Gartner defines campus infrastructure and operations software (CIOS, pronounced “see-os”) as the capability to deliver campus network management, automation and security features. These can be cloud- or on-premises-based. CIOS connects, secures, manages and optimizes the experience of users and devices through campus infrastructure. CIOS vendors offer either a comprehensive platform approach with multiple capabilities or specific point offerings with targeted capabilities. The market includes “traditional” local-area network vendors that, while providing some network management and monitoring support of third-party network infrastructure, predominantly have CIOS capabilities designed for their own infrastructure. Other vendors have a stronger vendor-agnostic value proposition, offering CIOS capabilities that can be applied to multiple infrastructures, regardless of provider.
Gartner defines the enterprise wired and wireless LAN infrastructure market as the hardware and software that enables local connectivity for users and devices. The infrastructure components include enterprise-class wired switches and wireless access points, and the management software that secures, manages, tests, optimizes and automates the network. Organizations across vertical markets rely on enterprise wired and wireless network infrastructures to connect and transmit data for both fixed and mobile devices, enabling end users to access applications that are located either on-site, in remote private or public destinations. In addition to end-user connectivity, these infrastructures offer capabilities for diverse market needs, including: 1. Discovery, identification, security, management and segmentation of Internet of Things (IoT) and operational technology (OT) devices. 2. Design and planning for network infrastructure requirements. 3. Implement zero-touch provisioning for deployment and configuration of the network infrastructure devices. 4. Offer support, testing and maintenance for network infrastructure components. 5. Establish a resilient infrastructure to withstand disruptions and provide continuous operations. 6. Implement robust security measures to safeguard the network infrastructure. 7. Scalability and flexibility for efficient management and control plane communication processes. 8. Provides a no-touch or low-touch environment for operations on Day 2