalability, flexibility, and manageability of their IT infrastructure are top priorities, showing they are aware of the gaps that need to be addressed. Addressing Skills and Talent Gaps: A lack of skilled talent is a top challenge for companies in the UAE, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals to drive AI initiatives. Only 37% of UAE organizations claim their talent is at a high state of readiness to fully leverage AI, and 27% say their organizations lack in-house talent necessary for successful AI deployment. About Cisco Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco. Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word 'partner' does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.
Al Bawaba
28-01-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Cisco AI Readiness Index in the UAE: Strategies Outlined Amid Rising Urgency and Investment, Yet Deployment Challenges Persist
Cisco today announced findings from its latest AI Readiness Index, that reveals that 64% of organizations in the UAE have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions in their organisation. The report highlights that despite increasing urgency in deployment and investment, businesses in the UAE face challenges in adopting, deploying, and fully leveraging AI. The Index is based on a double-blind survey of 7,985 senior business leaders from organizations with 500 or more employees across 30 markets, including UAE. These leaders are responsible for AI integration and deployment within their organizations. The Index is measured across six pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture. Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director, Cisco in Gulf and Levant, commented: "Our survey reveals that companies need to prioritize investments in infrastructure and talent to effectively navigate the complexities of AI deployment. Organizations in the region need to prepare their workforce, existing data centres and cloud strategies to meet the AI requirements and harness its full potential.' Key Findings include: Acting with Urgency: AI has become a cornerstone for business strategy, and there is an increasing urgency among companies to adopt and deploy AI technologies. In UAE, nearly all (99%) report an increased urgency to deploy AI, primarily driven by the CEO and leadership team. Nearly all (86%) companies say they only have 18 months to start demonstrating the impact of AI. More than half (64%) give it only 12 months. Rising Investment: Businesses in the UAE are accelerating efforts and increasing investments to overcome barriers and embrace AI-driven transformation. Notably, over a third (34%) of organizations plan to allocate more than 40% of their IT budget to AI investments in the next four to five years, a significant increase from 8% of companies who said they are allocating a similar portion of their IT budget to AI currently. Additionally, almost half (47%) of companies indicate that between 10% to 30% of their IT budget is allocated to AI deployments. AI investments focus on three strategic areas: cybersecurity (45%), IT infrastructure (39%), as well as data management (34%), and data analysis (33%). The top three outcomes they aim to achieve are improving the efficiency of systems, processes, operations, and profitability; the ability to innovate and remain competitive; and growing revenue and market share for the business. However, over 40% of respondents report that the gains from their AI investments have not yet met expectations in augmenting, assisting, or automating current processes and operations. Infrastructure Preparedness: Networks are yet to be equipped to meet AI workloads. There are gaps in compute, data centre network performance, and cybersecurity, amongst other areas. Only 14% of organizations have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands and only a third (31%) have the capabilities to protect data in AI models with end–to–end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring, and instant threat response. Positive developments are underway as companies acknowledge the necessity of enhancing their readiness to effectively leverage AI. In the UAE, 54% say improving the scalability, flexibility, and manageability of their IT infrastructure are top priorities, showing they are aware of the gaps that need to be addressed. Addressing Skills and Talent Gaps: A lack of skilled talent is a top challenge for companies in the UAE, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals to drive AI initiatives. Only 37% of UAE organizations claim their talent is at a high state of readiness to fully leverage AI, and 27% say their organizations lack in-house talent necessary for successful AI deployment.
