February 12, 2025

Cisco Raises the Bar on AI Training and Certifications

At Cisco Live in Amsterdam this week, Cisco announced a series of new products and services, including the general availability of the Cisco AI Assistant for Webex Contact Center and a brand new AI Agent for renewals, along with many new Networking offerings.

However one of the quiet announcements that didn’t get a lot of coverage is Cisco’s leadership in offering AI training. This blog post analyzes Cisco’s new AI training and certification offerings, highlighting their comprehensive approach to AI readiness for IT professionals.

Why is Cisco Focusing on AI Skills?

Cisco recognizes the pervasive nature of AI and its transformative impact on IT roles. Their recent AI Readiness Index revealed a significant skills gap, with only a small fraction of organizations feeling fully prepared to deploy AI technologies. To address this challenge and empower IT professionals for the AI-driven future, Cisco has launched a comprehensive suite of learning programs and certifications.

Analysis

For newcomers, introductory courses on NetAcad.com provide foundational knowledge of AI concepts. For experienced professionals, a dedicated AI Infrastructure learning path on Cisco U offers in-depth training on implementing AI solutions on Cisco infrastructure. Furthermore, Cisco is integrating AI-related content into existing certification tracks, ensuring that IT professionals across different domains possess the necessary AI skills. This comprehensive strategy reflects Cisco’s commitment to equipping the workforce with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in the age of AI.

What Should Enterprises Do?

Enterprises should encourage their IT teams to take advantage of Cisco’s AI training and certification programs. Developing AI expertise within the workforce is crucial for organizations looking to leverage AI effectively. By investing in AI skills development, businesses can improve their ability to implement AI solutions, optimize network operations, and enhance security. Cisco’s offerings provide a valuable resource for organizations seeking to build an AI-ready workforce.

Impact on the Market

Cisco’s focus on AI training and certifications is likely to influence the market by setting a new standard for AI skills development in the IT industry. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into network infrastructure and security operations, the demand for AI-skilled professionals will continue to grow. Cisco’s initiatives will contribute to closing the skills gap and accelerating the adoption of AI technologies across various sectors. Aragon feels this is a leadership move by Cisco and others should also follow suit and offer more AI training and certifications.

Bottom Line

Cisco’s new AI training and certification offerings represent a significant investment in AI readiness for IT professionals. Their comprehensive approach, spanning introductory courses to advanced certifications, addresses the diverse needs of the workforce. By empowering IT professionals with AI skills, Cisco is playing a crucial role in enabling organizations to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence.

Upcoming February 2025 Webinars

Architecting the Future: AI Architects are Essential

The rise of AI necessitates a new breed of architect: the AI Architect. These skilled professionals possess a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic vision, guiding organizations in their AI journey. During this webinar, we will be exploring the role of an AI Architect, including their role and responsibility, their relationship to other EA roles, and the future of AI architecture.

Aragon’s VP of Research, Betsy Burton, will give an overview:

Why have AI Architects become so critical?
What are their roles and responsibilities?
How do they interact with other EA roles?
What is the long-term impact of AI on EA?

Mastering the Art of Communicating with AI Agents

Join Aragon Research CEO and Lead Analyst Jim Lundy for an insightful webinar on how to effectively communicate with your AI agents.

In this session, Jim will share his expertise on:

Understanding AI-Language: Learn the nuances of AI communication and how to tailor your language for optimal understanding.
Crafting Effective Prompts: Discover the secrets to writing clear, concise prompts that elicit accurate and relevant responses from your AI agents.
Maximizing Output and Efficiency: Explore advanced techniques to refine AI outputs, improve task completion, and boost overall efficiency.
The Future of AI Communication: Gain insights into the evolving landscape of human-AI interaction and what it means for your business.

Whether you’re a seasoned AI user or just starting, this webinar will equip you with the skills and knowledge to unlock the full potential of your AI agents.

Cisco Raises the Bar on AI Training and Certifications