For the less technical, it might be helpful to define these acronyms. API (Application Program Interface) refers to a set of tools, definitions, and rules or protocols for building a software application. Think of it as a set of basic building blocks, Legos if you will, that make the software development process open and easy. CLI (Command-Line Interface) on the other hand is a historical method of interacting with a computer program. As it relates to networking, CLI is a very manual approach to legacy network management that involves deploying and managing devices on an individual line-by-line basis.

Cisco is once again making a push to tie its networking hardware deeper into the compute space, this time with "intuitive" boxes that are better able to analyze and control network traffic. The new Catalyst 9000 series switches introduce a new management platform called "DNA Center," and the aim is to make the switches better able to apply security policies and controls for devices on a network. The control center will be able to manage access policies and privileges for devices and apply specific security controls via the Talos security tools. Cisco says the tools will be able to analyze traffic and recognize things like malware infections based on the way they move packets over the network. Meanwhile, Cisco claims machine learning components in DNA Center will let the switches change policies to recognize devices and users.