The ongoing trend towards consolidating branch infrastructure started with consolidating services likefirewall and VPNinto your branch router. Next came server consolidation and virtualization using modules like theUCS E-Seriesfor theISR G2. All bring the benefits of lowering total cost of ownership, maintenance costs and reducing network complexity in the branch.
One of the great things about working for Cisco is that we get to see the full spectrum of customer requirements. The next trend that I am seeing is customers asking about how to integrate standalone switches into a branch router without compromising on security or performance.
The 2013 Global IT Impact Survey identified trends such as BYOD, Cloud Migration and Data Center Consolidation that are driving more devices and traffic into the branch increasing the need for robust high performance network security as sensitive business data is exposed to an increasing number of threat vectors. Administering network security policies is also becoming a more complex task and the possibility that unauthorized people or devices will gain access to confidential information is increasing.
Today I am pleased to announce the availability of the new SM-X Layer2/Layer3 EtherSwitch modules for the ISR G2, which are designed to meet all above requirements and much more. These modules represent an enterprise class line of switches that bring:
We have number of customers who participated in early field trials for these switch modules including a leading telecommunication equipment company and one of the largest financial services company in the United States. You can find out more details about these new modules here.