All-in-One Software Switch Automation for Open Networking

Pica8 software deployed on readily available white box hardware systems is proving to be a compelling alternative for many network consumers battling the expensive upgrade cycles dictated to them by vendor lock in. While massive systems deployments have been historically serviced by a handful of monolithic networking brands that promise unrealistic ends with endless budgets, Pica8 software products are able to solve real-world problems present in today’s evolving networks.

Many technology companies have understood the value of open networking on generic hardware for some time. It is a recent trend that other types of network consumers are catching on that heterogeneous network environments are not only an option to them, but probably a necessary one given market limitations such as hardware supplies and lead times.

Multinational retailers, Fortune manufacturing companies, industrial suppliers, and many others without the technical resources of a pureplay networking technology company are finding their infrastructure expansion plans are having to be changed, or in some cases halted, due to their enterprise vendor being unable to provide timely solutions. It is cases like this where Pica8 can provide an alternative, cost-effective upgrade path designed to work in tandem with any deployed systems and prepare for future expansion.

Pica8’s mission statement is a simple one: To be the only networking software vendor your enterprise will ever need–Today, tomorrow and beyond.

Pica8 software is backwards compatible with legacy Cisco switches and routers for progressive strategies that avoid rip-and-replace, forklift and unplanned upgrades. Integration with existing Cisco SD-Access networks support virtual workgroups distributed across the enterprise. Integration with existing Cisco Network Access Control (NAC) policy frameworks defines security policies for users and devices. Pica8 delivers the promise of open, multi-vendor enterprise networks without proprietary management platforms that incur the additional expense of upgrading to the latest switch and software versions.

Pica8’s AmpCon Controller centralizes management and visibility leveraging open standards-based APIs to avoid the high cost and lock-in of Cisco DNA Center. Large organizations with high capital expenses in networking hardware have the most to gain from open networking. Open standards networking allows for more upgrade options to choose from, making network provisioning less of a one-size-fits-none method to a better suited, custom solution. Smart choices in software can drive a logical upgrade path.

Pica8’s AmpCon Controller provides one-touch deployment and scalability for PicOS Software Switches, automating initial configuration, provisioning and deployment, as well as lifecycle management. AmpCon also provides Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) running on-premises or in the cloud without costly licensing models.

Pica8’s AmpCon manages thousands of PicOS Software Switches from a single console. The best part is that cost savings scale: The larger the better. Software addresses development gaps in hardware systems, often without the complex purchasing and licensing structures many systems vendors require. Keep in mind that manufacturing advances in hardware systems are typically limited to development cycles dictated by materials limitations. There are no such limitations in software development and deployment, and features can be deployed, automated and managed as necessary.

Pica8’s complete routing stack includes EVPN to build campus and data center VXLAN fabrics. Popular use cases include entire customer networks laid out as a fully routed underlay network with a VXLAN overlay fabric connecting Layer 2 switching domains across the enterprise.

Pica8 meets requirements for a Zero Trust Network through centralized integration with existing Network Access Control (NAC) policy frameworks. Interfaces with Cisco’s Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Aruba ClearPass and downloadable access control lists (ACLs) dynamically define the policies for specific devices and ports to classify access for all types of users and devices.