Extreme Ships Agentic AI-Enabled Net Automation Platform

Extreme Networks is now shipping its Extreme Platform ONE solution for comprehensive AI-powered network automation. The move, anticipated since the product’s first announcement in early December 2024, propels Extreme to the forefront of a growing trend in networking.

Populated with AI agents, Extreme Platform ONE leverages the vendor’s Extreme Fabric—namely, layer 2 network virtualization and automation technology that unifies disparate network segments, such as campus, datacenter, and branch networks into a single topology; automates network change; and enables a zero-trust approach to secure access for users and devices across the network.

Combined Connectivity and Security

The combination of Extreme Fabric and Platform ONE makes for a compelling network and security solution. Customers can configure far-flung network devices and set policy guardrails and approval requirements. A unified view eliminates the “swivel-chair management” associated with having to toggle multiple screens.

The network automatically adjusts performance in real time, adapting to bandwidth and security issues, while an Extreme AI Expert intervenes if trouble occurs—or can be summoned on demand. If the agent can’t automatically correct a situation, it advises the admins that manual intervention is needed and suggests solutions.

Screenshot of Extreme Platform ONE AI Expert in action. Source: Extreme Networks

The ultimate goal of Platform ONE, Extreme says, is network management simplicity and operational savings. Using Platform ONE can reduce manual work by up to 90%, the vendor claims, and cut problem resolution times by up to 98%.

Adding to AI for Networking

Extreme maintains that its Platform ONE software “leapfrogs today’s limited AIOps and chatbot solutions” because its AI agents can automatically adjust performance and recommend policies based on telemetry data and information about network devices and topology. The addition of security via Extreme’s Universal ZTNA adds a layer of protection and risk management. Extreme calls the whole Platform ONE setup “a new approach to enterprise connectivity.”

Extreme also notes that its Platform ONE subscription consolidates license, contract, and all assets managed into a single package. Monitoring Intel-based wireless equipment with Intel Connectivity Analytics, for instance, is bundled into the one license that supports Platform ONE across all devices.

A Growing Trend

Extreme’s Platform ONE is evidence that customers are clamoring for AI to help manage wired and wireless networking across wide geographic areas. Vendors such as Juniper Networks (now part of HPE) with its Mist intelligent software and Marvis agent and Arista Networks with AI additions to its EOS operating system also offer automation functions with their hardware and those of third parties. And those are only two leading solutions. There are also multiple open-source offerings for network automation that can be deployed by knowledgeable engineers.

That said, Extreme is betting on its combination of networking, security, and agentic AI to push it ahead with customers who don’t care to grow their own. Early adopters of Platform ONE (Extreme claims 265 active customers) say the product has significantly streamlined their network operations. Andrew Smith, Head of Digital Service Delivery for the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in the UK is quoted in the press release:

“We love the integrated AI because it means our team can focus on the things that need to be prioritized. AI agents can spot abnormalities and work faster than humans, and in a more robust way. It’s like it just makes the magic happen.”

Broad Hardware Support Planned

Extreme Platform ONE works across Extreme’s hardware fleet, including all products sold today—wired and wireless devices, datacenter switches, and edge gear. But Extreme also plans to support third-party devices in the coming months, and support for nonproprietary equipment was touted from the outset as a key aspect of the new solution.

If that materializes as planned, Extreme stands to meet a growing enterprise expectation of AI-enabled solutions for not only monitoring a network but proactively managing its performance and security as well.

Futuriom Take: With general availability of Platform ONE, Extreme Networks has taken a major step toward meeting growing enterprise demand for more comprehensive network intelligence and automation.