IBM is adding to its lineup of Cisco-focused professional services with new options for Cisco SDN, SD-WAN users and a remote assessment service for Cisco network infrastructure. Credit: Shutterstock IBM has significantly expanded its Cisco-focused professional services with new support and implementation options aimed at helping customers build more tightly integrated, better performing networks. IBM’s Technology Lifecycle Services (TLS) group has added support for Cisco’s software defined networking and SD-WAN packages and unveiled IBM Network Health Check for Cisco networking. Broadly speaking, IBM’s new TLS offerings aim to optimize infrastructure, reduce the time spent on hardware support, and provide insight into what needs attention in the network infrastructure. The services cover various phases of the product lifecycle, including deployment, preparation, installation, configuration, support, repairs, firmware updates, software updates, monitoring, automation, security, performance, refresh planning, migration, and disposal, IBM says. Network Health Check for Cisco The Network Health Check service monitors availability, performance and event data, as well as configuration settings, and it’s designed to preemptively identify network problems and provide recommendations to increase network stability and reduce downtime, according to IBM. “With more companies adopting AI, and increased data flowing across private clouds, it’s more important than ever for clients’ networks to be ready for today’s demands,” said Jamie Thomas, general manager of TLS and IBM Enterprise Security. “The new Network Health Check is a remote assessment service that provides a personalized, flexible, and comprehensive report with technical advice and status of network security, health, and performance for clients.” “This service provides recommendations from a team of experts, which IBM clients have not had access to before, and enables them to ensure their network is performing at the highest level needed in this AI dominated era,” Thomas added. IBM services for Cisco SDN deployments The new services for Cisco SDN implementations include support, post-implementation, and technology adoption services, Thomas said. Support services cover the hardware and software for SD-WAN solutions. Clients can access 24×7 remote support with enhanced response times and can choose between 9×5 or 24×7 onsite support for hardware, Thomas said. “To assist with technology adoption, support includes an assigned technical account manager to proactively drive the support plan and manage issues,” Thomas said. “In addition, the service includes post-implementation configuration services to address post-production design questions, configuration assistance, and advice on interoperability and feature availability.” IBM services for Cisco SD-WAN deployments On the SD-WAN front, IBM now assists clients with end-to-end support, including building an SD-WAN adoption strategy, assisting with procurement and delivery of hardware and software components, and implementing the technology. “IBM helps clients design their SD-WAN network through a design discovery workshop, implementation assessment report, Solution Requirements Document (SRD) and design documents. Teams will then procure, install and de-install network and security equipment and software,” Thomas said. “Finally, IBM provides project management, Playbook/Method of Procedure (MOPs), SD-WAN implementation and network joining service for all sites, acceptance testing as well as cut-over and knowledge transfer,” Thomas said. IBM TLS supports more than 500,000 Cisco networking devices worldwide and is a reseller as well as a provider of networking support and services. “We deliver maintenance and service solutions for Cisco products to provide enhanced availability and performance for client network environments,” Thomas said. “This includes software updates, hardware replacements and 24×7 break-fix support for clients’ Cisco hardware, applications and operating systems.” In addition to its Cisco alliance, TLS also partners with Juniper, F5, Fortinet, Checkpoint, and Palo Alto. TLS competes with a variety of vendors in the service arena, including HPE and Cognizant and others. 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