At GITEX Global 2024, Cisco set the stage for the future of business with AI-driven innovations. Mohannad Abuissa, Director of Solutions Engineering for Cisco Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, Romania and CIS, explained how the tech giant is empowering organizations to navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. 
“We’re infusing AI into every aspect of our solutions to help businesses drive actionable insights and move forward faster,” Abuissa said, as he shared Cisco’s vision for the future.
Cisco’s presence at GITEX showcased a wide range of innovations aimed at transforming organizations’ ability to handle AI workloads.
Their key offerings include AI-ready data centers, future-proofed workplaces, and robust digital resilience solutions. According to Abuissa, AI is not just another tool but an integral part of how businesses need to operate in today’s hyper-connected environment.
AI at the Heart of Every Solution
Cisco, long recognized as a leader in networking and network security, is pushing the envelope by embedding AI across all aspects of its portfolio. Abuissa highlighted how AI is being integrated not just into networking but also into collaboration, cybersecurity, and observability tools.
This integration allows businesses to connect various systems and data streams, enabling them to act quickly and efficiently.
“Because Cisco leads in collaboration, observability, security, and networking, we can offer our customers a complete solution that gives them the visibility they need to make decisions and stay competitive,” Abuissa added.
A major highlight is Cisco’s recent acquisition of Splunk, a leader in data analytics and observability. Abuissa believes this move positions Cisco to offer unparalleled data insights, giving customers a deeper understanding of their digital environments.
With this combination, organizations can expect to gain real-time insights across their entire infrastructure, improving their ability to detect threats, optimize performance, and drive efficiency.
AI Ethics and Governance: A Must for the Future
While innovation in AI is exciting, it brings with it concerns around data privacy and ethical use. Abuissa emphasized Cisco’s commitment to responsible AI development, advocating for clear ethical guidelines and frameworks that ensure AI technology is used safely and effectively.
“Ethics and regulations aren’t barriers—they’re enablers. With the right guidelines, we can foster collaboration and innovation, while also holding businesses accountable,” he explained.
He noted that companies often hesitate to embrace AI due to fears of misuse, such as biased outputs or deep fakes. However, with robust ethical guidelines, these risks can be minimized, allowing organizations to reap the benefits of AI without compromising on integrity.
What’s Next for 2025?
Looking ahead, Abuissa highlighted four key trends that will shape the technology landscape in 2025: the expansion of 5G, edge computing, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
The expansion of 5G, he said, will be critical for enabling the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality. Edge computing will become increasingly important as businesses seek to process data closer to where it’s generated, reducing latency and enabling faster decision-making.
Quantum computing, while still in its early stages, is also gaining momentum, particularly in fields like drug discovery, cryptography, and cybersecurity. Meanwhile, AI-driven advancements in cybersecurity will continue to evolve, as both innovators and cybercriminals harness AI to either secure or exploit digital environments.
The Bottom Line: Responsible AI Adoption Is Key
In closing, Abuissa urged businesses to invest in AI responsibly, emphasizing the importance of equipping employees with the right skills to navigate this new landscape. He pointed to Cisco’s Networking Academy – one of longest standing IT skills-to-jobs programs in the world, which has trained more than 24 million learners globally in various areas of IT and now offers AI-focused curriculums to prepare the next generation of AI professionals.
“AI is here to stay, and businesses need to empower their teams with AI capabilities to remain competitive in the market,” he said.
At GITEX 2024 and beyond, Cisco isn’t just presenting new technologies; it’s demonstrating how AI can be harnessed to create a more resilient, innovative future for businesses worldwide.
