In talking with Kiran, the most prominent impression one comes away with is the emphasis Cisco is placing on video services in the enterprise network. Once seen as a novelty, video is in the process of becoming the tail that wags the enterprise network dog. To an even greater extent than VoIP, we're now hearing router and network optimization hardware vendors talk about building network infrastructures focused almost exclusively on the needs of IP video.
In the same way that Interstate-grade highways are built for the needs of heavy 18-wheeled trucks, with passenger cars basically riding along on the coattails of the big rigs, video is now driving the needs assessments and quality concerns of corporate networks that, until recently, were all about the needs of basic file and database serving. The requirements of video are such that it may sound quite reasonable to build network around those needs. It's best to keep in mind the complete lessons of the Interstate, though: while designing the pavement around the needs of the big rigs works well, when it comes to safety equipment and access speeds, the equipment that is perfectly suitable for tractor-trailers can be deadly for family sedans. It would be foolish to become so enamored of Web 2.0 services that we completely lose sight of more prosaic requirements. Cisco may well have kept all traffic types in mind while designing the ISR G2 (and I have no reason to doubt that they have), but the broader industry trend should be carefully watched.
The Cisco ISR G2 portfolio is available now, with pricing as follows: the Cisco ISR G2 1900 Series starts at $1,595; the Cisco ISR G2 2900 Series starts at $1,995; the ISR G2 3900 Series starts at $9,500, Ala-Carte Services Ready Engine Modules starts at $1,000, Ala Carte Video Ready DSP Modules (PVDM3) starts at $800 and the Etherswitch Modules start at $1295.
The base price for the ASR1002-F chassis (ASR1002 System, Fixed ESP,Crypto 4 built-in GE, 4GB DRAM ) is US $20,000.
