Connected, Protected and Sustainable: Cisco's Vision for the Network of Tomorrow

As organizations face the demands of hybrid work, multi-cloud environments, and sustainable IT, networking is no longer just an infrastructure component― it's the backbone of digital transformation. In this exclusive conversation, Brink Sanders, Vice President of Global Networking Sales at Cisco, discusses how Cisco is helping enterprises navigate these challenges with forwardthinking solutions that blend innovation, security, and adaptability.

- Minu Sirsalewala

Networking is evolving into something entirely new at the enterprise level, transforming the way businesses think about and implement connectivity solutions. Concepts like Network as a Service (NaaS), AI-driven operations, and cloudnative models are no longer aspirations—they’re necessities. Yet, with these opportunities come challenges: managing regulatory complexities, ensuring seamless connectivity across diverse environments, and delivering sustainability without compromising performance.

In this conversation during Cisco Live 2024 in Melbourne, Brink Sanders shares an insider’s perspective with Minu Sirsalewala, Executive Editor, on how Cisco is reimagining the future of networks, blending practical solutions with cutting-edge innovation to empower enterprises worldwide.

Network as a service (Naas) is gaining momentum as organizations look for more flexible and scalable solutions. how is cisco uniquely positioned to deliver value here?

NaaS is an interesting space because it means different things to different customers. For most, it’s less about the network itself and more about moving from a CapEx to an OpEx model—essentially paying for what they use, when they use it. But it goes beyond economics. It’s also about simplifying how businesses consume network services.