To enable any of these scenarios, a trusted network platform is required. Cisco is working with various standards bodies including the DMTF to create capabilities such as automated geo-location of cloud workloads, interoperability standards between cloud providers and federation of cloud providers.
Cisco is uniquely positioned to drive innovation in this space due to being a technology thought leader in both the enterprise (Private) and service provider (Public, Virtual Private) cloud markets. By understanding the requirements on both the demand and supply side of the cloud market, and the ability to intelligently instrument the network enabling automated interoperability and transparency, Cisco is contributing to standards that will enable total and secure choice for customers in their selection of cloud providers.
So is the “containerisation” of the IT world a possibility, echoing that of the cargo market of 40 years ago? Clearly that is where developments are trending, and the benefits are myriad for both business and service providers.
Simon Elisha is Regional data center enterprise architect at Cisco Systems, ANZ.