Cisco Live 2026 Fits Collaboration Into Cisco’s AI Platform Strategy

Article excerpt

At Cisco Live 2026, the networking giant positioned itself as the "control plane" for AI-driven enterprise infrastructure, weaving collaboration tools into a broader "one Cisco" strategic vision. The company is betting that its decades of expertise in connecting devices and people can translate into dominance as enterprises rebuild their infrastructure around AI. By framing collaboration, video conferencing, messaging, contact centers, as integral to this AI-first architecture rather than as separate products, Cisco aims to compete against specialists like OpenAI and Anthropic on enterprise turf. The strategy reflects a broader industry shift: tech giants racing to convince customers that AI isn't just a bolt-on feature but a foundational layer requiring orchestration.