The need to process large volumes of data close to where it is generated is redefining the technological infrastructure of companies in all sectors, from retail to industrial to healthcare. In this context, Cisco has introduced Cisco Unified Edge, a platform designed to manage distributed AI workloads, combining compute, networking, storage and security in a single ecosystem.
With the expansion of AI, the limitations of traditional data centers are becoming more evident. AI models are no longer solely trained centrally; They require real-time inference, close to the end user or point of operation, and generate a much larger volume of network traffic than conventional applications. In this scenario, edge computing is established as the place where most business data is created and processed, and where AI can offer immediate decisions.
“Current infrastructure cannot meet the needs of AI at scale. As AI agents and experiences proliferate, they will naturally emerge closer to where customers interact and decisions are made: branches, stores, factories, stadiums, etc. That’s where computing power must reside. With Unified Edge, we make it easy to deploy AI in the real world with flexible, secure systems that are easy to deploy, operate, and scale as demand increases,” said Jeetu Patel, President and CEO. of Products at Cisco.
Reinventing computing for agentic AI
Cisco Unified Edge enables you to run AI inference and agent-based loads directly at the edge, from the factory floor to the bank branch. The platform is designed to adapt to changing needs without requiring complete replacements, protecting existing investments and supporting the creation of yet unexplored use cases. Its modular architecture combines CPU and GPU, storage, high-performance SD-WAN networks, and redundant chassis for power and cooling, all designed to facilitate scalability and efficiency.
Cisco has introduced Cisco Unified Edge, a platform designed to manage distributed AI workloads, combining compute, networking, storage and security in a single ecosystem.
Operational simplicity and integrated security
In addition to computing power, Cisco Unified Edge seeks to reduce operational complexity through unattended deployments, pre-validated designs, and centralized management with Cisco Intersight. Integration with tools like Splunk and ThousandEyes ensures complete visibility and automated operations, eliminating the need for specialized on-site staff.
Security is another central axis of the platform. The multi-layered zero trust approach protects infrastructure from cyber threats and physical risks. With tamper-proof features, comprehensive telemetry, consistent policies and audit logs, the platform enables you to scale AI operations without compromising data protection or systems resilience.
Collaboration with sectors and partners
Cisco has worked closely with companies in commerce, manufacturing, financial services and healthcare to design a system that reflects the complexity of the real world. This collaboration ensures that the platform not only supports traditional applications, but also AI-intensive workloads, enabling real-time decisions where it is needed most.
Cisco’s partner ecosystem plays a key role in this strategy. The company collaborates with managed service providers, software developers and resellers to offer open, flexible and easy-to-integrate solutions. This way, customers can tailor the platform to their specific needs and accelerate their AI projects without relying on a single vendor or infrastructure.
Availability
Cisco Unified Edge is available for order now and is expected to be generally available by the end of the year.
