Six vendor platforms to watch

Major networking vendors have jumped on the platformization bandwagon, each with its own unique spin. Some are consolidating security and networking in one platform, while others are building separate domain platforms. (See our main story, Platform approach gains steam among network teams)

Here are the details on platform approaches from six vendors, listed alphabetically.

1. Cisco: Networking Cloud and Security Cloud

In mid-2023, Cisco announced Cisco Networking Cloud, with the goal of building a unified management platform that works on premises or in the cloud for improved visibility and enterprise automation across campus and branch, data center, compute, IoT, SD-WAN, and more.

Cisco (Nasdaq:CSCO) has been incrementally rolling out new features, such as new single sign-on (SSO) technology, tighter integration between the Meraki dashboard and Thousand Eyes network-intelligence gathering software, and bolstering cloud management for Catalyst switches.  

In addition, Cisco offers a Security Cloud platform based on its Hypershield security architecture, so customer can take advantage of multiple Cisco platforms.

2. Extreme: One platform for everything

Extreme Platform One is an enterprise connectivity platform that combines network, security, and inventory management capabilities with AI and support services. 

Platform One offers conversational AI experiences, interactive analytics and dashboards, and autonomous agent modes, plus AI-assisted workflows for design, configuration, troubleshooting, and migration. The inventory management function covers trial, purchase, renewal, and upgrade. There are AI-assisted workflows for assets, subscriptions, licensing, and contracting, plus financial reporting and forecasting.

Most recently, Extreme (Nasdaq:EXTR) added an AI service agent to Platform ONE, as well as a new dashboard to simplify network and security operations.

3. Fortinet Security Platform: Integration is built-in

The Fortinet Security Fabric features one operating system (FortiOS), a unified agent (FortiClient), one management console (FortiManager), one data lake (FortiAnalyzer), open APIs, and integration with over 500 third-party products. Fortinet even makes its own custom security processing units (SPUs).

Fortinet (Nasdaq:FTNT) integrates networking and security in the platform, enabling deep automation and real-time protection across devices, data, and applications. Together, Secure Networking, Unified SASE, and AI-Driven Security Operations provide broad, automated, and integrated protection

The Fortinet Security Fabric delivers integrated end-to-end protection across network, endpoint, and cloud deployments.

4. HPE Aruba: SaaS and NaaS options

HPE Aruba Networking Central is a cloud-scale network management platform sold as a service, and it’s also included as part of an HPE GreenLake for Networking (NaaS) subscription. 

HPE Aruba Networking Central is an AI-powered network management solution that integrates the recent OpsRamp acquisition for third-party network device monitoring. HPE (NYSE:HPE) recently added an improved network device configuration engine, expanded network observability, and AI-generated network optimizations to its Aruba Networking Central platform.

5. Juniper: Leaning on Mist and Marvis

Juniper’s AI-Native Networking Platform features Mist AI and the Marvis virtual network assistant. The platform provides root cause identification and automated event correlation to enable operators to rapidly resolve issues.  

In addition, Juniper (NYSE:JNPR) integrates networking and security functions into Mist AI, providing a unified networking and security interface so operators can monitor traffic patterns, detect anomalies, and enforce consistent security policies across the entire infrastructure. The platform also embeds zero-trust security across all networking domains.

6. Palo Alto Networks: Three separate platforms

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) announced its shift towards a platform strategy in early 2024, emphasizing an integrated approach over individual point products. Palo Alto has three different platforms.

Strata is Palo Alto’s network security platform that simplifies operations, enforces security policies, and protects against advanced threats. Prisma Cloud is a code-to-cloud platform that secures apps from design to runtime. And Cortex is an AI-driven SecOps platform that accelerates detection and remediation of security threats.

In each area, Palo Alto Networks has consolidated numerous standalone security tools with a single, tightly integrated architecture that is built to automate, streamline and improve cybersecurity operations.