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Microsoft Dumps Cisco for WiFi
A reader writes: "While Cisco is still runs the world of routers, apparently they have ended up on the short end of the stick when it comes to WiFi. Aruba Wireless Networks announced today that Microsoft has selected them over Cisco and would be "integrating Windows wireless clients" software with the Aruba gear. This could impact everyone that uses wireless with Windows. Aruba's Access Points aren't your traditional AP since they offload most of the functionality to a back end controller thus making for very low cost APs. They have even released their AP boot code on Source Forge so that anyone with a controller can convert their APs to Aruba APs. It also should be noted that Cisco, after realizing their wireless equipment wasn't up to par, tried to buy the deal by first by first approaching Aruba and then after being rebuffed bought their competitor Airespace for $450M in desperation and still lost."
without exception, all of Cisco's products after their first router have been released only to fill marketing needs.
Best edge switches (meaning various dsl or POTS requirements) - Cisco.
Best switches for multicast? - Baystack/Passport (Nortel).
Best Routing switches? - Crossbeam.
Best switches for security? - Crossbeam running Checkpoint Interspect, OR Alteon/Passport(think baystack!) running Checkpoint FW-1.
Best routers (bar none) Nokia IPSO appliances. With or without checkpoint you won't find a better router for LAN envirenments.
Best switches for general purpose use (no need for multicast) - Foundry.
Best switches for TLS (Think MPLS) - Foundry.
Add to that, Cisco is not a develpment company - it is an embracing company - it aquires technology and brands it with it's own name, but never has leveraged the aquired technology to be seemlessly managed.