Cisco Acquires Splunk to Manage Expanding AI Systems

Cisco is making significant strides in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) management as it prepares to launch its unified network management tool, Cloud Control, scheduled for release in 2026. In the meantime, the company is introducing innovative tools to help users manage their networks effectively. Among these is the new AI Agent Monitoring tool for Splunk’s Observability Cloud.

Cisco’s New AI Tools

The AI Agent Monitoring tool allows users to visualize agent workflows and track performance, cost, quality, and behavior of large language models (LLMs) and agent-based applications. This tool will be available for testing in just two weeks.

Additionally, Cisco plans to enhance this tool’s capabilities by integrating it with AI Defense, a suite introduced last year. AI Defense aims to ensure LLMs operate within safe parameters, identifying unauthorized applications and maintaining compliance with established policies.

Key Features of AI Defense

• Catalogs Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers for enterprise use.
• Includes automated red-teaming features for security testing.
• Maps AI frameworks in accordance with NIST, OWASP, and MITRE standards.

With these features, Cisco enables users to identify systems that may have bypassed their security measures. This automated red-teaming can analyze both on-premises queries and off-premises resources.

Upcoming Capabilities and Tools

By mid-2024, Cisco will roll out a series of new features aimed at enhancing network management. This includes:

• Autonomous troubleshooting for network issues.
• Continuous optimization for improved network performance.
• Agentic workflows for streamlined network procedures.

In addition, firewall users will receive proactive suggestions for new zero trust controls, which can be deployed by agents if deemed safe.

Integration with Existing Tools

All these innovations will be accessible through Cisco’s AI Canvas, its agent-based network management interface. The company also announced plans to unify its various management tools into a single platform known as Cloud Control.

This initiative follows Cisco’s integration of Meraki and Catalyst dashboards and the ability to manage NX-OS and ACI fabrics through the Nexus Dashboard, a move that was well-received during the Cisco Live USA event.

As we approach 2026, users can anticipate promising developments in Cisco’s network management capabilities, particularly as organizations seek to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency.