Cisco earnings fall 21 pct but beat expectations
NEW YORK — Cisco Systems Inc. said Wednesday that earnings fell 21 percent in its latest quarter, but the profit comfortably beat Wall Street expectations amid signs that the market is stabilizing. Chief Executive John Chambers said customers are "finally seeing something reasonably solid underneath their feet," and the company itself has seen order rates apparently bottom out.
The world's largest maker of computer networking gear posted a profit of $1.3 billion, or 23 cents per share, for the fiscal third quarter, which ended April 25. That was down from $1.8 billion, or 29 cents per share, in the same quarter last year.
Excluding the cost of stock-based compensation and other items, Cisco's earnings were 30 cents per share, 5 cents above the average forecast of analysts polled by Thomson Reuters.
Sales for the San Jose, Calif.-based company fell 17 percent to $8.2 billion. Analysts had expected sales of $8.1 billion.
Chambers said he expects sales for the current quarter to be down 17 percent to 20 percent from a year ago, which works out to a range of $8.3 billion to $8.6 billion. Analysts were on average expecting sales of $8.26 billion.
Chambers said that while orders in the third quarter were below those of a year ago, they didn't deteriorate from month to month, as they have for many quarters as the world economy has stuttered.
In aftermarket trading Wednesday, Cisco shares rose 50 cents, or 2.6 percent to $20.11. In regular trading before the release of results, shares fell 2 cents to $19.61.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Cisco Router Web Interface Setup Makes CISCO Routers Completely Vulnerable
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may allow for the execution of commands on the device at any privilege level, up to and including privilege level 15. Accessing the device at privilege level 15 would enable total control of the device, including but not limited to device configuration changes and device reloading.
The Cisco Router Web Setup tool (CRWS) provides a Web interface for configuring Cisco SOHO and Cisco 800 series routers which allows users to set up their routers. The GUI is accessed through the Cisco IOS HTTP server, which is enabled on the default IOS configuration shipped with the CRWS application.
The Cisco IOS HTTP server uses the enable password (assuming one has been configured) as its default authentication mechanism. Other authentication mechanisms can be configured, including the use of a local user database, an external RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service) or an external TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access Control System) server.
The default IOS configuration shipped with the CRWS application does not include an enable password or an enable secret command, allowing access to the Cisco IOS HTTP server interface at any privilege level, up to and including privilege level 15, without providing authentication credentials. Privilege level 15 is the highest privilege level on Cisco IOS devices.
The Cisco Router Web Setup tool (CRWS) provides a Web interface for configuring Cisco SOHO and Cisco 800 series routers which allows users to set up their routers. The GUI is accessed through the Cisco IOS HTTP server, which is enabled on the default IOS configuration shipped with the CRWS application.
The Cisco IOS HTTP server uses the enable password (assuming one has been configured) as its default authentication mechanism. Other authentication mechanisms can be configured, including the use of a local user database, an external RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service) or an external TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access Control System) server.
The default IOS configuration shipped with the CRWS application does not include an enable password or an enable secret command, allowing access to the Cisco IOS HTTP server interface at any privilege level, up to and including privilege level 15, without providing authentication credentials. Privilege level 15 is the highest privilege level on Cisco IOS devices.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
AUS rolls out Cisco DMS
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has introduced a series of new video services for education and information, with the deployment of the Cisco Digital Media Suite (DMS). The university, which is the first in the United Arab Emirates to deploy DMS, is using the system for distributing content of the lesson, to provide visual connectivity and deploy digital signage throughout the campus.
The DMS platform, which uses video, IPTV and digital signature, allows AUS to offer a range of live and demand at conferences and other educational content to students anywhere on campus, and also allows the collaboration of delivering video and lesson content richer.
AUS is also the first university in the Gulf to use Cisco Show and Share social video system, which allows "visual networking" through which students and teachers have access to a library of video content that can be shared as supplement the lessons and curricula.
Students will also be able to create content using the Media Experience Cisco MXE 3000 engine.
George J. Debin, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration, American University of Sharjah, said: "Today, video is becoming one of the most important forms of communication and entertainment, both in the United Arab Emirates and the world. In AUS we realize the benefits of bringing digital media into the classroom and campus environment, and Cisco Digital Media Suite will provide the university with the ability to use video communications to greatly improve the experiences of our students and accelerate their learning. "
DMS also allows AUS to replace traditional signage and newsletters, video services to deliver schedules, news, emergency messages and other information throughout the campus.
Wayne Hull, general manager of Cisco, the United Arab Emirates, said: "In order to achieve effectively connected learning societies, which Cisco believes that the deployment of video in schools is vital to the transformation of the century education 21. The video is an essential means to communicate to all audiences and education, recent advances in video technology are helping to change the way school administrators, principals, faculty and students are working together to create a stronger community .
Cisco Digital Media Suite at the American University of Sharjah is the first step in helping transform the way educational institutions in the UAE and their students learn, grow, communicate and collaborate. "
Linksys by cisco sets out its stall
The brand that once went by the name Linksys is now better known in the market as ‘Linksys by Cisco’, but more pertinently it has emerged as the lynchpin in its parent company’s home networking product strategy. That has naturally brought about a change in its channel strategy, particularly in the Middle East, where under the leadership of Amanulla Khan, Cisco’s Consumer Products Group is seeking to plough a furrow in the retail market.
CME: Your channel model has gone through some considerable re-engineering during the past year. Tell us about that.
AK: If you go back to the old Linksys days we had an SMB channel structure because we had an SMB portfolio, which was a reasonable portion of our overall business. But although that was the case, we had traditional IT distributors carrying consumer products as well, and through them we were trying to do business in the retail space. With the change in strategy — where we are becoming a consumer-centric organisation — we had to realign our entire channel.
CME: So what has that meant for your existing distribution channel?
AK: We continue to do business with the traditional IT distributors like Logicom, Track and those kind of companies, and through them we sell into the traditional IT reseller channel, which is a significant business. But if you look at consumer buying behaviour and what is happening in the retail space, more and more consumers are moving to the malls and the power retail channel for their purchases. Obviously that transition in the market place and the transition that has happened in our product portfolio with becoming consumer-centric meant we had to go and recruit partners that can grow our business in the retail space. So we have started to bring in specialist retail distributors. We started that in the UAE by bringing in Eros Electricals as our retail-focused distributor at the end of last year.
CME: So what does a ‘retail-focused’ distributor such as Eros Electricals bring to the table?
AK: Number one, they understand the retail business because they only do business in the retail space. Retail requires a different DNA and that is what they have. They have contracts with 99% of the retailers in the UAE, so they have the relationship, existing business and presence in all of those retailers, which is a good headstart. When we brought Eros onboard we were present with about 16 or 17 retailers in the UAE. By the end of our fiscal year in July we will be present in close to 100 stores in the UAE.
CME: Is one retail-focused distributor sufficient for a market like the UAE?
AK: For the UAE we will look to rely on Eros and that is our strategy as of today, but our market is a dynamic place so it might change as we move forward. We are looking at having a similar set-up in a few other major markets, such as Kuwait and Qatar. In the major markets we definitely believe that we need to have specialist retail distributors.
CME: Are there any markets where distributors could play a dual role?
AK: In Saudi Arabia we have used Al Jammaz as a distributor for both the resellers and the retailers. The reason for that is we believe Al Jammaz has got a significant presence in the retail space and a strong relationship with the majority of retailers, and it offers complementary products. That is an existing set-up we want to use.
CME: What investments are you making in the retail channel?
AK: When we got Eros Electricals onboard we looked at the cost model and decided we wanted to invest in merchandisers. In all our major stores — and you need to understand that each retailer might have multiple major stores — we have a fully trained merchandiser dedicated to the home networking business. We have close to 24 merchandisers in the UAE today and we expect to grow that number.
CME: What kind of role do these merchandisers play? Is it purely as an in-store sales resource?
AK: These merchandisers are fully trained and fully equipped to give the right information to the consumer to be able to make the right purchasing decision. We are not trying to push a product — the objective of the merchandisers is to educate the customer so they are able to make the right decision. At the same time, we are also making sure that we invest in the point of sale; ensuring the product is well-presented in the retail stores and visibly positioned. We have also invested in a dedicated channel manager resource whose only job is to manage the retail accounts. This is an additional resource that we brought in place this year which we did not have before.
CME: How significant is the role of the retail channel manager?
AK: This person’s job is to help the retailer with in-store activities, making sure that they understand the complete category management and that they understand we can manage the inventory for them to ensure they are not overstuffed.
CME: Your channel model has gone through some considerable re-engineering during the past year. Tell us about that.
AK: If you go back to the old Linksys days we had an SMB channel structure because we had an SMB portfolio, which was a reasonable portion of our overall business. But although that was the case, we had traditional IT distributors carrying consumer products as well, and through them we were trying to do business in the retail space. With the change in strategy — where we are becoming a consumer-centric organisation — we had to realign our entire channel.
CME: So what has that meant for your existing distribution channel?
AK: We continue to do business with the traditional IT distributors like Logicom, Track and those kind of companies, and through them we sell into the traditional IT reseller channel, which is a significant business. But if you look at consumer buying behaviour and what is happening in the retail space, more and more consumers are moving to the malls and the power retail channel for their purchases. Obviously that transition in the market place and the transition that has happened in our product portfolio with becoming consumer-centric meant we had to go and recruit partners that can grow our business in the retail space. So we have started to bring in specialist retail distributors. We started that in the UAE by bringing in Eros Electricals as our retail-focused distributor at the end of last year.
CME: So what does a ‘retail-focused’ distributor such as Eros Electricals bring to the table?
AK: Number one, they understand the retail business because they only do business in the retail space. Retail requires a different DNA and that is what they have. They have contracts with 99% of the retailers in the UAE, so they have the relationship, existing business and presence in all of those retailers, which is a good headstart. When we brought Eros onboard we were present with about 16 or 17 retailers in the UAE. By the end of our fiscal year in July we will be present in close to 100 stores in the UAE.
CME: Is one retail-focused distributor sufficient for a market like the UAE?
AK: For the UAE we will look to rely on Eros and that is our strategy as of today, but our market is a dynamic place so it might change as we move forward. We are looking at having a similar set-up in a few other major markets, such as Kuwait and Qatar. In the major markets we definitely believe that we need to have specialist retail distributors.
CME: Are there any markets where distributors could play a dual role?
AK: In Saudi Arabia we have used Al Jammaz as a distributor for both the resellers and the retailers. The reason for that is we believe Al Jammaz has got a significant presence in the retail space and a strong relationship with the majority of retailers, and it offers complementary products. That is an existing set-up we want to use.
CME: What investments are you making in the retail channel?
AK: When we got Eros Electricals onboard we looked at the cost model and decided we wanted to invest in merchandisers. In all our major stores — and you need to understand that each retailer might have multiple major stores — we have a fully trained merchandiser dedicated to the home networking business. We have close to 24 merchandisers in the UAE today and we expect to grow that number.
CME: What kind of role do these merchandisers play? Is it purely as an in-store sales resource?
AK: These merchandisers are fully trained and fully equipped to give the right information to the consumer to be able to make the right purchasing decision. We are not trying to push a product — the objective of the merchandisers is to educate the customer so they are able to make the right decision. At the same time, we are also making sure that we invest in the point of sale; ensuring the product is well-presented in the retail stores and visibly positioned. We have also invested in a dedicated channel manager resource whose only job is to manage the retail accounts. This is an additional resource that we brought in place this year which we did not have before.
CME: How significant is the role of the retail channel manager?
AK: This person’s job is to help the retailer with in-store activities, making sure that they understand the complete category management and that they understand we can manage the inventory for them to ensure they are not overstuffed.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Mobily unit launches new WiFi-enabled WIMAX router
Bayanat Al Oula, a subsidiary of Saudi-based Mobily, has launched a new WiFi-enabled WiMAX router for its Broadband@Home service.
The new device can easily be installed and configured by anyone with basic technical ability, the company said in a statement.
As with other WiFi-enabled routers it can also be easily set-up when users move home, due to its plug-and-play feature, which does away with wiring and the need to install and run configuration software.
Groups of users can connect through the router at the same time using WiFi on their laptops and PCs – the router itself supporting speeds of up to two megabits per second (Mbps).
Broadband@Home is the first prepaid broadband service in Saudi Arabia and was initially launched by Mobily's Bayanat Al in four main cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Khobar.
Coverage will soon be extended to other cities.Mobily currently owns two thirds of the Kingdom's 12,000 kilometer fiberoptic network
The new device can easily be installed and configured by anyone with basic technical ability, the company said in a statement.
As with other WiFi-enabled routers it can also be easily set-up when users move home, due to its plug-and-play feature, which does away with wiring and the need to install and run configuration software.
Groups of users can connect through the router at the same time using WiFi on their laptops and PCs – the router itself supporting speeds of up to two megabits per second (Mbps).
Broadband@Home is the first prepaid broadband service in Saudi Arabia and was initially launched by Mobily's Bayanat Al in four main cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Khobar.
Coverage will soon be extended to other cities.Mobily currently owns two thirds of the Kingdom's 12,000 kilometer fiberoptic network
Monday, June 14, 2010
Cisco appoints the directors of Bahrain and Kuwait
Cisco announced that it has created two new posts of general manager for Bahrain and Kuwait, to boost growth in both countries.
New features dealing with Hani El-Kukhun of Kuwait, Mohamad Hassoun and Bahrain, with immediate effect. The two general managers report to Tarek Ghoul, general manager of Cisco in the Gulf.
"Bahrain and Kuwait, account for strategic growth opportunities for Cisco, since these two countries continue to implement reforms, while seeking competitive advantages and increase productivity. Given his experience and proven, and see their country Hani Mohamad holistic help Cisco grow in Bahrain and Kuwait, "Ghoul said.
Hassoun has been with Cisco since 2006 and previously was general manager and vice president of Gulf and the Levant human resources and training specialists Humansoft, where he will lead the process of taking the company to IPO on the Kuwait Stock Exchange.
"I welcome this challenge to further strengthen Cisco's position as a leader in the ICT sector in Bahrain. Bahrain is already established as an excellent place to do business, such as progressive telecommunications regulatory framework is encouraging the nation and its citizens, to harness the power of the network to increase productivity levels, support to accelerate GDP growth rates and an increasingly higher level of life, "Hassoun said.
El-Kukhun was previously responsible for the creation of Cisco's telecommunications business in Kuwait, in cooperation with local operators such as Zain and Wataniya, and he has held roles with Xerox and TELUS in North America.
El-Kukhun said: "Kuwait is a key market for us, and I am sure that in collaboration with the experienced team of Cisco will not only be able to grow Cisco's business in Kuwait, but also the support of government and key organizations to help people connect, communicate and collaborate. "
New features dealing with Hani El-Kukhun of Kuwait, Mohamad Hassoun and Bahrain, with immediate effect. The two general managers report to Tarek Ghoul, general manager of Cisco in the Gulf.
"Bahrain and Kuwait, account for strategic growth opportunities for Cisco, since these two countries continue to implement reforms, while seeking competitive advantages and increase productivity. Given his experience and proven, and see their country Hani Mohamad holistic help Cisco grow in Bahrain and Kuwait, "Ghoul said.
Hassoun has been with Cisco since 2006 and previously was general manager and vice president of Gulf and the Levant human resources and training specialists Humansoft, where he will lead the process of taking the company to IPO on the Kuwait Stock Exchange.
"I welcome this challenge to further strengthen Cisco's position as a leader in the ICT sector in Bahrain. Bahrain is already established as an excellent place to do business, such as progressive telecommunications regulatory framework is encouraging the nation and its citizens, to harness the power of the network to increase productivity levels, support to accelerate GDP growth rates and an increasingly higher level of life, "Hassoun said.
El-Kukhun was previously responsible for the creation of Cisco's telecommunications business in Kuwait, in cooperation with local operators such as Zain and Wataniya, and he has held roles with Xerox and TELUS in North America.
El-Kukhun said: "Kuwait is a key market for us, and I am sure that in collaboration with the experienced team of Cisco will not only be able to grow Cisco's business in Kuwait, but also the support of government and key organizations to help people connect, communicate and collaborate. "
Cisco's Quad taps into iPad for business collaboration
Cisco has unveiled its enterprise collaboration software platform, Quad, which will let workers use their iPhones and iPads as well as social-networking features to share information and locate colleagues across their business.
Quad was announced last week alongside three other products: Cisco Prosumer Video, a video capture and video management product; FocalPoint, an online video workspace; and WebEx Connect 6.5, an update to Cisco's existing collaboration software.
The products are part of a blurring of consumer and business devices and mark the recognition by Cisco of the increasing requests by workers to use social-networking tools.
Quad was announced last week alongside three other products: Cisco Prosumer Video, a video capture and video management product; FocalPoint, an online video workspace; and WebEx Connect 6.5, an update to Cisco's existing collaboration software.
The products are part of a blurring of consumer and business devices and mark the recognition by Cisco of the increasing requests by workers to use social-networking tools.
Network champions honoured at NME Awards
The leading companies and major achievements of the Middle East IT networking industry were recognized on Sunday at the fifth annual Network Middle East Innovation Awards.The awards ceremony brought together over 150 top CIOs, IT managers, vendors and channel players at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai, to celebrate the skill and capabilities of the industry, especially in challenging economic times.
The event was a roaring success with some notable highlights including the hotly contested Best Security Solutions Range, the timely Implementation with the Best ROI category and the eagerly awaited Networking Professional of the Year award, which went to Mohammed Sabunchi of DIFC.
"The NME Innovation awards are here to shine a light on the achievements of organisations in the industry, be they vendors that are developing new technologies to assist the network manager, or CIOs working hard to create new services and solutions that give their businesses a competitive edge or a vital advantage to drive them forward in more competitive times," said Karam Awad, managing director, ITP Executive, ITP Digital, ITP TimeOut & ITP Technology.
"I believe the NME Awards saw one of the strongest line ups of competitors that we have had since these awards first began five years ago and I also think that the winners really provide a great example of the innovation here in the Middle East IT industry today.
The 18 awards presented on the night were divided into three main categories. These were project awards, for the best deployments in the region; product awards, for the best vendor offerings available in the Middle East; and achievement awards, which recognise outstanding contributions from particular organisations or individuals.
The full winners list:
Best wireless implementation: Landmark
Best fixed network implementation: DIFC
Best storage deployment: SDC
Best security implementation: PDO
Best data centre deployment: UDC
Implementation with best RoI: Zain Iraq
Most innovative use of new tech: eHosting DataFort
Networking Professional of the year: Mohammed Sabunchi, DIFC
Most influential end-user organisation: RTA
Best fixed networking solutions range: F5 Networks
Best wireless solutions range: Cisco
Best storage solutions range: EMC
Best cabling solutions range: Nexans
Best security solutions range: Juniper Networks
Best network/data management solutions range: 3Com
Best systems integrator: Al-Futtaim Technologies
Best networking vendor of the year: Cisco
Networking distributor of the year: FVC
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Cisco SPA525G
The Cisco SPA525G IP Phone is a full-featured VoIP phone that provides voice communication over an IP network. It provides traditional features, such as call forwarding, redialing, speed dialing, transferring calls, conference calling and accessing voice mail. Calls can be made or received with a handset, bluetooth headset or speaker. The Cisco SPA525G is compatible with SIP standard based platforms, as well as Cisco’s UC Express / UC520 platform.5 Line IP Phone, Color LCD Display, BlueTooth Enabled. SIP and Cisco UC Express / UC520 Support.
PoE Compatible, Connect via wired ethernet or Built-In 802.11G WiFi client.
Integrated XML Web applications, MP3 player, Digital Image Viewer / Picture Frame.
Cisco SPA525G
The Cisco SPA525G phone is connected to the network through its wired ethernet ports or the built-in Wireless-G connection. For wireless network connectivity, the Cisco SPA525G phone supports WEP and WPA security/encryption methods. The SPA525G can quickly identify available WiFI networks, and store multiple AP profiles.
The Cisco SPA525G also supports WiFi Protected Setup. If you are using the Wireless-G connection, a seperate power adapter (PA-100) is required. The Cisco sPA525G provides an additional Ethernet port that allows a computer to be connected to the network through the IP Phone. (This option is only available when the phone is connected to the network via the wired Ethernet connection.)
Cisco SPA525G VoIP Phone Overview
Unlike traditional phones, the Cisco SPA525G requires a separate power source. Either connect your phone to an Ethernet switch that provides Power over Ethernet (PoE), or us a separate power adapter (PA-100).
Cisco SPA525G Features and Functions
2 Ethernet 10/100Mbps ports
802.3af Power Over Ethernet support
USB 2.0 host port for connecting a USB memory device to play MP3 music files
AUX port (to attach a SPA932 attendant console)
Bluetooth capability for headset support
2.5mm stereo earphone jack for wired headset
Wireless G client support
Kensington security slot support
Integrated web/XML applications (Weather, News, Sports, etc)
Sunday, June 6, 2010
New Cisco CCDE certification
In January, Cisco launched a very important, new high-level certification: the Cisco Certified Design Specialist (CCDE) certification. Will it live up to the hype? Find out the specifics of the CCDE, see the way it fits in with other Cisco certifications, and learn why you ought to think about the CCDE.
Before even thinking about security- and VoIP-specific certifications, Cisco offered design certifications: The Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) and the Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP). Both entail strictly computerized tests that focus on the proper design of networks.
Since I’ve earned my CCDA certification, I can tell you — and it’s no secret — that the check consists of plenty of long scenarios. The single check can be challenging primarily due to the complex scenarios that you must read, dissect, and understand before you can make the right design choice for that network. I suspect that the CCDP certification isn’t much different, more complex and challenging with plenty of more requirements for technical knowledge mixed in.
I’ve heard comments for plenty of years from networking designers that they wished Cisco offered an expert/top-level certification for network design. With last month’s announcement of the CCDE, Cisco answered their call.
What is the CCDE?
The CCDE is the expert-level certification that those network designers have been waiting for. Similar to the Cisco Certified Internetwork Specialist (CCIE) certification, the CCDE requires passing both a two-hour computerized check and a full-day, hands-on lab/practical examination, which you must complete at a Cisco testing facility.
You must first past the computerized check before you can schedule the lab examination. The examination name for the CCDE written check is ADVDESIGN, and that’s what you require to know: How to design advanced networks. Cisco recommends that you have at least four to five years of experience designing advanced networks before taking the check.
The examination lasts three hours, and the examination blueprint covers anything that someone could ever think of related to complex networks. In addition, passing the CCDE written examination recertifies any other Cisco certifications you have, including the CCDA, CCNA, and CCIE.
After passing the computerized examination, you can schedule your lab examination at a handful of Cisco offices. However, Cisco hasn’t currently announced specific locations and time slots for the practical examination.
Like the CCIE practical examination, the CCDE practical examination will be an eight-hour scenario-based examination that will “test your ability to identify, manage, and generate advanced infrastructure design solutions for large-scale networks.” Having taken over one CCIE hands-on practical examination, I have no doubt that the CCDE practical examination will be as grueling.
Why isn’t there a network design CCIE?
Like the CCIE, CCDE candidates will receive a unique number and other benefits. Why didn’t Cisco generate a network design version of its CCIE certification? Cisco was thinking about it, but the company decided to generate a separate expert-level examination for design in lieu because the topics were dissimilar.
The CCIE and the CCDE are now “peer” certifications and are equivalent to one another. Only time will tell if the CCDE becomes as well-known and revered as the CCIE.
Recruiters and managers like to throw around the CCNA and CCIE appellations; you’ll often listen to something like “we have four IEs and three NAs on staff.” So can the new “DE” become as popular?
Definitely, other Cisco certifications, such as the CCNET, CCVP, CCSP, CCIP, and even the CCDP, have struggled to become as well-known as the CCNA and CCIE. While not necessarily a popularity contest, network administrators justifiably flock to the most well-known certifications because they what might help them land that next gigantic job or pay raise.
Three reasons to think about the CCDE
I’m thinking about pursuing the new CCDE certification, and I think you ought to think about it as well. Here are three reasons to give it some thought:
Unlike a CCNP, CCDP, or MCSE certification, the CCDE doesn’t have a long list of tests you must take. You only must take one written and one hands-on examination.
For those of us who enjoy designing complex networks in lieu of tweaking and troubleshooting complex network routing or security, the CCDE may be something that interests you over other certifications.
Cisco has completed a great job representing, improving, and promotion the CCIE. Because of this, I think the CCDE will become highly recognizable, as the CCIE is today.
The CCDE proves that you can design a quantity of the most complex and advanced networks in the world today. The documentation of this skill can be invaluable to your career.
However, don’t jump the gun: Make sure you have the recommended design experience on gigantic networks, get prepared to prepare for some grueling tests, and make sure you’re willing to pay a much higher cost than other certifications — both in time and in dollars.
Before even thinking about security- and VoIP-specific certifications, Cisco offered design certifications: The Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) and the Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP). Both entail strictly computerized tests that focus on the proper design of networks.
Since I’ve earned my CCDA certification, I can tell you — and it’s no secret — that the check consists of plenty of long scenarios. The single check can be challenging primarily due to the complex scenarios that you must read, dissect, and understand before you can make the right design choice for that network. I suspect that the CCDP certification isn’t much different, more complex and challenging with plenty of more requirements for technical knowledge mixed in.
I’ve heard comments for plenty of years from networking designers that they wished Cisco offered an expert/top-level certification for network design. With last month’s announcement of the CCDE, Cisco answered their call.
What is the CCDE?
The CCDE is the expert-level certification that those network designers have been waiting for. Similar to the Cisco Certified Internetwork Specialist (CCIE) certification, the CCDE requires passing both a two-hour computerized check and a full-day, hands-on lab/practical examination, which you must complete at a Cisco testing facility.
You must first past the computerized check before you can schedule the lab examination. The examination name for the CCDE written check is ADVDESIGN, and that’s what you require to know: How to design advanced networks. Cisco recommends that you have at least four to five years of experience designing advanced networks before taking the check.
The examination lasts three hours, and the examination blueprint covers anything that someone could ever think of related to complex networks. In addition, passing the CCDE written examination recertifies any other Cisco certifications you have, including the CCDA, CCNA, and CCIE.
After passing the computerized examination, you can schedule your lab examination at a handful of Cisco offices. However, Cisco hasn’t currently announced specific locations and time slots for the practical examination.
Like the CCIE practical examination, the CCDE practical examination will be an eight-hour scenario-based examination that will “test your ability to identify, manage, and generate advanced infrastructure design solutions for large-scale networks.” Having taken over one CCIE hands-on practical examination, I have no doubt that the CCDE practical examination will be as grueling.
Why isn’t there a network design CCIE?
Like the CCIE, CCDE candidates will receive a unique number and other benefits. Why didn’t Cisco generate a network design version of its CCIE certification? Cisco was thinking about it, but the company decided to generate a separate expert-level examination for design in lieu because the topics were dissimilar.
The CCIE and the CCDE are now “peer” certifications and are equivalent to one another. Only time will tell if the CCDE becomes as well-known and revered as the CCIE.
Recruiters and managers like to throw around the CCNA and CCIE appellations; you’ll often listen to something like “we have four IEs and three NAs on staff.” So can the new “DE” become as popular?
Definitely, other Cisco certifications, such as the CCNET, CCVP, CCSP, CCIP, and even the CCDP, have struggled to become as well-known as the CCNA and CCIE. While not necessarily a popularity contest, network administrators justifiably flock to the most well-known certifications because they what might help them land that next gigantic job or pay raise.
Three reasons to think about the CCDE
I’m thinking about pursuing the new CCDE certification, and I think you ought to think about it as well. Here are three reasons to give it some thought:
Unlike a CCNP, CCDP, or MCSE certification, the CCDE doesn’t have a long list of tests you must take. You only must take one written and one hands-on examination.
For those of us who enjoy designing complex networks in lieu of tweaking and troubleshooting complex network routing or security, the CCDE may be something that interests you over other certifications.
Cisco has completed a great job representing, improving, and promotion the CCIE. Because of this, I think the CCDE will become highly recognizable, as the CCIE is today.
The CCDE proves that you can design a quantity of the most complex and advanced networks in the world today. The documentation of this skill can be invaluable to your career.
However, don’t jump the gun: Make sure you have the recommended design experience on gigantic networks, get prepared to prepare for some grueling tests, and make sure you’re willing to pay a much higher cost than other certifications — both in time and in dollars.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Cisco breaks up with HP
Cisco Systems has dropped Hewlett-Packard as a certified channel partner and global service alliance partner, and intends to compete with the company for future business.
In a YouTube video posted on Friday, Cisco's Worldwide Partner Organization chief, Keith Goodwin, said his company's relationship with HP had "evolved" from partnership to "companies with different and conflicting visions of how to deliver value to our customers".
The five companies have had longstanding partnerships in server switch and unified communications expertise, but Cisco's move in to servers in the coursework of 2009 saw an increasing rivalry between the firms in the information middle.
In a YouTube video posted on Friday, Cisco's Worldwide Partner Organization chief, Keith Goodwin, said his company's relationship with HP had "evolved" from partnership to "companies with different and conflicting visions of how to deliver value to our customers".
The five companies have had longstanding partnerships in server switch and unified communications expertise, but Cisco's move in to servers in the coursework of 2009 saw an increasing rivalry between the firms in the information middle.
Juniper: Cisco “biting off over it can chew”
BARCELONA: The founder of networking seller Juniper has lashed out at arch-rival Cisco at its EMEA press summit, claiming that its Unified Computing Technique initiative is ambitious to pull off successfully. Pradeep Sindhu, director, founder, & vice chairman of the board, also believes customers are rejecting the know-how, preferring to stay seller neutral.
Juniper is still hard at work by itself multi-year Stratus Project, which aims to "flatten" datacentre networking in to a single layer, making infrastructure less complex to administrate & implement. Sindhu says planning for the project started as far back as 2006.
"We started the conception of the Stratus project in 2006 & began seriously the design work in 2008. It took us six long years of trying to understand the issue, figure out what role Juniper could play. Juniper is a pure-play networking company - they don't require to build computers & storage deices & other things," they declares.
For Sindhu, Cisco's solution of building its own servers in addition to its current range of networking gear is an unwieldy solution: "This issue is insanely complicated, & for any company to think that they can solve the issues in computing & storage as well as individuals who specialise in the [individual technologies] is a tall order. They are trying to bite off over they can chew - there is no query in my mind."
Riverbed hosts WAN optimization seminars
"You'll finish up with average solutions. In the event you look at UCS for example, it misses the issue of large-scale organizations. It is a solution which is intended to solve Cisco's issue , which is: how do you increase your revenues? It doesn't solve the customer's issue. In fact, it forces the customer to get locked in to Cisco solutions," they adds.
With vendors in the market increasingly moving towards consolidation & in-house - HP's acquisition of 3Com & Cisco's move to build servers, at the cost of relationships with long-term partners Dell & IBM - plenty of have questioned Juniper's desire to go it alone & possibly forgo new streams of revenue. Sindhu says customers have not expressed a powerful desire for these kinds of solutions.
"My discussions with customers is that they require to run away as speedy as feasible. There is one attraction [of UCS]: you have a one-stop shop. But the opposite of attraction is the fear that they will get locked in to a proprietary & elderly solution. That is the fear that is being realized as they speak," states Sindhu.
Juniper execs at the event declined to set a date for when products & services based on Stratus would see the light of day, sticking to earlier statements about general availability in 2011.
Juniper is still hard at work by itself multi-year Stratus Project, which aims to "flatten" datacentre networking in to a single layer, making infrastructure less complex to administrate & implement. Sindhu says planning for the project started as far back as 2006.
"We started the conception of the Stratus project in 2006 & began seriously the design work in 2008. It took us six long years of trying to understand the issue, figure out what role Juniper could play. Juniper is a pure-play networking company - they don't require to build computers & storage deices & other things," they declares.
For Sindhu, Cisco's solution of building its own servers in addition to its current range of networking gear is an unwieldy solution: "This issue is insanely complicated, & for any company to think that they can solve the issues in computing & storage as well as individuals who specialise in the [individual technologies] is a tall order. They are trying to bite off over they can chew - there is no query in my mind."
Riverbed hosts WAN optimization seminars
"You'll finish up with average solutions. In the event you look at UCS for example, it misses the issue of large-scale organizations. It is a solution which is intended to solve Cisco's issue , which is: how do you increase your revenues? It doesn't solve the customer's issue. In fact, it forces the customer to get locked in to Cisco solutions," they adds.
With vendors in the market increasingly moving towards consolidation & in-house - HP's acquisition of 3Com & Cisco's move to build servers, at the cost of relationships with long-term partners Dell & IBM - plenty of have questioned Juniper's desire to go it alone & possibly forgo new streams of revenue. Sindhu says customers have not expressed a powerful desire for these kinds of solutions.
"My discussions with customers is that they require to run away as speedy as feasible. There is one attraction [of UCS]: you have a one-stop shop. But the opposite of attraction is the fear that they will get locked in to a proprietary & elderly solution. That is the fear that is being realized as they speak," states Sindhu.
Juniper execs at the event declined to set a date for when products & services based on Stratus would see the light of day, sticking to earlier statements about general availability in 2011.
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