$CSCO

NTT Data is expanding its AI factories with Cisco, integrating Cisco's Cloud Control, networking, security, and data center tech to help enterprises test AI use cases. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between AI pilots and production, with NTT Data industrializing Cisco's AI intelligence. NTT Data opened new AI factory facilities in Paris and Singapore, adding to existing sites. The company collaborates with other tech partners like Nvidia and Dell.

Cisco Systems has extended Cisco IQ to partners, offering white-label options and AI capabilities to help them build managed services and recurring revenue. The platform, now generally available, provides insights into customer risks and modernization needs, aiming to transform one-time deals into ongoing business. Cisco reported 16,000 customers using the platform globally.

Ingram Micro launched SMB Quick Buy, an AI-powered platform with Cisco technology to simplify SMB purchases. The program automates processes, speeds up transactions, and is available 24/7. Ingram Micro and Cisco aim to expand it globally, measuring success through time savings, transactions, and partner satisfaction.

CISA confirmed exploitation of critical PHP vulnerabilities (PHP2Shell) with severity ratings of 9.2. Evidence of remote code execution has been documented. Cisco and Oracle identified affected products and urged patches. The extent of attacks remains unclear, with concerns about small businesses' response capabilities.

Cisco Systems (CSCO) trades at 27.9x adjusted earnings, with a 59.8% return over the past year. Analysts expect 15.2% sales growth in fiscal 2027 and 6.9% in fiscal 2028, with net margins expanding. The stock is valued at 21.4x and 19.8x forecasted earnings for 2027 and 2028, respectively. Cisco's sales growth accelerated each quarter in fiscal 2026, reaching 17.6% in Q4. Management guided fiscal 2027 revenue between $72.2B and $73.4B, with potential risks in AI infrastructure deliveries.

Cisco Systems (CSCO) expanded its partner program, launched Cisco IQ for Partners, and introduced AI-ready Cloud Control features at its partner summit. The moves aim to align its ecosystem with AI infrastructure demand, but quantified uptake is needed for significant impact, according to AI Analyst.

Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, and NTT faced disruptions due to PHP2Shell vulnerabilities. Palo Alto Networks released patches for affected products, while Cisco is still investigating some components. NTT temporarily suspended services as a precaution. The flaws were discovered by researchers using AI models, highlighting the increasing frequency of such vulnerabilities.

22 companies, including Wells Fargo, Cisco, and Intuit, have objected to OKXICE's planned tokenised stock trading platform. The venue, a joint venture between ICE and OKC, aims to offer tokenised US shares via blockchain liquidity pools. Objections from issuers pose a regulatory hurdle for the platform's launch.

Cisco plans to raise list prices on software and select hardware products starting Nov. 7, according to channel chief Tim Coogan. The increases, averaging mid-single digits for software, are part of a portfolio 'rebalancing' to reflect market dynamics and innovation investments. Hardware price changes are limited to a small number of products. Standard price protection policies will apply, and partners are advised to update quotes for deals in progress.

Cisco and NVIDIA introduced the Ultra-Dense Small Form Factor Pluggable (USFP), a high-density optical module for AI factory networks. It offers 400Gb/s per lane, 12.8Tb/s total capacity, and improved power efficiency. The technology aims to help small businesses scale AI operations without major infrastructure overhauls, according to the companies.