Where do you want to take your data center?
Not every data center journey looks the same. Pick your goal, and we'll point you to resources that can help.
Refresh smarter
I want to turn a forced refresh into a strategic advantage—without a rip-and-replace.
You want to move forward, not start over. Build a phased modernization plan that integrates and protects what's working, while replacing what isn't.
Become AI-ready
I want the confidence that what I'm building today won't box me out of AI tomorrow.
Invest in infrastructure today that won't limit or block your AI ambitions tomorrow. Tailor your approach, close any gaps, and build toward AI.
Scale AI workloads
I want infrastructure that isn't a bottleneck between my team and what AI can actually do.
You're ready to fully realize your AI ambitions. Build the secure, high-throughput, low-latency infrastructure that AI demands, from core to edge.
Streamline everything
I want one unified view so my team can stop firefighting and start moving forward.
Too many disconnected solutions are draining your team and limiting visibility. Before you scale, simplify and unify for a stronger path forward.
One portfolio to power your full-stack data center journey
At every stage, Cisco has your back. And each component works together smoothly—full stack and no stitching required.
Network
High-performance infrastructure that moves data at the speed your business demands—from first refresh to full-scale AI.
Security
Security is embedded at every layer of your infrastructure, giving teams consistent protection, visibility, and control as environments grow more complex.
Operations
Manage what matters most from a single view, cutting through noise, speeding resolution, and keeping your environment running smoothly.
Compute
Power today's workloads while building the compute capacity you need for tomorrow's AI.
Observability
See what's happening across your environment in real time, with deep insights that help you pinpoint issues fast—from infrastructure to the end user.
Partners
Work with a trusted partner ecosystem that's validated, integrated, and deployment ready—so solutions fit together and deliver value faster.
Simplified computing for a complex world
Match compute to your needs without adding operational complexity with Cisco Computing.
Optimized network performance and reliability
Future-proof your data center with unified, secure networking, from silicon to simplified operations.
Full-stack, high-performance edge solutions
Put your AI infrastructure where the data is—at the edge. Our solutions combine compute, networking, security, and observability.
WAN connectivity that's flexible and secure
Connect your WAN with flexible, secure architecture built for SD-WAN, SD-Branch, and multicloud.
Not sure where to start? Cisco Professional Services can help you build the right solution for your needs.
Don't take our word for it
Get insights on the latest ROI findings, analyst rankings, industry trends, and real-world results from organizations modernizing their data centers for what's next.
Discover the Total Economic Impact™ of Cisco Intersight
Meet AI-era demands with an ITOps platform that provides comprehensive visibility, control, and automation for data center infrastructure.
Revolutionize AI networking with next-gen data center solutions
Explore what Cisco AI Networking solutions offer to support changing workload requirements and help maximize ROI for your organization. Learn more in this IDC analysis, sponsored by Cisco.
Cisco named a Leader by Gartner® in the 2025 Magic Quadrant™ for Data Center Switching
Explore why Gartner recognized Cisco as a leader for data center switching and learn how Cisco supports the full range of use cases, including open networking and AI Ethernet fabrics.
Understanding how agentic AI is changing the way we work
Dive into the research from Cisco and Omdia about how executives see agentic AI reshaping the way we work—from strategy and roles to urgent infrastructure investment.
See the impact data center modernization can have
Better together
NVIDIA
Pre-validated AI PODs, 80% faster deployment
Red Hat
Open, flexible compute for hybrid environments
Qumulo
High-performance data management for AI workloads
FAQs about data center modernization
Data center modernization is the process of upgrading data center infrastructure, operations, and architecture to improve performance, scalability, and efficiency. It includes refreshing hardware, adopting hybrid or multicloud models, improving security, and enabling automation—often through a phased approach.
Data center optimization improves the efficiency, performance, and ownership costs of existing infrastructure, while modernization involves broader transformation or upgrades. Optimization focuses on better resource utilization and performance tuning, while modernization introduces new technologies, architectures, or operating models.
Data center modernization is important because legacy infrastructure cannot keep up with AI workloads, evolving security threats, and real-time data demands. Modern environments enable faster innovation, improved scalability, and reduced operational complexity.
You can modernize data center infrastructure incrementally by upgrading key components and integrating them with existing systems. Common steps include automating operations, improving observability, upgrading networking, and adopting hybrid cloud models to minimize disruption and cost.
Modern data center infrastructure includes scalable networking; integrated security; flexible compute; unified, AI-powered operations; and end-to-end observability. It also supports hybrid and multicloud environments for greater flexibility and control.
Data center modernization supports AI by enabling high-performance computing, low latency, and scalable infrastructure. This includes support for GPUs/CPUs, fast data pipelines, and high-throughput networking to prevent bottlenecks.
Data center modernization improves security by embedding protection into the infrastructure and adopting approaches like zero trust and microsegmentation. This reduces attack surfaces and helps prevent the lateral movement of threats across systems.
Data center modernization can significantly improve sustainability by reducing energy consumption and optimizing resource usage. Newer infrastructure is more efficient, and automation helps minimize waste, supporting environmental and cost goals.
Talk to a Cisco expert
Ready to build a business case? Let's map your modernization plan for your data center, your network, and beyond.
Experience Cisco Secure AI Factory with NVIDIA
Deploy AI anywhere—from your core data center to the edge—securely and at scale.
See Cisco Nexus Dashboard in action
Ready to streamline how you provision, monitor, and manage your data center and cloud networks? See how Cisco can help.
Explore design guides
Need guidance? Dive into validated designs and deployment guides.