Developing Applications and Automation Workflows Using Cisco Core Platforms
In my career as an IT professional, one constant has always been the need to create solutions that drive efficiency and foster innovation. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this is through application development and workflow automation. Cisco, a leader in networking technology, has enabled professionals like us to streamline processes and build scalable applications using its powerful core platforms. "In the world of IT, automation isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of work." In this blog, we will explore how to leverage Developing Applications and Automation Workflows Using Cisco Core Platforms, helping organizations improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation. What Are Cisco Core Platforms? Before diving into the world of application development and automation, let’s first understand what Cisco’s core platforms are. Cisco offers a range of platforms and solutions that power networking, security, collaboration, and data center operations. The Cisco Core Platforms include: Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS): A data center platform that unites computing, networking, and storage to offer a scalable solution. Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA): An integrated architecture designed to simplify network operations and enable automation. Cisco Meraki: A cloud-managed IT solution that offers seamless networking, security, and device management capabilities. Cisco Webex: A collaboration platform offering video conferencing, messaging, and more. Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure): A software-defined networking solution designed to help data centers automate and manage network policies. These platforms enable businesses to modernize their infrastructure, automate processes, and scale applications efficiently. By leveraging these tools, organizations can ensure they stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Key Benefits of Developing Applications and Automating Workflows with Cisco Core Platforms 1. Streamlined Network Management With Cisco’s DNA Center and ACI, managing and configuring networks becomes more efficient. These platforms allow users to automate network provisioning and management, reducing the time and effort needed for manual tasks. By automating these processes, network administrators can ensure that their networks are optimized for performance and security without constant intervention. 2. Improved Operational Efficiency Automation is the key to unlocking operational efficiency. Cisco Meraki, for example, provides cloud-based networking solutions that automate key management tasks, such as device configuration, security policies, and network monitoring. This not only reduces the need for manual intervention but also ensures that devices are consistently configured according to company policies. For developers, Cisco DevNet provides APIs and SDKs that facilitate the integration of Cisco solutions into custom applications. By utilizing these tools, developers can build applications that automate routine tasks, such as managing network traffic or adjusting security settings based on real-time data. "Automation is not just about reducing human error—it's about freeing up human talent for higher-value work." 3. Scalability and Flexibility Cisco core platforms are built to scale. Whether you’re managing a small office network or a large enterprise environment, these platforms offer flexibility in deployment. With Cisco UCS, for instance, organizations can build scalable, high-performance applications that meet their growing business needs. This scalability extends to automation as well, where organizations can scale automated workflows to meet increased demand without adding manual overhead. 4. Enhanced Security and Compliance Security and compliance are top priorities for any organization. With Cisco ACI and Meraki, automating security policies ensures consistent enforcement across the network. Additionally, these platforms help organizations maintain compliance with industry standards, such as GDPR or HIPAA, by automating key processes like data encryption, threat detection, and access control. Getting Started with Cisco Core Platforms for Application Development and Automation To develop applications and automate workflows using Cisco’s core platforms, here are the essential steps to follow: 1. Identify the Needs Before diving into development or automation, assess your organization’s specific needs. Do you need to automate network configurations? Or are you looking to integrate collaboration tools into custom applications? Identifying the business goals will help you choose the right Cisco platforms and ensure that your efforts align with the desired outcomes. 2. Learn Cisco’s Development Tools Cisco provides DevNet, a developer platform with resources, tools, and APIs to help you build applications and integrate Cisco
In my career as an IT professional, one constant has always been the need to create solutions that drive efficiency and foster innovation. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this is through application development and workflow automation. Cisco, a leader in networking technology, has enabled professionals like us to streamline processes and build scalable applications using its powerful core platforms.
"In the world of IT, automation isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of work."
In this blog, we will explore how to leverage Developing Applications and Automation Workflows Using Cisco Core Platforms, helping organizations improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation.
What Are Cisco Core Platforms?
Before diving into the world of application development and automation, let’s first understand what Cisco’s core platforms are. Cisco offers a range of platforms and solutions that power networking, security, collaboration, and data center operations. The Cisco Core Platforms include:
- Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS): A data center platform that unites computing, networking, and storage to offer a scalable solution.
- Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA): An integrated architecture designed to simplify network operations and enable automation.
- Cisco Meraki: A cloud-managed IT solution that offers seamless networking, security, and device management capabilities.
- Cisco Webex: A collaboration platform offering video conferencing, messaging, and more.
- Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure): A software-defined networking solution designed to help data centers automate and manage network policies.
These platforms enable businesses to modernize their infrastructure, automate processes, and scale applications efficiently. By leveraging these tools, organizations can ensure they stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Key Benefits of Developing Applications and Automating Workflows with Cisco Core Platforms
1. Streamlined Network Management
With Cisco’s DNA Center and ACI, managing and configuring networks becomes more efficient. These platforms allow users to automate network provisioning and management, reducing the time and effort needed for manual tasks. By automating these processes, network administrators can ensure that their networks are optimized for performance and security without constant intervention.
2. Improved Operational Efficiency
Automation is the key to unlocking operational efficiency. Cisco Meraki, for example, provides cloud-based networking solutions that automate key management tasks, such as device configuration, security policies, and network monitoring. This not only reduces the need for manual intervention but also ensures that devices are consistently configured according to company policies.
For developers, Cisco DevNet provides APIs and SDKs that facilitate the integration of Cisco solutions into custom applications. By utilizing these tools, developers can build applications that automate routine tasks, such as managing network traffic or adjusting security settings based on real-time data.
"Automation is not just about reducing human error—it's about freeing up human talent for higher-value work."
3. Scalability and Flexibility
Cisco core platforms are built to scale. Whether you’re managing a small office network or a large enterprise environment, these platforms offer flexibility in deployment. With Cisco UCS, for instance, organizations can build scalable, high-performance applications that meet their growing business needs. This scalability extends to automation as well, where organizations can scale automated workflows to meet increased demand without adding manual overhead.
4. Enhanced Security and Compliance
Security and compliance are top priorities for any organization. With Cisco ACI and Meraki, automating security policies ensures consistent enforcement across the network. Additionally, these platforms help organizations maintain compliance with industry standards, such as GDPR or HIPAA, by automating key processes like data encryption, threat detection, and access control.
Getting Started with Cisco Core Platforms for Application Development and Automation
To develop applications and automate workflows using Cisco’s core platforms, here are the essential steps to follow:
1. Identify the Needs
Before diving into development or automation, assess your organization’s specific needs. Do you need to automate network configurations? Or are you looking to integrate collaboration tools into custom applications? Identifying the business goals will help you choose the right Cisco platforms and ensure that your efforts align with the desired outcomes.
2. Learn Cisco’s Development Tools
Cisco provides DevNet, a developer platform with resources, tools, and APIs to help you build applications and integrate Cisco solutions. DevNet offers tutorials, sandbox environments, and a community of developers who can assist you in mastering Cisco’s technologies.
- Cisco DevNet Learning: Learn how to build, manage, and automate solutions using Cisco’s APIs.
- Cisco ACI and DNA Automation: Learn how to automate network policies and streamline management.
3. Develop and Integrate
Once you understand your needs and have the tools at hand, start developing the application or automation workflows. Utilize the Cisco APIs to integrate your custom solution with the network infrastructure. For example, you can create an app that dynamically adjusts network security settings or integrates with Cisco Webex for seamless communication.
4. Automate Workflows
Cisco offers several tools to help you automate workflows. With Cisco DNA Center, you can automate network configurations, security policies, and device management. Similarly, Cisco Meraki provides cloud-based automation to manage devices, configure security settings, and monitor network health—all with minimal manual intervention.
Certification and Training for Cisco Core Platforms
If you're interested in deepening your knowledge of Cisco’s core platforms, obtaining the right certification is essential. Certifications such as Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (DevNet Associate) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) will equip you with the necessary skills to work with these technologies.
- DevNet Associate (200-901): Focuses on Cisco APIs, automation, and cloud applications.
- CCNP Enterprise: Covers topics such as network automation, security, and design.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): The foundational certification in networking and automation.
"Learning never exhausts the mind—it only ignites the fire for more innovation."
Helpful Resources
In conclusion, Cisco core platforms provide a solid foundation for developing applications and automating workflows. By leveraging tools like Cisco Meraki, ACI, DNA Center, and UCS, organizations can streamline their operations, enhance security, and improve scalability—all while ensuring that their teams can focus on higher-value tasks. With the right training and certification, you can take full advantage of these powerful platforms and drive innovation within your organization.
Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll explore more about Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies!
