Cisco unveils Application-Oriented Networking

Cisco's approach to AON is based on innovative new technology that moves beyond the packet level to read application-to-application messages flowing within the network - such as purchase orders, investment transactions, or shipment approvals. With AON, the network now speaks the language of applications. This new technology supports Cisco's vision for the Intelligent Information Network and is the first network-embedded intelligent message routing system that integrates application message-level communication, visibility, and security into the fabric of the network.

Commenting on the new technology, Ghazi Atallah, General Manager, Cisco Systems Middle East, said: "AON takes networking to a new level by using the existing network to facilitate communication among different software applications. The technology natively understands application messages and allows the network to speak the language of applications, thereby helping customers to improve business processes and decision-making, and ultimately increase productivity."

"AON will considerably ease the challenges of building, deploying and integrating increasingly distributed applications and computer systems used by businesses and organizations across the Middle East. Furthermore, adopting the AON framework will allow the region's businesses to simplify their overly complex application infrastructure," Atallah added.

"The nature of the enterprise network is evolving from a low-function communication service to a high-function Enterprise Nervous System (ENS)," said Roy Schulte, Gartner, Inc. vice president and research fellow. "This is changing application design and IT management practices in fundamental ways. In a conventional architecture, intelligent application systems interact through a low-function, fairly 'dumb' network. In an ENS-based architecture, by contrast, the network is as intelligent as the applications. The ENS offloads logic from the application systems by transforming and redirecting messages and providing other services as appropriate."

Enterprise IT executives today are challenged with how to better secure, integrate, and optimize business applications to improve productivity and competitiveness. Unlike expensive ad hoc approaches, Cisco AON technology uses the intelligence and reach of the network to provide improved real-time visibility and responsiveness to rapidly changing business conditions.

Because it takes advantage of the existing network footprint, and requires no changes to existing applications, Cisco AON technology also provides excellent investment protection. In addition, by reducing the need for custom software development and extensive systems integration, the Cisco AON solution reduces cost and complexity, speeds application deployment, improves change management, and facilitates regulatory compliance.

New Family of Application-Oriented Networking Products

The new family of Cisco AON products enables business applications and the network to work together as an integrated system. Announced today are Cisco AON modules for data center switches and for branch office routers.

The Cisco AON family complements current Cisco packet and content-aware products by providing true application message-level awareness of business applications. Beta customers are impressed with initial results and the potential they see for streamlining their business processes.

Comprehensive Lifecycle Services and Support

To accelerate successful Cisco AON deployments, Cisco and its technology partners will provide a lifecycle portfolio of professional services that align customers' business and technical requirements through all six phases of the deployment lifecycle: prepare, plan, design, implement, operate and optimize, specifically designed for this new solution.

Collaborative Efforts with Industry Leaders

Cisco's AON approach is also based on collaborative efforts with industry leaders, such as IBM and SAP, which share its vision for helping customers to better manage business applications and business processes through network-embedded solutions.

In addition, Cisco is collaborating with EDS, SAIC, TIBCO Software, and Verisign, as well as innovative services and software firms, including: Actional, ConnecTerra, Contivo, CXO Systems, Infogain, ManTech, Trace Financial, and TransAct Tools to provide a broad range of Cisco AON solutions. Cisco also has created a full set of Cisco AON partner support, training, testing, certification, and marketing services to help fuel and sustain this ecosystem.

Evolving the Intelligent Information Network

In 2003, Cisco began articulating a 3 to 5-year vision for developing an Intelligent Information Network by increasing network intelligence to create a more resilient, adaptive, and integrated framework for communications. Phase I is comprised of the integration of video, voice, and data across a system of networks, while Phase II adds the virtualization of networking, storage, server, and security services. Now, with AON, Cisco is introducing the third phase with intelligent network-based systems that enhance the communication, visibility, and security of business applications.