Cisco Says Companies Should Secure AI Sovereignty, Not Rent Intelligence

Generative AI is evolving from a tool that answers questions into AI agents capable of independently planning, assigning tasks and carrying out work. Cisco says assembling such systems into digital teams will reshape software development and operations. Control over models, data and decision-making capabilities will be critical to cybersecurity, governance and long-term competitiveness.

DJ Sampath, Cisco's senior vice president of AI software and platforms, recently told an AI summit that companies should own rather than rent their intelligence assets and build an autonomous digital workforce. He said AI sovereignty can reduce reliance on external platforms and strengthen security controls. Reports have not disclosed the summit's exact date, any investment amount or an implementation timeline.