Cisco, Infoblox deal bodes well for streamlined branch operations

By Jim Duffy on Tue, 01/13/09 - 5:26pm.

Cisco recently announced it would load Infoblox IP address management software onto its integrated services routers (ISR). For Infoblox, that means potentially 4 million virtual appliance software sales -- as ISR is a popular line of Cisco routers. For customers, it means they could eliminate a server to handle DNS, DHCP and several other core network servics at the branch -- potentially reducing spend by between $600 and $1,500 per branch per month, according to Infoblox. And for Cisco, the deal could potentially mean much more.

For one, Cisco will be embedding itself more into core and edge networks, by enabling other vendors to load their software -- such as DNS services which is not a Cisco speciality -- into Cisco branch office routers. The company announced last year it would work with LANDesk to manage servers and PCs in remote offices via ISR routers and the vendors Application eXtension Platform (AXP). The company's Wide Area Application Services (WAAS) technology is also designed to slide into routers as a blade. The ability to load more functions onto a Cisco router will appeal to many enterprise customers wanting to deliver functionality to remote locations without having to load the branch with gear or staff to maintain said gear.

For its part, Infoblox announced a similar arrangement with Riverbed last year, which also pointed to the trend of consolidating functions on fewer boxes in branch offices. Many vendors have been loading WAN optimization or application acceleration gear with additional capabilities, but Cisco is putting many capabilities on the router via blades -- eliminating the need for multiple boxes at the branch.

As one high-tech professional said upon hearing the Cisco-Infoblox news: "Cisco is adding DNS to its routers at the branch? What does that company have? Something like 80% market share already? There will defintely be no beating [Cisco] now."

More from Cisco Subnet:
* Network World testers give Cisco ASR 1000 the thumbs-up
* Nortel employees speak out
* Advice before you upgrade to ASR 1000
* Cisco mulls adding verbal interview to CCIE exams
* Fab Tool Pick: IceSword weeds out rootkits
* Passing the CCDE is Starting to Sink In
* IPv6 on Your Mobile Phone
* Under the hood: Cisco unified communications
* Cisco News and Review podcast
Go to Cisco Subnet for more Cisco news, blogs, discussion forums, security alerts, training/book giveaways, and more.