Small Business News, Features, and Interviews

• VMware fortifies data centre software with Avi Networks buy

  VMware has punched up its data centre network virtualisation​ capabilities by unveiling plans to buy Avi Networks for an undisclosed amount.

• Cisco software to make networks smarter, safer, more manageable

  Cisco software announced at Cisco Live will help customers set consistent network and security policies across their domains.

• New switches, Wi-Fi gear to advance Arista’s campus architecture

  Campus leaf switches and a Wi-Fi 6 access point will be available this fall to flesh out Arista’s grand plan for more efficient campus networks called Cognitive Campus.

• Cisco wil use AI/ML to boost intent-based networking

  Cisco explains how artificial intelligence and machine learning fit into a feedback loop that implements and maintain desired network conditions to optimise network performance for workloads using real-time data.

• Huawei flap should prompt supply chain scrutiny

  Experts say the company’s close ties with the Chinese government raise concerns, but there’s no real reason to panic.

• HPE to buy Cray, offer HPC as a service

  High-performance computing offerings from HPE plus Cray could enable things like AI, ML and digital twins for entire enterprise networks.

• Cisco boosts SD-WAN with multicloud-to-branch access system

  Cisco's SD-WAN Cloud onRamp for CoLocation can tie branch offices to private data centres in regional corporate headquarters via colocation facilities for shorter, faster, possibly more secure connections.

• Cisco goes all in on WiFi 6

  The Cisco Catalyst 9100 family and Meraki MR 45/55 WiFi-6 access points are built on Cisco silicon and communicate via pre-802.1ax protocols.

• Venerable Cisco Catalyst 6000 switches ousted by new Catalyst 9600

  Cisco introduced Catalyst 9600 switches that let customers automate, set policy, provide security and gain assurance across wired and wireless networks.

• What is 5G? How is it better than 4G?

  5G networks will boost wireless throughput by a factor of 10 and may replace wired broadband. But when will they be available, and why are 5G and IoT so linked together?

• Russia demands access to VPN providers’ servers

  10 VPN service providers have been ordered to link their servers in Russia to the state censorship agency by April 26

• Cisco forms VC firm looking to weaponize fledgling technology companies

  Decibel, an investment firm focused on early stage funding for enterprise-product startups, will back technologies related to Cisco's core interests.

• Cisco spreads AI across WebEx meetings

  Cisco WebEx has rolled out a package of AI-based features designed to make business meetings more efficient and intuitive.

• How SDN, SD-WAN and security fit in VMware's strategy

  VMware networking and security chief Tom Gillis looks at competing with Cisco and how the tech giant will bolster NSX and more.

• How to shop for CDN services

  Five questions to ask to get the right content delivery network for your organization

• Survey: Cloud monitoring, management tools come up short

  Cost and complexity are the top shortcomings of tools enterprises need for monitoring and managing their cloud services, according to Enterprise Management Associates.

• CCIE relevancy: Is Cisco's venerable network certification on top of programmability, automation trends?

  The Cisco Certified Internetwork Experts (CCIE) certification is a career pinnacle for many network professionals. But not everyone thinks it's worth the investment in time and money.

• VMware preps milestone NSX release for enterprise-cloud push

  VMware's NSX-T 2.4 includes network-configuration automation among 100 new features to better support corporate hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

• Cisco pushes silicon photonics for enterprise, webscale networking

  The combination of Cisco’s and Luxtera’s capabilities in 100GbE/400GbE optics, silicon and process technology will enable customers to build future-proof networks optimized for performance, reliability and cost.

• Edge computing best practices

  Edge computing requires a change in thinking from the current IT environment dominated by data centers and cloud-based services. Here are some best practices to consider when building a strategy for the edge.

The top skills needed to excel in cybersecurity

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