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Single-vendor integrated network vs. best of breed: Why single vendor is best

Cisco's arguments for a single-vendor integrated network
Wide Area Networking Alert By Steve Taylor and Jim Metzler , Network World , 11/27/2007
Jim Metzler
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If the reaction to the discussion back in October on whether application optimization should be integrated into the router is any indication, our point-counterpoint discussions can generate some heated debate. While there were no comments that reached SNL's "Jane, you ignorant slut," countered with "Dan, you pompous ass," we did get some comments that got both technical and passionate. Today, we're raising yet another perennial question: Is it better to have a homogeneous network for consistency, or does a heterogeneous network where the customer chooses what they believe to be "best of breed" in each respect provide the best overall reliability?

In a recent paper posted at Webtorials, Cisco advocated the use of a single network vendor to provide high reliability for the entire network. Cisco has especially focused on increasing reliability and thereby reducing risk by using a single network vendor.

We’re starting the point-counterpoint discussion this week with comments from Ben Goldman, Cisco director of marketing, network systems, who addresses the positive side of making this move.

He writes: “With the emergence of Web 2.0 applications, enterprise accounts are looking more and more toward ways that they can optimize their networks to deliver business-critical functions their users and customers require. Simultaneously, as the network becomes the platform for service delivery, these same enterprises are recognizing the business imperative of maximizing network availability. With the onslaught of worms, viruses, spyware, and other malware attacks on the network and its resources – not to mention buggy software and all too frequent security alerts – CIOs are starting to link up with the risk management office to employ risk mitigation techniques into their network designs.

“In this environment, a single vendor network design not only allows for the enterprise to leverage the network more effectively by maximizing availability and reduce operational expenses, but also provides the foundation for innovation adoption that is critical for addressing the Web 2.0 challenges. We will examine the four major reasons why a single vendor integrated network is the optimal approach to minimizing risk while maximizing network availability and service delivery.

Steve Taylor is president of Distributed Networking Associates and publisher/editor-in-chief of Webtorials. Jim Metzler is vice president of Ashton, Metzler & Associates.

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RE: Single-vendor integrated network vs. best of breed: Why single vendor is bestBy Anonymous on November 27, 2007, 12:33 pmGo for 'single-vendor' generally means 'paying through your nose' ; keeping multi-vendor option viable just means, as customer you maintain leverage over your supplier...

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Innovation and CorporateBy Anonymous on November 27, 2007, 12:55 pmInnovation and Corporate Competitive advantage is only acheived by recognizing and utilizing newer and better technologies. Limiting your options to one venmdor...

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Cisco reminds me of IBM. IfBy Anonymous on November 27, 2007, 12:57 pmCisco reminds me of IBM. If we had listened to IBM's marketing pitch in the 80's we'd all still be pouring water through our "mainframes" and paying through the...

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What to talk about variousBy Anonymous on November 27, 2007, 1:15 pmWhat to talk about various versions of Cisco IOS? The same vulnerability need to be corrected in all versions that your routers are using, and new bugs can be found...

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Are you kidding me? Proprietary vs. Open StandardsBy Anonymous on November 27, 2007, 3:44 pmHow is it that writers in this industry buy in to Cisco's claims of technical 'innovation' and other unsubstantiated claims of superior ROI? What has Cisco contributed...

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You've got to be kidding me!By Anonymous on November 27, 2007, 3:53 pmYou've got to be kidding me! A single vendor approach with a single set of proprietary protocols?? A true homogenous network is all about standards not vendor...

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