A Major Step Forward for Global Business Ethics Alignment

For most businesses, corporate responsibility has evolved from a peripheral concern to a core consideration. And today, with the Council’s v… Read more on Cisco Blogs

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A Major Step Forward for Global Business Ethics Alignment

For most businesses, corporate responsibility has evolved from a peripheral concern to a core consideration. And today, with the Council’s vote on the European Union (EU) Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the EU took a significant step toward ensuring that businesses respect human rights, protect the environment, uphold ethical standards, and report on their efforts to do so.

Cisco’s long-standing commitment to corporate accountability

Upholding the highest ethical standards is not just a regulatory compliance matter, it is a business imperative.

Cisco welcomes the CSDDD as a crucial cross-EU tool to strengthen corporate attention to human rights and sustainability.

The CSDDD aligns with Cisco’s longstanding commitment to uphold human rights and conduct due diligence in our supply chain and internal operations in alignment with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct.

As proof of our commitment through actions, Cisco was listed 3rd out of 60 ICT companies on Know the Chain’s benchmark, which assesses companies’ ability to manage human rights risks in their supply chain. Furthermore, in October 2023, Cisco was honored as a leader in the Global Child Forum’s annual benchmark report, acknowledging our concrete actions to embed children’s rights into our company practice.

Embedding Corporate Due Diligence Into our Business Operations

As we strive to securely connect and protect people and businesses, and support workers in our supply chain, we take a mindful and systematic approach. We design and build solutions with security, privacy, sustainability and human rights in mind. This approach empowers our partners, customers, and their users to leverage the potential of connected technologies to improve their lives and fulfill their business objectives.

Our diligence extends throughout our products’ lifecycle, from mineral sourcing to product design, manufacturing, reuse, and end-of-life.

As a founding member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), we engage in the prevention and remediation of adverse human rights impacts in our supply chain. We assess potential impacts on stakeholders, including vulnerable workers in our supply chain and end users of our products and solutions.

Aligning global corporate standards and public policy

The CSDDD will require companies to conduct human rights and environmental due diligence within their internal operations and supply chains. This due diligence will enable companies to identify, prevent, mitigate and address potential adverse impacts of their operations. The significance of the CSDDD lies in its recognition of the vital role businesses play in shaping an equitable future, providing a consistent regulatory framework for this responsibility and creating a level playing field across the EU’s 27 markets. With the CSDDD, the EU is set to serve as a global standard for responsible business conduct.

Businesses have a critical role to play, alongside civil society and governments, in addressing risks in supply chains, responding to new challenges, and navigating a shifting geopolitical landscape. If adopted next month by the European Parliament, the CSDDD would be a significant milestone in our journey towards a more sustainable and equitable corporate world, and we look forward to the positive changes it can bring to the global community.

"}]]  Cisco welcomes the new EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) as a crucial cross-EU tool to strengthen corporate attention to human rights and sustainability. It aligns with Cisco’s longstanding commitment to uphold human rights and conduct due diligence in our supply chain and internal operations.  Read More Cisco Blogs 

This blog post will show you how you can automate DNS policy management with Tags.
To streamline DNS policy management for roaming computers, categorize them using tags. By assigning a standard tag… Read more on Cisco Blogs

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This blog post will show you how you can automate DNS policy management with Tags.
To streamline DNS policy management for roaming computers, categorize them using tags. By assigning a standard tag to a collection of roaming computers, they can be collectively addressed as a single entity during policy configuration. This approach is recommended for deployments with many roaming computers, ranging from hundreds to thousands, as it significantly simplifies and speeds up policy creation.

High-level workflow description

Add API Key
Generate OAuth 2.0 access token
Create tag
Get the list of roaming computers and identify related ‘originId’
Add tag to devices.

The Umbrella API provides a standard REST interface and supports the OAuth 2.0 client credentials flow. While creating the API Key, you can set the related Scope and Expire Date.

To start working with tagging, you need to create an API key with the Deployment read/write scope.

After generating the API Client and API secret, you can use it for related API calls.

First, we need to generate an OAuth 2.0 access token.

You can do this with the following Python script:

import requests
import os
import json
import base64
api_client = os.getenv('API_CLIENT')
api_secret = os.getenv('API_SECRET')
def generateToken():
url = "https://api.umbrella.com/auth/v2/token"
usrAPIClientSecret = api_client + ":" + api_secret
basicUmbrella = base64.b64encode(usrAPIClientSecret.encode()).decode()
HTTP_Request_header = "Authorization": "Basic %s" % basicUmbrella,
"Content-Type": "application/json;"
payload = json.dumps(
"grant_type": "client_credentials"
)
response = requests.request("GET", url, headers=HTTP_Request_header, data=payload)
print(response.text)
access_token = response.json()['access_token']
print(accessToken)
return accessToken
if __name__ == "__main__":
accessToken = generateToken()

Expected output:
“token_type”:”bearer”,”access_token”:”cmVwb3J0cy51dGlsaXRpZXM6cmVhZCBsImtpZCI6IjcyNmI5MGUzLWQ1MjYtNGMzZS1iN2QzLTllYjA5NWU2ZWRlOSIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpc3MiOiJ1bWJyZWxsYS1hdXRoei9hdXRoc3ZjIiwic…OiJhZG1pbi5wYXNzd29yZHJlc2V0OndyaXRlIGFkbWluLnJvbGVzOnJlYWQgYWRtaW4udXNlcnM6d3JpdGUgYWRtaW4udXNlcnM6cmVhZCByZXBvcnRzLmdyYW51bGFyZXZlbnRzOnJlYWQgyZXBvcnRzLmFnZ3Jl…MzlL”,”expires_in”:3600

We will use the OAuth 2.0 access token retrieved in the previous step for the following API requests.

Let’s create tag with the name “Windows 10”

def addTag(tagName):
   url = "https://api.umbrella.com/deployments/v2/tags"
   payload = json.dumps(
   "name": tagName
   )
   headers =
   'Accept': 'application/json',
   'Content-Type': 'application/json',
   'Authorization': 'Bearer ' + accessToken
   
   response = requests.request("POST", url, headers=headers, data=payload)
   print(response.text)
addTag("Windows 10", accesToken)

Expected output:

"id": 90289,
"organizationId": 7944991,
"name": "Windows 10",
"originsModifiedAt": "",
"createdAt": "2024-03-08T21:51:05Z",
"modifiedAt": "2024-03-08T21:51:05Z"

Umbrella dashboard, List of roaming computers without tags 

Each tag has its unique ID, so we should note these numbers for use in the following query.

The following function helps us Get the List of roaming computers:

def getListRoamingComputers(accesToken):
url = "https://api.umbrella.com/deployments/v2/roamingcomputers"
payload =
headers =
'Accept': 'application/json',
'Content-Type': 'application/json',
'Authorization': 'Bearer ' + accessToken

response = requests.request("GET", url, headers=headers, data=payload)
print(response.text)

Expected output:

[

“originId”: 621783439,
“deviceId”: “010172DCA0204CDD”,
“type”: “anyconnect”,
“status”: “Off”,
“lastSyncStatus”: “Encrypted”,
“lastSync”: “2024-02-26T15:50:55.000Z”,
“appliedBundle”: 13338557,
“version”: “5.0.2075”,
“osVersion”: “Microsoft Windows NT 10.0.18362.0”,
“osVersionName”: “Windows 10”,
“name”: “CLT1”,
“hasIpBlocking”: false
,

“originId”: 623192385,
“deviceId”: “0101920E8BE1F3AD”,
“type”: “anyconnect”,
“status”: “Off”,
“lastSyncStatus”: “Encrypted”,
“lastSync”: “2024-03-07T15:20:39.000Z”,
“version”: “5.1.1”,
“osVersion”: “Microsoft Windows NT 10.0.19045.0”,
“osVersionName”: “Windows 10”,
“name”: “DESKTOP-84BV9V6”,
“hasIpBlocking”: false,
“appliedBundle”: null

]

Users can iterate through the JSON list items and filter them by osVersionName, name, deviceId, etc., and record the related originId in the list that we will use to apply the related tag.

With related tag ID and roaming computers originId list, we can finally add a tag to devices, using the following function:

def addTagToDevices(tagId, deviceList, accesToken):
   url = "https://api.umbrella.com/deployments/v2/tags//devices".format(tagId)
   payload = json.dumps(
   "addOrigins":
   )
   headers =
   'Accept': 'application/json',
   'Content-Type': 'application/json',
   'Authorization': 'Bearer ' + accessToken
   
   response = requests.request("POST", url, headers=headers, data=payload)
   print(response.text)
addTagToDevices(tagId, [ 621783439, 623192385 ], accesToken)

Expected output:

"tagId": 90289,
"addOrigins": [
621783439,
623192385
],
"removeOrigins": []

After adding tags, let’s check the dashboard

Umbrella dashboard, list of roaming computers after we add tags using API

A related tag is available to select when creating a new DNS policy.

Notes:

Each roaming computer can be configured with multiple tags
A tag cannot be applied to a roaming computer at the time of roaming client installation.
You cannot delete a tag. Instead, remove a tag from a roaming computer.
Tags can be up to 40 characters long.
You can add up to 500 devices to a tag (per request).

Try these updates in the DevNet Sandbox

Give it a try! Play with these updates using the Umbrella DevNet Sandbox.

"]]  See how you can speed up DNS policy creation and management for roaming computers, for deployments ranging up to thousands of roaming computers.  Read More Cisco Blogs 

Today marks the launch of Cisco Routed PON, a truly disruptive solution that enables agile, differentiated broadband services through a software-defined broadband network. It’s part of our ongoing m… Read more on Cisco Blogs

​[[{"value":"

Today marks the launch of Cisco Routed PON, a truly disruptive solution that enables agile, differentiated broadband services through a software-defined broadband network. It’s part of our ongoing mission to transform the economics of networking for the benefit of communication service providers and communities worldwide. Routed PON drastically improves the cost of broadband deployment in rural, suburban, and urban areas, to help bring reliable, superfast connectivity to both residential and business customers.

In July 2016, the United Nations declared the internet a basic human right. Recognizing the importance of high-speed internet access in improving people’s lives and growing the digital economy, governments worldwide are investing heavily in broadband builds. The $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) fund in the U.S. is just one example. Its goal is to ensure that every American can reap the benefits of high-speed internet access.

Communication service providers have welcomed initiatives like this because of the high cost of building new infrastructure and declining ARPU. Yet, bridging the digital divide and meeting both consumers’ and businesses’ growing bandwidth demands requires more than just public funding. It calls for a complete rethink of how broadband networks are built. That’s why we developed Cisco Routed PON—to help communication service providers and municipalities to deploy broadband networks in a better and simpler way.

Why can’t we just keep doing things the old way?

In today’s hyperconnected world—where hybrid work is the new normal, artificial intelligence (AI) innovation is accelerating, and new bandwidth-hungry applications continue to emerge—rolling out and managing profitable, high-performance broadband access networks is difficult and complex. And, it’s going to become even more difficult as bandwidth growth continues—from 10G, 25G and to 100G, and beyond.

The challenges are about connectivity and the services that broadband solutions enable. Our customers want to deliver services in an agile and cost-effective way, but they are increasingly constrained by traditional broadband architectures with large, dedicated optical line terminal (OLT) chassis that require dedicated space and power. Additionally, these chassis are separate from the access router, so they require separate layer management that can be costly. Traditional broadband architectures also offer less flexibility because they come as an integrated solution from a single vendor.

What sets Routed PON apart?

Unlike traditional chassis-based solutions, Cisco Routed PON enables communication service providers to put a small form factor PON pluggable in a router and converge FTTx access with their end-to-end network. It has three building blocks, all underpinned by a software-defined end-to-end architecture based on the IOS XR operating system.

Cisco Routed PON OLT Pluggable – A pluggable 10G OLT that replaces traditional stand-alone OLT chassis and connects the PON network to Layer 3 routing and services through a small form factor pluggable (SFP+) port on the router. The SFP is a cost optimized and power efficient way to deliver 10G symmetrical upstream and downstream data. Open and compliant with the OMCI standard, the OLT pluggable is compatible with any optical network terminal (ONT), helping customers avoid vendor lock-in.
Cisco Routed PON Controller – A stateless management controller that runs as a container on the router, configuring and monitoring end points in the PON network. It applies configurations to OLT and ONT devices and collects state information, statistics, alarms and logs from devices, and reports the information to higher layer applications.
Cisco Routed PON Manager – A WebUI application that acts as a graphical user interface for the PON network. The PON Manager facilitates device and service provisioning, and enables the management of users, databases, and alarms.

Flexibility, service differentiation, and investment protection

The capabilities of Cisco Routed PON lead to multiple positive business outcomes. The innovative architecture offers customers more flexibility because it’s interoperable with many ONTs. So, communication service providers can decide for themselves which ONT best meets their requirements and cost targets, upgrade to new features as needed, and not be tied to a single vendor’s roadmap.

Cisco Routed PON also makes their end-to-end architecture much simpler to manage, which in turn lowers OpEx. Instead of having separate systems and processes for PON, communication service providers can converge it with other access technologies on IP routers like active Ethernet – all unified by a common operating system, IOS XR, and automation.

At a time when reducing churn and growing revenue is critical, Cisco Routed PON helps customers stand out from competition and monetize their network investments in a smarter way. Thanks to its end-to-end architecture—with powerful IOS XR capabilities, such as segment routing and EVPN—it improves subscriber experience.

These capabilities also enable communication service providers to offer differentiated services for business and residential customers, such as ultra-low latency connectivity or additional security features. Crucially, Cisco Routed PON protects communication service providers’ investments as they build the Internet for the Future – ready for 10G, 25G, 50G, 100G, and beyond. When new higher-bandwidth Cisco pluggable OLTs become available, customers can simply plug them into their router on a port-by-port basis.

I’m proud of how Cisco keeps pushing the boundaries of routing and optical innovation to enable our customers to create more efficient and profitable network architectures. I see Cisco Routed PON as a further demonstration of how we are transforming and simplifying networking like we have done previously with Routed Optical Networking. I look forward to working with our customers as they leverage this new solution to accelerate the deployment of high-speed broadband in cities and rural communities around the world to bridge the digital divide.

Learn more aboutCisco Routed PON

"}]]  We are launching Cisco Routed PON, a disruptive solution that enables agile, differentiated broadband services through a software-defined network. Routed PON drastically improves the cost of broadband deployment in rural, suburban, and urban areas.  Read More Cisco Blogs 

In an era where the digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are facing the challenge of keeping up with complex networking demands while ensuring… Read more on Cisco Blogs

​[[  Cisco Partners LinkedIn

"]]  What is Managed Campus and why is it pivotal for MSPs to integrate such services into their portfolio? Read more as we deep dive into the multifaceted benefits of the Cisco Managed Campus.  Read More Cisco Blogs 

As the father of three neuro-diverse children, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that classroom conditions can have on learning.

Tackling Sensory Overload and Boosting Air Quality for Student S… Read more on Cisco Blogs

​[[{"value":"

As the father of three neuro-diverse children, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that classroom conditions can have on learning.

Tackling Sensory Overload and Boosting Air Quality for Student Success

Small, overcrowded and noisy classrooms can be a real challenge for those who struggle with sensory overload.[1] A struggling child may act out simply because they lack the strategies or awareness of how to manage themselves in an overwhelming environment, impacting their education experience and outcomes.

Additionally, numerous studies have demonstrated the linkage between carbon dioxide levels and attentiveness.[2] It is also well-identified that carbon dioxide levels are a measure of room ventilation.[3] There’s much that can and should be done to ensure the learning space is not only safe but healthy and inclusive for all children.

Classroom technology has evolved dramatically over recent years. Until now, much of this has been centered around digitizing the rooms with, for example, Wi-Fi, digital projectors, screens, digital whiteboards, and casting devices. In doing so, this has also introduced more complexity for educators and increased the cost to school systems in managing and maintaining these complex environments.

Seamless Technology Integration and Real-Time Environmental Insights

Cisco Collaboration Devices have changed the classroom technology paradigm by not only digitizing but also consolidating and simplifying the classroom technology and the educator experience, as well as being easy to deploy, manage, and monitor. Furthermore, with embedded environmental sensors, fundamentals like ambient noise levels, air quality (TVOC), humidity, and temperature can be centrally monitored without additional technology, infrastructure, or specialized installations. The Cisco Meraki MT15 sensor builds upon this to monitor carbon dioxide levels, also with the benefit of not requiring dedicated infrastructure – the MT15 uses the existing Cisco Meraki MV Intelligent Cameras or MR access points as IoT gateways, both of which are widely deployed in schools around the world.

Every child deserves a safe and healthy learning environment that gives them every opportunity to reach their potential. I want to see my children succeed; I don’t want them to struggle further because the classroom doesn’t provide the inclusive learning space every child deserves. Cisco has the technology to power inclusive learning for all. Contact us to learn how we can make this happen.

Learn more about Cisco in Education

Did you know you can have all our education blogs delivered directly to your inbox?

Subscribe to our Cisco Education Blog.

References

[1] Sensory overload     •  van der Kruk, Y., Wilson, W.J., Palghat, K. et al. Improved Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Classroom Performance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 4, 243–253 (2017).     •  Shireen M. Kanakri, Mardelle Shepley, James W. Varni, Louis G. Tassinary, “Noise and autism spectrum disorder in children: An exploratory survey”, Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 63, 2017.     • Beth Pfeiffer, Shelly Raee Erb & Laura Slugg (2019) Impact of Noise-Attenuating Headphones on Participation in the Home, Community, and School for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics, 39:1, 60-76, DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2018.1496963.

[2] Ventilation: Impact on Attentiveness and Performance     •  Ben Knight, “Poor air quality in classrooms detrimental to kids’ wellbeing and learning”, UNSW Sydney, published 14 April 2021     •  Pawel Wargocki, Jose Ali Porras-Salazar, Sergio Contreras-Espinoza and William Bahnfleth, “The Relationship Between Classroom Air Quality and Children’s Performance in School”, Building and Environment Volume 173 2020, Article 106749, published 15 April 2020.     •  Bogdanovica S, Zemitis J, Bogdanovics R. The Effect of CO2 Concentration on Children’s Well-Being during the Process of Learning. Energies. 2020; 13(22):6099.     •  Petersen S, Jensen KL, Pedersen AL, Rasmussen HS. The effect of increased classroom ventilation rate is indicated by reduced CO2 concentration on children’s performance of schoolwork. Indoor Air. 2016 Jun;26(3):366-79. doi: 10.1111/ina.12210. Epub 2015 Apr 27. PMID: 25866236.

[3.] Chatzidiakou L, Mumovic D, Summerfield A. Is CO2 a good proxy for indoor air quality in classrooms? Part 1: The interrelationships between thermal conditions, CO2 levels, ventilation rates, and selected indoor pollutants. Building Services Engineering Research and Technology. 2015;36(2):129-161. doi:10.1177/0143624414566244.

"}]]  In today’s educational landscape, where the challenge of sensory overload in crowded and noisy classrooms can disrupt a child's ability to learn and thrive, Cisco's Collaboration Devices are leading the way with an innovative solution.  Read More Cisco Blogs 

Dear Developers and Innovators,

As the Vice President of an organization deeply committed to technological advancements and environmental sustainability, I am thrilled to announce an exciting coding… Read more on Cisco Blogs

​[[{"value":"

Dear Developers and Innovators,

As the Vice President of an organization deeply committed to technological advancements and environmental sustainability, I am thrilled to announce an exciting coding challenge. We’re calling it, “Build for Better.” The challenge will run from March 14th through April 22nd (Earth Day). This is more than just a competition; it’s a call to action for application developers to harness their skills in AI, Observability, and Sustainability to make a real-world impact.

Our Build for Better coding challenge invites you to be at the forefront of a movement aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of technology itself. Your expertise in development can power the transformation toward a greener, more sustainable digital infrastructure.

Why is this important? Because technology – which inherently consumes energy – can also be the key to reducing and optimizing that very consumption. We are on the cusp of a revolution where intelligent coding can lead to significant environmental benefits.

Need some inspiration to get started? Outlined below are three example use cases:

Use Case 1: Energy Consumption

Channel your coding expertise into the fight against climate change, using the power of Cisco software and the Cisco Observability Platform. Your commitment to energy-efficient solutions can be the catalyst for change, propelling us towards a greener and more sustainable future.Technology hints: Cisco Meraki, Cisco IOS XE, Cisco Observability Platform

Use Case 2: Smart Buildings & Energy Efficiency

Shine a spotlight on your talent and passion for sustainable innovation by utilizing the power of Cisco’s advanced software and the Cisco Observability Platform. We are calling on you to create coding solutions that not only push the boundaries of technology but also drive us towards a future of responsible energy consumption.Technology hints: Cisco Meraki, Cisco IOS XE, Cisco Observability Platform

Use Case 3: Green Coding

Push the boundaries of technology for environmental good. Your coding can dramatically reduce energy consumption and shape a more sustainable digital world. Seize this opportunity to deploy your expertise and make a significant impact with every line of code.Technology hints: Software Development

By participating in this challenge, you get the opportunity to:

Make an Impact: Use Cisco Technologies to significantly lower the tech industry’s energy usage.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your coding prowess and dedication to sustainability.
Join a Community: Collaborate with like-minded developers passionate about green coding.
Innovate for Good: Tackle real-world problems using Cisco’s tools to forge a sustainable tech future.

Even better, up to three winners will be highlighted in our DevNet community, receive an invitation for mentorship sessions with DevNet experts, and $500 in credits to the Cisco Store.

Are you ready to Build for Better with Cisco?

Entering is easy. Sign up to become a DevNet member and submit your code via our Code Exchange with clear technical documentation. The submission window closes on April 22, 2024 where the DevNet judging panel will review all submissions and announce the winner on May 1, 2024.

We are eager to see the innovations you will bring to life, especially those leveraging the power of Cisco. Take this opportunity to showcase your coding talents and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Best regards,

Shannon MacFarland
Vice President

P.S. Don’t forget to mark your calendars – the challenge begins on Pi Day, March 14th, and runs until Earth Day, April 22nd. It’s time to put your coding skills to the test for the betterment of our planet. Join us now!

"}]]  Join the "Build for Better" sustainability coding challenge. Your participation in building energy-efficient solutions can be the catalyst for propelling us towards a greener and more sustainable future.  Read More Cisco Blogs 

Modern networks are complex, often involving hybrid work models and a mix of first- and third-party applications and infrastructure. In response, organizations have adopted security service edge… Read more on Cisco Blogs

​[[{"value":"

Modern networks are complex, often involving hybrid work models and a mix of first- and third-party applications and infrastructure. In response, organizations have adopted security service edge (SSE) solutions, such as Cisco Secure Access, to protect users regardless of where they are located or what they are accessing.

This reliance on third-party infrastructure doesn’t only drive security risk, it also increases the likelihood of performance outages and disruptions. Oftentimes, these disruptions are the result of service outages and slowdowns in third-party infrastructure, which make it difficult for IT teams to detect and remediate the problem. Experience Insights, a component of Cisco Secure Access, allows administrators to maintain a positive end user experience by detecting and responding to connectivity problems as soon as they occur, all from the same dashboard they use to manage security capabilities and access policies.

Cisco Secure Access is our flagship Security Service Edge (SSE) product, which provides all the tools you need to enable remote and branch users to securely connect to the Internet, software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications, and private apps. While much of these capabilities are focused on security, it is also important to monitor network performance, ensuring a strong digital experience with minimal outages and connectivity problems.

Experience Insights is powered by Cisco ThousandEyes technology, which enables rapid root cause identification and resolution from device to application and every network in between. According to the Forrester Total Economic Impact report for ThousandEyes, the technology’s end user monitoring capabilities resulted in a 50% productivity boost for IT and network operations and a 50-80% reduction in the time it took to identify intermittent or degraded performance, whether it was global or localized.

Provide a strong user experience and troubleshoot performance issues

Performance problems can originate in many sources, including:

Devices, such as laptops
Wi-Fi networks
Internet service providers
Corporate resources, such as VPNs or security tools
Applications

For many organizations, it can be a challenge to simply detect these problems, let alone mitigate them. This results in ongoing, undetected connectivity problems, causing a loss of productivity and end user frustration.

Experience insights is a digital experience monitoring (DEM) solution that provides a comprehensive view of endpoint, application, and network performance, making it easier to identify and troubleshoot performance problems as they arise. Ultimately, these capabilities result in a reduced mean time to resolution (MTTR) for performance incidents.

This includes a variety of metrics related to:

Device – detailed user and system information, including CPU and memory utilization and Wi-Fi signal strength.
Internet and network paths – key metrics regarding the network path from the device to the Secure Access gateway, including latency, packet loss, and jitter.
Collaboration applications – automatic performance tests for key collaboration tools, such as Cisco Webex, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
SaaS applications – insight into the most popular SaaS applications, including the overall health status and details such as HTTP response times and status codes.

Single-dashboard, single-agent

One of the primary benefits of Cisco Secure Access is a single-dashboard experience. The solution combines 12 different technologies and provides unified management, configuration, and troubleshooting capabilities. Experience insights is a core component of Secure Access, which means all its data and alerts are provided in the same management portal as the rest of Secure Access’ capabilities. This prevents administrators from being forced to juggle numerous technologies and management portals, streamlining operations and reducing frustration.

In addition, all Secure Access capabilities, including Experience Insights, rely on the Cisco Secure Client, a single agent on the end-user’s machine. This simplifies administration and deployment while optimizing workflows.

All at no extra cost

We recognize how important it is to be able to identify and troubleshoot connectivity problems in an SSE solution, which is why we are including it in the base Secure Access license at no extra cost. In addition, customers can purchase a full license for Cisco ThousandEyes for more advanced capabilities and broader coverage across their network.

Experience insights is just one capability of an incredible solution

While experience insights is our latest announcement, Secure Access includes many capabilities, including a secure web gateway, cloud access security broker with data loss prevention, firewall-as-a-service, and zero trust network access. It is an all-encompassing solution for securely connecting remote and branch users to the Internet, SaaS applications, and private apps.

To learn more about Cisco Secure Access, please read the e-book What is Cisco Secure Access and SSE?

We’d love to hear what you think. Ask a Question, Comment Below, and Stay Connected with Cisco Security on social!

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"}]]  Increase user productivity, improve IT efficiency, and tackle performance problems in first- and third-party infrastructure with Cisco Secure Access  Read More Cisco Blogs