Responding to disruptions was the biggest network challenge for almost half (45%) of all IT managers worldwide in 2021, according to Cisco's Global Networking Trends Report 2022. Predictive technologies are expected to reduce this burden in the future and help IT teams avoid costly interruptions.

Forward-looking networks

To improve network reliability and performance in all operating scenarios, Cisco combines new predictive processes with technologies for monitoring, transparency and intelligence. Over the past two years, the company has developed a predictive analytics engine for this purpose and tested it in practice at customers. The respective forecasting models have been optimized in collaboration with customers from various industries, with advanced analysis methods and machine learning ensuring a high level of accuracy in the predictions.

"Cisco Predictive Networks" collects data from a variety of telemetry sources. Once they are integrated, the cloud-based software learns to recognize patterns using models. This makes it possible to predict problems in the network environment and provide options for troubleshooting. The technology is structured in such a way that customers can decide for themselves how far they want to integrate the engine into their network. This gives them scope to test and flexibly expand the use of the technology in the future.

"The future of connectivity will depend on self-healing networks that predict, learn and plan," predicts Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO of Cisco.

Predictive technology is becoming key for IT teams to tackle today's infrastructure challenges - whether it's fending off cybersecurity threats, enabling hybrid working or building modern cloud structures. What's more, reliable network connections are now business-critical for employees and customers. For customers, the performance of an app often provides the first impression of a company. If a digital service does not work, almost 60 percent of customers will avoid it in the long term - according to a recent study on the role of digital experiences in purchasing behavior. In order to implement digital business opportunities profitably, companies need to better predict network problems, proactively avoid them and ensure the best possible experience for their customers.