NTS @ Cisco Live 2025

FUTURE-PROOFING IT WITH AI AND SECURITY

This year’s Cisco Live EMEA 2025 focused on innovation with the theme “Be Better”. Industry leaders discussed the rapid evolution of technology, increasing disruption, and the need for scalable, resilient solutions. The key message: in the face of rapid technological growth, companies must develop IT-driven business models to remain competitive.

AI is evolving. According to Cisco, the technology is now in a phase of widespread adoption and realizing its full potential. Cisco is increasingly focusing on digital resilience as a core strategy, emphasizing the importance of adaptable, future-proof infrastructures. A key theme of the event was AI-enabled security and automation – a highly topical issue, according to Cisco, as a shortage of skilled IT professionals is expected in the coming years. Standardization and automation will play a critical role in addressing this shortage and ensuring continued growth in the technology sector.

At Cisco Live EMEA, the company unveiled new partnerships and programs to expand its portfolio. The goal is to help customers not only securely use AI but also develop and implement AI-powered applications.

One highlight was the introduction of Cisco AI Defense, a comprehensive solution that helps companies discover, detect, and protect AI. It helps ensure the safe and reliable use of AI. Cisco goes beyond traditional security approaches by identifying shadow AI workloads, identifying AI risks and vulnerabilities, and implementing protections such as guardrails and access controls to secure sensitive data and prevent runtime threats.

Cisco is also expanding its switch portfolio, announcing a new family of smart switches for the data center. These offer a completely original approach to traditional network designs. The new switches combine networking and security services in a compact, all-in-one solution. Powered by AMD Pensando™ programmable Data Processing Units (DPUs), they act as powerful, multifunctional service hosting devices, transforming data center architectures to simplify design and increase efficiency. This first-of-its-kind integrated solution from Cisco introduces an innovative approach to securing AI data centers by integrating security directly into the fabric of the network.

Building on this concept, Cisco is also introducing a more comprehensive security solution: the Hybrid Mesh Firewall. It combines Cisco Smart Switches, Hypershield, and firewalls into a unified security architecture. It is managed from a centralized management console, provides zero-trust segmentation, and ensures the protection of modern and AI-enabled applications.

There was also a spotlight on AI-powered network and user experiences. Cisco introduced new Wi-Fi 7 access points – with a simplified licensing model consisting of a single product ID, license and support model for both on-premises and cloud deployments. The vision of a future-proof workplace is based on the integration of AI-powered collaboration between people and technology to enable smarter and more efficient operations, such as the Cisco Webex Contact Center.

Cisco demonstrated how the Webex AI Agent is revolutionizing customer care and service. With the ability to understand natural language, it responds to requests in real time, supporting a more efficient way of working. The AI Agent can handle a wide range of tasks, from email and scheduling to organizing meetings and processing documents. Its deep integration with Webex allows it to be used directly from within the platform, making collaboration more intuitive and productive.

Cisco is demonstrating that AI-enabled security, networking, and modern workplace solutions are critical building blocks of digital resilience. Only with the right innovations can companies remain competitive in times of rapid technological change.

NTS Get2Gether – AHOY at Oceandiva

Kicking off an informative week at Cisco Live, the legendary NTS Get2Gether was once again a remarkable success. More than 400 guests spent an unforgettable evening with us on the deck of the Oceandiva. With inspiring conversations, a great atmosphere, excellent food and a unique backdrop on the water, this year’s NTS Get2Gether made everyone hungry for more. A special thank you to all guests, partners and colleagues who made this event so special.

AHOI VRIENDEN! We are already looking forward to the next one!