The News: The partnership between Cisco and Microsoft heralds expanded functionality in network infrastructure. By successfully transmitting 800G over vast distances through the Amitié cable, they have showcased the immense potential of SDM cables to bolster network capacity, which is crucial in the era of AI-driven innovations.
Cisco and Microsoft Partner for Cloud and AI Collaboration
Analyst Take: This milestone demonstrates the viability of next-generation subsea cables powered by cutting-edge technology such as Cisco’s NCS 1014 platform and Acacia’s Coherent Interconnect Module 8. It underscores the commitment to advancing global connectivity. This achievement is poised to drive digital transformation, empower organizations, and revolutionize industries worldwide, making it a significant milestone in the tech landscape. Learn more on the Cisco website.
What Was Announced
The recent successful transmission of 800G over 6,234 kilometers through the Amitié cable, courtesy of a collaborative effort between Cisco and Microsoft, marks a significant leap forward in the realm of network infrastructure. This achievement is not merely a feat of engineering prowess but a pivotal moment that has far-reaching implications for application modernization, DevOps practices, and the work of developers worldwide.
In the contemporary landscape, where the demand for seamless connectivity and high-speed data transmission is burgeoning, the Amitié cable’s successful trial underscores the critical importance of reliable and fast network connections. Bill Gartner, SVP Optical Systems and Optics at Cisco, aptly points out, “In the era of AI, reliable and fast network connections are more important than ever.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of why this achievement is so newsworthy. It addresses the pressing need for robust infrastructure to support the burgeoning demands of cloud services, AI applications, and data-intensive workloads.
Application modernization, a key focus for many enterprises seeking to leverage the benefits of cloud computing and emerging technologies, stands to benefit significantly from this milestone. Modern applications are increasingly distributed, data-driven, and reliant on real-time interactions. The ability to transmit data at 800G speeds over vast distances empowers organizations to build and deploy modern applications requiring rapid data access and seamless connectivity across geographically dispersed environments.
DevOps, as a cultural and operational approach to software development and deployment, thrives on collaboration, automation, and continuous delivery principles. The successful trial of the Amitié cable, supported by Cisco’s NCS 1014 platform and Acacia’s Coherent Interconnect Module 8, exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in driving technological advancements. For DevOps teams, access to high-speed, reliable network connections is paramount for efficient collaboration, rapid deployment, and seamless integration of new features and updates into production environments.
The impact on application modernization, DevOps practices, and developers is multifaceted:
- Enhanced Performance: The high-speed transmission capabilities of the Amitié cable enable applications to deliver faster response times, reduced latency, and improved overall performance. This translates into a better user experience and increased developer and end-user productivity.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Modern applications are designed to scale dynamically based on demand and workload requirements. The ability to transmit data at 800G speeds over long distances gives organizations the scalability and flexibility to support growing user bases, expanding markets, and evolving business needs.
- Reliability and Resilience: Reliable network connectivity is essential for ensuring the availability and uptime of applications and services. The Amitié cable’s successful trial demonstrates the reliability and resilience of next-generation subsea cables, providing organizations with the confidence to deploy mission-critical applications in distributed environments.
- Innovation and Collaboration: The collaboration between Cisco and Microsoft exemplifies the power of innovation and collaboration in driving technological advancements. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, they’ve paved the way for new opportunities and use cases to empower organizations to achieve their digital transformation goals.
Furthermore, the implications extend to developers at the forefront of building the next generation of applications and services. Developers rely on robust infrastructure and high-performance networks to deliver end users scalable, resilient, and responsive solutions. The ability to transmit data at 800G speeds over long distances opens new possibilities for developers to create innovative applications that leverage real-time data processing, AI-driven insights, and immersive user experiences.
Looking Ahead
The successful transmission of 800G over the Amitié cable represents a significant milestone in the evolution of network infrastructure and its impact on application modernization, DevOps practices, and the work of developers. As organizations embrace cloud computing, AI, and digital transformation initiatives, the need for high-speed, reliable network connections will only grow more pronounced. The achievements of Cisco and Microsoft serve as a testament to the possibilities ahead and the transformative power of technology to shape the future of business and innovation.
Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.
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Author Information
At The Futurum Group, Paul Nashawaty, Practice Leader and Lead Principal Analyst, specializes in application modernization across build, release and operations. With a wealth of expertise in digital transformation initiatives spanning front-end and back-end systems, he also possesses comprehensive knowledge of the underlying infrastructure ecosystem crucial for supporting modernization endeavors. With over 25 years of experience, Paul has a proven track record in implementing effective go-to-market strategies, including the identification of new market channels, the growth and cultivation of partner ecosystems, and the successful execution of strategic plans resulting in positive business outcomes for his clients.
