Key Points
- Major networking vendors (e.g., Cisco, Extreme, Fortinet, HPE Aruba, Juniper, Palo Alto Networks) are adopting platformization strategies to integrate networking and security.
- Microsoft Relevance: While not directly mentioned, these platforms often integrate with Microsoft technologies (e.g., Azure, Windows Server) to provide comprehensive solutions for hybrid cloud environments.
- Bottom Line: These platform approaches aim to simplify management, enhance security, and improve automation for enterprises, which may impact Microsoft’s own networking and security offerings.
Vendors Embrace Platformization in Networking and Security
In a significant shift, prominent networking vendors are transitioning towards platform-based strategies, consolidation networking and security capabilities into unified platforms. Here’s a breakdown of the approaches from six key players, relevant to Microsoft ecosystems:
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Cisco: Introduced Cisco Networking Cloud (mid-2023) for unified management across on-premises and cloud environments, enhancing visibility and automation. Microsoft Relevance: Cisco’s platform can integrate with Azure, streamlining hybrid cloud networking for Windows Server users. Additionally, Cisco’s Security Cloud leverages Hypershield architecture, which may complement Microsoft’s own security solutions, such as Azure Security Center.
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Extreme: Launched Platform One, combining network, security, and inventory management with AI-driven services. Microsoft Connection: Extreme’s platform can be used in conjunction with Microsoft’s AI and cloud services, offering a comprehensive solution for enterprises already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. Platform One’s AI-assisted workflows, for example, could integrate with Microsoft’s AI tools to enhance network automation and security.
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Fortinet: Fortinet Security Fabric provides integrated security and networking through a unified operating system, agent, and management console, supporting hybrid cloud environments. Microsoft Relevance: Fortinet’s platform can secure Windows Server deployments and integrate with Azure, bolstering Microsoft’s security posture. The Security Fabric’s real-time protection and automation capabilities align with Microsoft’s focus on secure, streamlined hybrid cloud infrastructure.
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HPE Aruba: Offers Aruba Networking Central, a cloud-scale, AI-powered network management platform, also available through HPE GreenLake for Networking. Microsoft Tie-in: HPE’s platform can be used to manage networks connected to Azure, offering a NaaS (Network as a Service) experience for Windows-based enterprises. By incorporating OpsRamp for third-party device monitoring, Aruba Networking Central further supports hybrid network environments that include Microsoft technologies.
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Juniper: Utilizes Mist AI and Marvis for an AI-Native Networking Platform, enabling swift issue resolution and unified networking and security management. Microsoft Relevance: Juniper’s platform can integrate with Azure and Windows Server, enhancing network operations for Microsoft-centric organizations. The platform’s zero-trust security integration is particularly relevant, as Microsoft promotes zero-trust models for secure access and infrastructure protection.
- Palo Alto Networks: Adopted a platform strategy (early 2024) with three focused platforms: Strata (network security), Prisma Cloud (code-to-cloud security), and Cortex (AI-driven SecOps). Microsoft Connection: These platforms can complement Microsoft’s security offerings (e.g., Azure Security Center) and integrate with Windows Server and Azure environments. For instance, Prisma Cloud can secure apps running on Azure, while Cortex automates threat detection and response across hybrid cloud setups, including those relying on Windows Server.
As enterprises increasingly adopt hybrid cloud models, these platform approaches from major vendors aim to simplify management, boost security, and increase automation. While Microsoft isn’t a direct subject here, its technologies (e.g., Azure, Windows Server) are likely beneficiaries of these integrations, enhancing the overall ecosystem for users. For example, Cisco’s Networking Cloud and Fortinet’s Security Fabric can seamlessly integrate with Azure, making it easier for IT teams to manage and secure hybrid cloud infrastructures that include Windows Server. Similarly, Juniper’s zero-trust integration complements Microsoft’s security strategies, providing a cohesive defense mechanism across networking domains. As these platforms continue to evolve, their compatibility and interoperability with Microsoft technologies will remain a key consideration for enterprises invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
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