Participants joined senior IT and cybersecurity leaders for an exclusive executive roundtable hosted by Cisco and NTT DATA. This invitation-only event explored how artificial intelligence is transforming enterprise networks—modernizing infrastructure, enhancing visibility, and strengthening defenses against increasingly sophisticated threats.

This focused session drew on new insights from a just-released IDC report commissioned by Cisco and NTT DATA, which outlines a phased, strategic approach to building AI-ready network infrastructure. Attendees gained early access to the report and engaged in discussions led by two of the industry’s foremost experts:

• Oliver Harmel, VP Managed Services GTM, NTT DATA, dived into how enterprises can overcome the limitations of legacy IT architectures with a unified approach to SASE, SD-WAN, and campus networking. He shared how integrating network security functions with cloud-based management and automation can reduce risk, cut costs, and optimize performance. Participants discovered how AI/ML-powered insights are enabling teams to streamline operations, deliver better user experiences, and enforce consistent security from LAN to WAN. They learned why leading organizations are partnering with trusted Managed Service Providers to tap into the full potential of secure, AI-driven network services.

• Michael von der Horst, Managing Director Cybersecurity, Cisco examined how the security landscape is shifting in the age of AI. With threat actors leveraging AI to scale attacks and exploit emerging vulnerabilities, traditional security models are no longer enough. Michael outlined the core pillars of a resilient and modern security architecture—centered on AI-powered threat intelligence, zero-trust principles, and adaptive risk management. The session helped IT leaders rethink their cybersecurity strategies to stay ahead of evolving threats and ensure alignment with broader business goals.

Key Takeaways:

• AI-Ready Networks: How to design scalable, future-proof networks that enable AI-led transformation
• Modern Network Architectures: Addressing legacy limitations through unified, cloud-optimized solutions
• AI-Enhanced Security: Detecting and mitigating threats in real time with AI-driven threat intelligence
• Visibility and Control: Enforcing security policies across complex environments with zero-trust models
• Operational Excellence: Leveraging automation and managed services to drive efficiency and resilience

Participants connected with fellow IT and cybersecurity leaders shaping the future of enterprise networks.