Cisco extends network tools to offer secure cloud access

Cisco has announced a number of new products aimed at increasing the efficiency and security of cloud-based networks to help meet the growing uptake of the technology.

Chief among the updates is the addition of VMware's vCentre tool to Cisco's Unified Computing System (UCS) and the UCS Express tool using Integrated Services Routers.

This will provide a single virtualisation management platform to help IT staff organise, provision and configure a virtualised IT environment across branch offices and datacentres from a central location.

Cisco said that this would help customers reduce operating costs, improve operational automation, and deliver higher levels of security.

The company also unveiled a new Fabric Interconnect, the 6248UP, which offers 48-ports and throughput of 960Gbit/s, and can support up to 320 servers or 40 chassis in a single system for access to storage systems or the wider network.

Finally, the 1280 Virtual Interface Card is an eight-port 10GB Ethernet card designed specifically for the UCS B-Series Blade Servers that can be set to work as a network interface card or a host bus adaptor depending on policy controls.

Lew Tucker, chief technology officer of cloud computing for Cisco, explained that the products were designed to meet the requirements for improved virtualisation, performance and security as fundamental components of building and using cloud networks.

"As the number and diversity of clouds grow, meeting these requirements through a common, unifying platform will help organisations communicate and access information more dynamically and securely," he said.

"Today's technology developments represent the latest step in Cisco's ongoing strategy to help customers build and use clouds effectively and safely. They reinforce the basic premise that the network makes clouds happen."

The announcements come on the back of a tough time for Cisco. The company's share price has fallen owing to shrinking profit margins, and it is rumoured to be shedding around 10,000 jobs in August.