However, the router can't load just any application. Its security
architecture requires signed code, and Cisco is keeping the private
signing keys closely guarded. Every application needs to be to be
approved by Cisco before it will run, even those developed by customers
for their own internal use. Cisco says that it will give customers the
keys at no cost once an application is approved, but the thought of
needing to get approval at all will clearly make some users question the
router's openness.
The API itself is only accessible to applications running directly on
the module, meaning that the module's memory constraints place could
place severe restrictions on what it can be used for. However, customers
or third-party developers can get around this by writing an agent on the
module that passes data to a Java or Windows server elsewhere.
Like 3com, Cisco has signed up several partners to develop apps for the
router, though the two vendors have different partner strategies: Cisco
already has its own products for security, VoIP and the kind of apps
that 3com is targeting. Initially, Cisco has nine partners including
Avocent, whose LANDesk management software will be able to run on the
device.
The others are all in the unified communications area or targeting
specific industries. For example, Sagem-Interstar has an application
that intercepts faxes on VoIP lines, while NICE Systems has one for
recording telephony streams aimed at financial services and government.
Cisco reseller ICW Systems bundles the ISR with medical record keeping
apps, calling the package a Healthcare Router.
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