Cisco and Nvidia Deepen Cooperation to Accelerate the Landing of Enterprise AI Tech
Cisco and NVIDIA announced an expanded partnership aimed at providing more efficient AI technology solutions for enterprises and promoting the widespread application of artificial intelligence in the enterprise. The core of this collaboration is to create a unified architecture across combinations to simplify the construction of AI ready data center networks.
According to the cooperation plan, Nvidia will integrate Cisco’s Silicon One chip and Nvidia’s SuperNICs into its Spectrum-X Ethernet network platform, making Cisco the only partner included in Spectrum-X. In addition, Cisco will develop a system that combines Nvidia Spectrum chips with Cisco operating systems, enabling customers to standardize both Cisco networks and Nvidia technologies simultaneously in data centers. This collaboration will open up new market opportunities for Cisco, simplifying the management of enterprise and cloud provider networks by unifying the architecture models of front-end and back-end networks.
Cisco Chairman and CEO Chuck Robbins said, “Enterprises are facing tremendous pressure to deploy AI quickly and effectively, and many leaders are struggling to balance investment risks. Cisco’s partnership with Nvidia aims to eliminate barriers for customers, ensure they can optimize infrastructure investments, and unleash the powerful potential of AI.” Nvidia founder and CEO Renxun Huang also pointed out, “The development of AI will completely change every industry. By combining Cisco’s enterprise platform with Nvidia’s global influence, we can help businesses build the most advanced AI infrastructure
This collaboration also includes developing joint solutions to simplify deployment and operations, enhance workload performance and visibility. Cisco plans to launch silicon switches compatible with Spectrum-X and Nvidia reference architectures by mid-2025, covering existing and upcoming Cisco Nexus, Nexus Hyperfabric, and UCS products.
Background: Cisco’s AI Strategy Layout
In recent years, Cisco’s development in the AI field has lagged behind, while its competitor Nokia has quickly gained a foothold in the data center market through partnerships with Microsoft and the acquisition of Infinera. Faced with challenges, Cisco has re positioned its data center AI market through partnerships with AMD and Nvidia. Although these measures are considered reactive adjustments to market changes, the partnership with Nvidia may become a key factor for Cisco’s future development.
According to Dell’Oro Group’s forecast, sales of front-end data center switches will exceed $180 billion over the next five years (2025-2029), with an average annual growth rate of double digits. Cisco is expected to occupy a favorable position in this market growth through its cooperation with Nvidia.
This collaboration not only showcases Cisco’s strategic layout in the AI field, but also reflects its determination to respond to market competition through technological innovation and partnerships.