Dive Brief:

• Cisco announced Tuesday that it will soon introduce intent-based networking across its portfolio, according to a company blog. The new approach is essentially software designed to make it easier for corporate customers to manage and monitor their networks, Venture Beat reports.  
• The idea, as Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins describes it, is to free up businesses to pursue new opportunities — because big changes will seem less daunting and less risky. The new form of networking allows for "automation at scale," allowing for more network intelligence and high levels of security. 
• Cisco also introduced new data center switches made specifically for intent-based networking.

Dive Insight:

Companies across sectors are implementing solutions that take a software-based approach to what used to be a hardware solution. As a result, Cisco's sales have been dropping steadily over the last few years. Cisco has been working hard to pivot its business in response, away from its traditional hardware business.

The company’s new intent-based networking may be a good bet. While it’s a dramatic departure from its roots, it’s also something that could appeal to a lot more companies. 

Under CEO Chuck Robbins, Cisco has become increasingly interested in subscription-based services, where it can maintain steady income. In keeping with that trend, customers that buy the new intent-based networking equipment will need to buy a subscription to access many of the new software features.

In the meantime, Cisco continues to feel the effects of efforts to slowly adapt its business model. Last summer, the company announced plans to lay off 5,500 employees, or approximately 7% of its workforce, as part of a restructuring effort, then laid off another 1,110 employees this May. At that time, Cisco also announced it expects to see revenues fall between 4% to 6% year-over-year in the fourth quarter.