Cisco pushes software disaggregation with network operating systems

Cisco recently announced updates on software disaggregation across service provider, enterprise and data center networking. The company noted that software disaggregation has been on the rise for a variety reasons. Hyperscale web providers are pushing for disaggregated solutions for their data centers, while service providers have expressed their willingness to move toward disaggregated solutions, according to Cisco. Moreover, original design manufacturers are now selling hardware to customers in addition to niche vendors offering software-only solutions. To meet these demands, Cisco’s IOS XR for service providers is disaggregated. It can now run on fixed or modular switches and routers powered by Cisco and merchant silicon, x86 servers as virtualized software across public clouds and specific third-party devices.