Cloud and data center networking
Data center networks are responsible for traffic routing, switching, resource hosting and more. While on-premises data center networking remains essential, enterprises are also turning to cloud networking, which enables them to host services in cloud environments. Discover various strategies for data center network architecture, hybrid cloud and cloud networking services.
Top Stories
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Feature
13 Dec 2024
Breaking down the cost of cloud computing in 2025
Businesses migrating to the cloud can reap benefits they wouldn't get staying on the premises -- but then there's the pricing. Check out cost structures of the big three providers. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2024
4 ways to improve the network monitoring experience
The network transition from data centers to hybrid and multi-cloud environments makes the network delivery path difficult to find. Here are four ways to make that process easier. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Nov 2020
What is the difference between IP telephony and VoIP?
While many IT professionals use VoIP and IP telephony synonymously, some argue for keeping a couple of subtle distinctions between the two terms in mind. Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2020
Cisco sees an end to string of quarterly revenue declines
Cisco is cautiously optimistic that revenues will improve following a 9% drop last quarter. Rising enterprise orders contributed to a positive forecast for the current quarter. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2020
How service mesh enables microservices networking
As microservices applications grow more popular, IT teams need to enable reliable networking between them for proper communication. That's where service mesh comes in. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2020
SmartNIC market capitalizes on advances in programmability
Traditional NICs are getting an upgrade, thanks to smartNICs and function accelerator cards that add programmability. But this doesn't really change things for enterprises -- yet. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2020
Cisco dashboard simplifies access to multiple NetOps tools
Cisco's Nexus Dashboard will offer a single location for several NetOps tools designed for networks serving cloud-centric applications. The software is set for release this year. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2020
VMware unveils rearchitected vSphere as Project Monterey
At VMworld 2020, VMware unveiled a rearchitected vSphere dubbed Project Monterey. The new product will benefit VMware customers across industries, an analyst said. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2020
Cisco restructuring follows weak revenues, forecast
The Cisco restructuring includes shifting research and development to different technology areas and offering employees early retirement. An analyst says layoffs are likely. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2020
Cisco says IT spending uptick possible despite pandemic
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins said some industries could resume IT spending soon, despite the pandemic. Robbins' comments came after the company reported an 8% drop in quarterly revenue. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2020
Enterprises struggle to learn Microsoft Sonic networking
Problems with Microsoft Sonic include a lack of management tools, weak support from hardware vendors and a steep learning curve for engineers, companies said at the OCP Virtual Summit. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2020
Nvidia acquisitions open up AI opportunities
Nvidia's recent acquisition of Cumulus Networks and Mellanox provide the components for building systems to power future AI applications. Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2020
Cisco SD-WAN to use Google Cloud backbone
Cisco plans to launch next year SD-WAN technology that improves WAN performance by directing traffic over Google Cloud's low-latency network backbone. Continue Reading
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News
10 Apr 2020
NSX-T 3.0 enriches VMware's hybrid IT offering
VMware's new NSX-T 3.0 brings important tools to customers modernizing data centers for the cloud era. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2020
How SASE architecture integrates with network infrastructure
SASE architecture offers a compelling value proposition, as it converges networking and security services onto a single cloud platform. Explore how it works with existing infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2020
Why SASE adoption requires a paradigm shift
Enterprises preparing to adopt Secure Access Service Edge should understand how the architecture presents organizational and architectural challenges for network and security teams. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2020
Cisco restructuring follows Goeckeler departure
The Cisco restructuring that follows the departure of executive VP David Goeckeler has reshuffled the company's executive team among five newly created product groups. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2020
CISA chief can't guarantee election security
CISA Chief Christopher Krebs told RSA attendees he can't guarantee election security. Krebs also discussed CISA's efforts against Iranian hackers and ransomware attacks. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2020
Arista's Big Switch buy adds customers, engineers, network software
The Arista-Big Switch deal adds significant software-defined networking technology to Arista's EOS operating system. Also, Arista will acquire 300 customers and dozens of engineers. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2020
Latest Cisco earnings show tech buyers remain skittish
The latest Cisco earnings report shows customers paused tech spending despite a stabler global economy, while the impact of the coronavirus outbreak in China was a looming unknown. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Feb 2020
How do I build a cloud-ready network?
IT teams can prepare their networks for cloud migrations by planning around their applications, security strategies, remote users and WAN performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2020
Plan for simplicity when approaching HCI networking
HCI networking isn't as easy as plugging cables in and hoping the HCI system works. IT teams need to strategize around capacity and resiliency to achieve true simplification. Continue Reading
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News
30 Dec 2019
Cisco 2020: Challenges, prospects shape the new year
Cisco 2020: The networking giant begins the new year with an overhauled service provider business, and SD-WAN and customer challenges in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2019
3 networking startups rearchitect routing
Networking startups Arrcus, DriveNets and Volta Networks help service providers redefine routing in the data center and at the edge. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Nov 2019
How do I build the right cloud network design?
Networks look different now than they did a decade ago, and that continuous change isn't slowing down. Cloud networking plays a large role in the transformation of legacy networks. Continue Reading
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Quiz
26 Nov 2019
Test your cloud networking knowledge with these 10 questions
As cloud networks become more common, IT teams must understand how cloud architectures can benefit -- or impede -- business requirements. Take this quiz to see how much you know. Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2019
Extreme makes Fabric Automation friendlier to developers
Extreme Networks adds Fabric Automation features that make the company's virtualized data center networks more adaptive to changes by application developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2019
Why Secure Access Service Edge is the future of SD-WAN
Secure Access Service Edge -- or SASE -- architecture transitions from network designs that revolve around the data center to a model based on identity and user context. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2019
Cisco earnings foreshadow slowdown in tech spending
The latest Cisco earnings report indicated a weakening in business confidence as economic uncertainties lowered tech spending by enterprises and other segments. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2019
Google cloud network tools check links, firewalls, packet loss
The latest Google cloud network monitoring tools perform connectivity testing and provide firewall and performance metrics. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2019
Arista CloudEOS addresses multi-cloud networking
Arista joins Cisco, Juniper and VMware in the multi-cloud networking market. The new Arista CloudEOS leverages CloudVision for multi-cloud monitoring, automation and management. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Oct 2019
Discover 5 key cloud networking basics for your organization
Clear away the fog, and explore these five key cloud networking fundamentals -- such as models, challenges and tools -- you need to know before you adopt a cloud network strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Oct 2019
3 potential multi-cloud challenges that could go unnoticed
Disaster recovery, vendor lock-in and cost are major factors as organizations evaluate multi-cloud strategies. However, these pros can become cons if teams aren't careful. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2019
Data center transformation drives the ADC security use case
Application delivery controllers play many roles, but the ADC security use case might be most important. Learn about ADC features and how they boost data center security. Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2019
Vendors lining up behind SASE for cloud security
SD-WAN and network security vendors tailor their portfolios to deliver SASE, a cloud security architecture for the age of SaaS, public clouds and IoT. Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2019
Containous releases Traefik 2.0 open source edge router
Traefik 2.0, a major update to the popular open source edge router, enables new use cases and improves visibility into cloud-native deployment stacks, including Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2019
Stateless offers software-defined interconnect platform
The new platform, Luxon, provides software control that replaces customized hardware and offers more configuration possibilities with new switch technology. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2019
Planned VMware analytics will improve NSX security, performance
The new NSX Intelligence unveiled at VMworld will act as a platform for running future VMware analytics to improve NSX security and performance, a company executive said. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Aug 2019
What is data center networking, and how can you get started?
This feature explores the basics of data center networks, such as how to plan for data center consolidation, the effects of cloud services and how to handle data center interconnects. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Aug 2019
Cloud-native deployment isn't for every application
In this roundup of networking blogs, analysts evaluate cloud-native deployments, the increasing value of Wi-Fi and the emergence of Citizens Broadband Radio Service. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2019
Data center performance requirements spur 25 GbE upgrades
Enterprises are upgrading their data centers with 25 GbE to achieve better throughput and support I/O-intensive applications. Here are some best practices for making the switch. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jul 2019
Cloud exchange provider deploys Blue Planet orchestration
In this case study, a Denver-based colocation and cloud exchange provider explains how Ciena's Blue Planet orchestration technology has helped make over its cloud exchange. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2019
How cloud network services affect transformation and security
In this roundup of networking blogs, experts dive into three facets of networking that cloud can affect: network transformation, planning and security. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2019
ARM upgrades network visibility tool cARMa and adds Guru
ARM Data Center Software upgraded its SaaS network inventory tool cARMa to include more network visibility capabilities, including the introduction of mapping and analytics tool Guru. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2019
Ixia network packet broker, cybersecurity test introduced
Ixia launched two new products for networking and security: the Ixia network packet broker, Vision X, for data center visibility and Ixia BreakingPoint QuickTest to gauge device and network security. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jun 2019
When moving cloud on premises, ask these important questions
In this recap of industry blogs, networking analysts discuss moving cloud on premises, per-application ADC innovation and how cyberattackers target the C-suite. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2019
Consider these 3 fundamentals of cloud architecture
In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore three networking fundamentals of cloud architecture for both public and private cloud networks. Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
Tech buyer rights raised in Cisco vulnerability
The seriousness of the Cisco vulnerability, Thrangycat, raises the question of tech buyers' rights when dealing with such a serious flaw in a vendor's hardware. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2019
4 criteria to consider in your cloud migration strategy
Organizations that are evaluating a workload migration to the cloud should use this workload placement process to build a consistent cloud migration strategy. Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2019
Cumulus NetQ aimed at broader enterprise market
Cumulus Networks has revamped Cumulus NetQ. The latest version of the network troubleshooting and change validation software is aimed at a larger segment of the enterprise market. Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2019
Google Cloud, HPE team up for new hybrid cloud platforms
New hybrid cloud platforms, released as a collaboration between Google Cloud and HPE, are available to create similar experiences across both clouds and on-premises environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2019
Public cloud networking basics: How to navigate to AWS, Azure
Moving workloads to AWS and Azure doesn't have to be difficult as long as you follow a few cloud networking basics. What do you need to know to make the shift? Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2019
Improve data center efficiency with these 3 steps
As applications require more computing power, enterprises need to ensure they maximize their data centers. These three steps can improve data center efficiency. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2019
3 steps for a successful data center consolidation plan
A data center consolidation plan is usually riddled with questions. But careful forethought is key for the successful centralization of software and servers. Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2019
Latest Arrcus protocols for webscale data centers
Startup Arrcus has added to its network operating system protocols that could appeal to cloud providers and companies with webscale data centers. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2019
Facebook unveils data center overhaul at OCP 2019
Facebook's two-year data center overhaul, discussed at OCP 2019, included two new switches: the Facebook-designed Minipack and the 7368X4 developed jointly with Arista. Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2019
Facebook Minipack joins other advancements at OCP 2019
Facebook launches the power-saving Minipack switching platform, and Arista unveils the 7368X4 for hyperscalers at the OCP 2019 Global Summit. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Mar 2019
What are the benefits of ADCs with per-application functionality?
DevOps development has driven the need for application delivery controllers to adapt. The result is per-application functionality, which enables customization for each application. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Mar 2019
Cloud connectivity tests the bond between enterprises, WAN providers
Collaborating on cloud connections can strengthen or strain relationships between enterprises and service providers. Service-level agreements, in particular, can be tested. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Mar 2019
How do cloud data centers affect network bandwidth requirements?
When deciding which applications to move to a cloud data center, enterprises should consider network bandwidth requirements and latency, among other factors. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Mar 2019
The switch to 400 GbE may be closer than you think
Several dynamics are driving the need for 400 GbE infrastructures, including the increase in server density, private cloud applications and network edge data. Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2019
Veriflow launches cloud-only network verification
Veriflow's new CloudPredict SaaS provides network verification for AWS and Google Cloud. The product is for companies that need visibility only in the public clouds. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2019
VMware NSX-T gets revamped UI, more automation
The latest iteration of VMware NSX-T includes a revamped UI and other features meant to improve its ability to provide virtual networking in hybrid, private and public clouds. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2019
Network operating system advantages extend to white box switching
The network operating system is changing, moving toward software acceleration, open APIs and white box switching. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the new NOS. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2019
Kemp 360 Vision analyzes F5, Nginx data
The latest version of the Kemp 360 Vision service can apply predictive analytics to data taken from F5 Networks and Nginx load balancers. Continue Reading
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Infographic
21 Feb 2019
NetOps by design: How data center pods enable network agility
To bring a DevOps approach to the network, one expert suggests enterprises take a page from the cloud-provider playbook. Here's how data center pods can support a NetOps evolution. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2019
Cisco earnings, revenue show strength of product roadmap
Cisco earnings and revenue show customers are putting aside global uncertainties and buying into the company's shift toward a more software-centric form of networking. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2019
5 steps to troubleshoot a virtual machine problem in Azure
If you're wrestling with a virtual machine problem, like a faulty connection issue, be sure to check the domain name system and network traffic routing. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2019
Cisco APIC controller heading for AWS, Azure
The latest version of the Cisco APIC controller is designed to bring consistency to managing network fabrics on AWS, Microsoft Azure and private data centers. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2019
Arrcus chasing larger rivals with 400 GbE NOS
Arrcus has introduced a 400 GbE network operating system, demonstrating a maker of a stand-alone NOS can keep pace with the largest networking companies. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2019
Cisco launches AppDynamics integration with ACI
Cisco has provided AppDynamics integration with ACI, the company's software-defined networking architecture. Cisco expects the integration to help DevOps teams. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2019
AI center stage in new Huawei CloudEngine switch
Huawei is betting on its Ascend AI chip to draw the largest enterprises to its latest high-capacity spine switch. The Huawei CloudEngine 16800 embeds AI into the network fabric. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2019
Cisco ACI controller headed for AWS
An AWS version of the Cisco ACI controller set to launch this quarter brings consistency in fabric management between private data centers and Amazon's public cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2019
Consider these 5 factors of DCI technology
This feature showcases five pieces of advice that detail what you need to know about data center interconnect, its pros and cons, and its relationship with other networking areas. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2019
What's the difference between multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud strategies?
When comparing multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud deployments, you'll want to pay particular attention to the management concepts and tools for each cloud strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2019
Data center interconnects rife with application challenges
Avoid pushing complexity into your network. This is especially true with data center interconnect design, Layer 2 mobility and application requirements. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2018
100 GbE switch market shifting to large enterprises
The 100 GbE switch market is shifting away from webscale data center operators, as Arista and Cisco benefit from large enterprises buying more of the faster ports to replace 40 GbE. Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2018
Cisco sees the future of switching in Luxtera silicon photonics
Cisco believes the future in switching and routing is in Luxtera silicon photonics. As a result, the networking giant plans to buy the company for $660 million in cash. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2018
Arista EOS containers integrated with Red Hat, Tigera products
Arista EOS containers have been integrated with Red Hat OpenShift and Tigera security software. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2018
VMware service mesh aims to help DevOps with microservices
VMware has introduced the NSX Service Mesh. Based on the Istio platform, the VMware service mesh manages traffic between microservices and enforces access policies. Continue Reading
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News
05 Dec 2018
Juniper ATP appliance gets broader device support
Juniper has bolstered the security features in its Advanced Threat Prevention product. The vendor also released a Juniper ATP appliance for midsize enterprises. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2018
What's in AWS Outposts with VMware?
AWS Outposts, the new on-premises hybrid cloud, includes a VMware Cloud version that is not expected to provide NSX as a native option for connecting to the AWS public cloud. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2018
Viptela SD-WAN security unveiled at Cisco Partner Summit
At Cisco Partner Summit this week, Cisco announced better security for the Viptela SD-WAN, two ISRs, a Catalyst wireless LAN controller and a Catalyst midmarket switch. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2018
Cisco layoffs mark Customer Experience restructuring
Cisco is laying off hundreds of employees as it restructures its Customer Experience unit led by new-hire Maria Martinez. The Cisco layoffs come the week before its Partner Summit. Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2018
Automation added to Extreme SLX data center networking
Extreme Networks has introduced network automation and a single console for managing data center and campus networks. The technology is part of the Extreme SLX Agile Data Center. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Nov 2018
5 questions to ask about open data centers
Editor's note: In this opinion piece, industry analyst Zeus Kerravala shares his thoughts on open data centers and Extreme Networks' approach. Extreme Networks is a client of Kerravala's ZK ... Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2018
How Cisco 400 GbE switches compare with Arista's
The introduction of Cisco's 400 GbE switches comes a week after Arista unveiled its hardware. The products differ in merchant silicon, optical connectors and backward compatibility. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2018
Job cuts part of Nokia 5G, enterprise changes
Nokia plans to cut thousands of jobs as it doubles down on its 5G and enterprise businesses. The Nokia 5G strategy focuses on selling and developing mobile radio products. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2018
Versa Networks integrates SD-WAN service with Azure Virtual WAN
In networking news, Versa Networks partners with Microsoft Azure Virtual WAN; CenturyLink launches the Managed Cisco SD-WAN service; and Aryaka expands cloud offerings with Oracle. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2018
Juniper earnings downed by a lack of cloud sales
The latest Juniper earnings report shows lower-than-expected sales to cloud providers will result in a revenue decline in the current quarter. The company had expected to return to growth. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
24 Oct 2018
Expect slow adoption of 400 Gigabit Ethernet, for now
Editor's note: In this opinion piece, industry analyst Zeus Kerravala shares his thoughts on 400 Gigabit Ethernet adoption and Arista Networks' 400 GbE approach. Arista is a client of Kerravala's ... Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2018
The Arista 400 GbE 7060X4 takes on Cisco, Juniper
Arista has joined rivals Cisco and Juniper in the 400 GbE switching market. The company introduced this week the Arista 400 GbE 7060X4 Series for hyperscale data centers. Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2018
VMware faces strong challengers in cloud systems management
VMware topped IDC's latest vendor ranking in the cloud systems management market. But the analyst firm said the market is too young to declare any vendor a winner. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2018
Riverbed tailors SteelCentral AppResponse for the cloud
Riverbed has launched SteelCentral AppResponse Cloud. The latest version of the application monitor troubleshoots problems found in business applications running on the AWS cloud. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2018
CenturyLink service offers self-serve connection to AWS
CenturyLink has introduced a service that lets companies create a temporary virtual connection to AWS. The pay-as-you-go CenturyLink service is called Cloud Connect Dynamic Connections. Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2018
Trump tariffs on China could spark Cisco, Juniper price increase
Enterprises will pay more for networking gear as a result of President Donald Trump's tariffs on China. Vendors planning to pass on added costs to customers include Cisco and Juniper. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2018
AT&T Spark highlights big changes in networking market
The AT&T Spark event showed more than the service provider's latest 5G technology. It also revealed how AT&T is redefining the role of networking vendors in its data centers. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2018
Cisco ASR 9000 router gets usage-based pricing
Cisco has changed licensing for the ASR 9000 router to let service providers pay only for the throughput they use. The new pricing arrives as service providers prepare for 5G. Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Sep 2018
What's VMware's goal with its Virtual Cloud Network release?
Attendees saw a noteworthy turnabout at VMworld 2018. With its Virtual Cloud Network announcement, VMware signaled its new vision of cloud, and the network is the center of its strategy. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Sep 2018
Does software networking fit modern data center requirements?
Software networking can support modern data center requirements, private clouds and accompanying applications. But IT teams need to wade through components and suppliers to get there. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2018
Arista CloudVision gets multi-cloud, NSX security features
Arista CloudVision will soon be able to distribute security policies across Amazon, Google and Microsoft public clouds. Other upcoming features include VMware NSX integration. Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2018
Cisco revenues up, customers warming to new products
Cisco revenues in the last quarter rose 6% as businesses took advantage of a strong economy to refresh networks and deploy new products. Continue Reading