In an era where complexity in networking is ever-increasing, Extreme Networks is stepping up to the challenge with the launch of its innovative Platform One. Positioned as the first enterprise networking platform to incorporate conversational, multimodal, and agentic artificial intelligence (AI), this initiative aims to simplify and enhance the management of network systems in organizations worldwide. The company is now sharing insights from their latest advancements at the Extreme Connect 2025 conference in Paris, where they unveiled the capabilities and early use cases of Platform One.
Overview of Platform One
Initially announced in December 2024, Platform One is currently in limited global availability, with over 130 organizations engaging in various use cases that demonstrate its potential to enhance network visibility, control, and efficiency. According to Nabil Bukhari, Extreme’s chief product and technology officer, the platform was developed in direct response to enterprise feedback indicating a pressing need for a unified solution that addresses the complexities of modern networking. Bukhari noted that as networks grow and evolve—extending beyond traditional campuses into homes and mobile devices—the demand for a cohesive management platform has become crucial.
Research underscores this need, as 89% of C-level executives express a desire for a single platform that integrates AI, networking, and security. Simultaneously, 79% expect a return on their AI investment within two quarters after implementation. Bukhari highlighted the noise surrounding “AI washing,” stating that without tangible business outcomes, new products would fail to attract customers. He emphasized the importance of simplifying the user experience of purchasing and operating network technologies amid growing complexity.
AI-Driven Solutions and Benefits
One of the key features of Platform One is its ability to break down silos between networking and security functions. By utilizing AI-driven agents, the platform can significantly reduce mundane networking tasks, accelerating processes from hours to mere seconds. For instance, the rollout includes an AI Canvas that alleviates the burden of manual reporting, allowing users to create real-time interactive dashboards and shareable insights in minutes.
Moreover, the Service AI Agent is designed to expedite troubleshooting by autonomously gathering logs and analyzing telemetry, effectively cutting resolution times by as much as 98%. This agent can even auto-generate escalation cases for assistance from Extreme’s Global Technical Access Center (GTAC), ensuring swift resolutions with minimal user intervention.
From a security perspective, Platform One employs Extreme’s Universal Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) technology. This feature offers AI-assisted policy recommendations to streamline access and enhance security. By providing a unified policy across various users, devices, and applications, the platform aims to mitigate complexity and reduce errors. Simultaneously, the AI agent validates access requests and guides users through optimal policy setups, thus easing the burden on security operations teams while significantly enhancing security posture.
Testimonials from Early Adopters
Among the early adopters of Platform One is the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, which has implemented the platform to optimize its network management across multiple hospitals and community sites. Andrew Smith, a senior systems engineer at the trust, stated that the new capabilities have revolutionized their day-to-day operations by providing comprehensive visibility across their network layers. This newfound clarity enables them to proactively identify and address potential issues before they escalate, thus enhancing patient care.
Smith outlined several benefits from implementing Platform One, including:
- Asset Visibility: Continuous monitoring of asset statuses enables proactive management, reducing the chances of unexpected failures.
- Streamlined Licensing: Simplifies licensing processes, allowing teams to easily understand procurement needs.
- Clear Communication: The platform provides visual representations suitable for stakeholders at all levels, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Enhanced Security: Ensures security is integrated into the design of the network, providing peace of mind and compliance.
Market Response and Future Outlook
Jim Frey, a principal analyst at the Enterprise Strategy Group, has praised Platform One for its potential to transform networking management through its unified, AI-enhanced capabilities. He emphasizes that this platform not only offers improved visibility and automation but also provides organizations with a scalable solution that adapts to their evolving needs. According to Frey, “Extreme Platform One will eliminate the gaps and seams that have historically existed for those deploying and managing Extreme-based networks, achieving functional equivalency while adding a powerful layer of AI-assisted workflows.”
As Extreme Networks continues to roll out Platform One, solutions from early adopters suggest a bright future for the technology. While the general availability is set for late 2025, the positive feedback from organizations highlights the vast potential for improving network operations through AI-driven solutions. As networks become increasingly complex, tools like Platform One will be essential for businesses looking to enhance their digital infrastructures.
Overall, Extreme Networks is setting a new standard for enterprise networking with Platform One, pushing the boundaries of what is possible by integrating cutting-edge AI technologies into a single, powerful platform. The ongoing evolution of this technology will undoubtedly influence how enterprises navigate the challenges of modern networking.