As enterprise AI adoption accelerates, organizations are ramping up investments in infrastructure capable of supporting a broad spectrum of AI workloads, from training to inference, across data center, cloud, and edge environments. AI is fueling demand for high-performance, low-latency network fabrics, streamlined operations, open, and secure architectures, and infrastructure that is energy efficient and sustainable. This report comprehensively analyzes Cisco’s networking infrastructure for AI announcements made at Cisco Live 2025. It examines Cisco’s current strategic positioning and highlights key innovations across switches, routers, and access points designed to enable AI-native infrastructure. The report also evaluates how Cisco is addressing key enterprise priorities such as operational simplification, architectural openness, extensibility, and sustainability. The report is intended to help infrastructure and technology leaders, architects, and ecosystem partners in evaluating Cisco’s portfolio strategy and its alignment with the evolving demands of future-ready, AI-powered enterprise environments.

Telecom-specific AI-powered solutions will be vital in optimizing telecom infrastructure and delivering next-generation connectivity as 5G, Open RAN, and network disaggregation gain momentum. The industry is significantly transforming, with Large Language Models (LLMs) and Small Language Models (SLMs) being increasingly adopted to automate, optimize, and enhance network operations, customer service, and infrastructure planning. Unlike generic AI models, industry-specific LLMs and SLMs are designed to understand, process, and generate telecom-relevant insights, making them more efficient and accurate for domain-specific applications. SLMs are particularly valuable for low-power, real-time AI applications, making AI-driven network optimization and diagnostics more scalable. This LLM integration offers numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, personalized customer interactions, and advanced network optimization. In this report, we explore NetoAI’s SLM product TSLAM 1.5B's transformative potential, examining its key features and impact on network management, customer support, and security assistance. We also provide insights into its market positioning, key benefits, and broader implications for telecom enterprises as they cost-effectively adapt to sustainable standards. Scope All industries and geographies Contents In this report, we: Provide insights into the global telecommunications industry Examine NetoAI’s current positioning and alignment among telecommunication enterprises Explore the features, benefits, and challenges of NetoAI’s product TSLAM 1.5B Membership(s) Application Services Artificial Intelligence (AI) Banking and Financial Services Information Technology Cloud and Infrastructure Services Clinical Development Technology Cybersecurity Data & Analytics Digital Services Digital Workplace Enterprise Platform Services (EPS) Healthcare Payer and Provider Information Technology Insurance Information Technology Marketing and Interactive Experience Life Sciences Information Technology Retail and CPG Sustainability Technology and Services Sourcing and Vendor Management

The Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) services market in the EMEA region is significantly growing, transforming enterprises' networking and security landscape. The shift toward cloud-centric operations, global hybrid workforce expansion, and the increasing adoption of zero-trust principles drive this evolution. These factors are prompting enterprises to integrate network and security functions, enhance user experiences, strengthen security postures, and simplify their IT environment management. In response, leading SASE service providers in the EMEA region are enhancing their SASE services solution portfolio through strategic technology partnerships and capability enhancements. Providers are also significantly investing in innovation through next-generation technologies such as AI-driven threat detection, automation, and generative AI to further improve the performance, reliability, and adaptability of SASE solutions. In this report, we assess 15 SASE providers featured on SASE Services for EMEA Enterprises PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2024 and categorize them as Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants based on their capabilities and offerings. Scope EMEA geography All industries The assessment is based on Everest Group’s RFI process for the calendar year 2024, interactions with leading SASE providers in EMEA, client reference checks, and an ongoing analysis of the SASE services market Contents In this report, we examine: The market impact, vision, and capabilities of 15 providers focused on SASE services in the EMEA region Providers’ key strengths and limitations Enterprise sourcing considerations Memberships Cloud and Infrastructure Services Cybersecurity Sourcing and Vendor Management

The network services market is steadily growing due to the enterprise demand for secure, adaptable, and high-performance connectivity solutions. The rapid adoption of cloud computing, IoT, data-intensive applications, and AI workloads highlights how robust network infrastructure enables business resilience and scalability. To address these needs, enterprises are increasingly outsourcing specialized expertise and cost-effective solutions, presenting opportunities and challenges for providers. Key enterprise concerns include strengthening cybersecurity, safeguarding data privacy, and ensuring seamless user experiences. Furthermore, stricter regulations and rising cyber threats are intensifying the need for agile, compliant networks that deliver enhanced speed, scalability, and security to meet evolving enterprise requirements. In this report, we examine the current global network services market, including trends across industries, geographies, and service segments. Scope All industries and geographies This assessment is based on Everest Group’s annual RFI process for the calendar year 2023-2024, interactions with leading network providers, client reference checks, and an ongoing analysis of the network services market Contents In this report, we Examine the global network services market Evaluate network services trends and demand drivers Analyze service providers’ offerings Assess how current technologies, innovations, and practices impact enterprise needs Membership(s) Cloud and Infrastructure Services Network Services & 5G Sourcing and Vendor Management

As FinOps evolves to address modern cloud environments’ complexities, Kubernetes management has become a key area for organizations seeking financial control and efficiency within their containerized infrastructures. Kubernetes introduces unique challenges in cost visibility and resource utilization, making it essential for businesses to adopt FinOps practices tailored to this dynamic environment. By focusing on cost allocation, resource monitoring, and cross-cluster management, Kubernetes management within FinOps enables companies to achieve transparency, accountability, and optimal resource use across their cloud-native applications. In this report, we profile the top eight technology providers dedicated to optimizing Kubernetes FinOps. Each provider is evaluated based on their capabilities in cost allocation, showback/chargeback models, resource monitoring, rightsizing recommendations, and cloud billing integration. This report equips enterprises with vital insights to select Kubernetes management solutions that best align with their financial goals and operational requirements. By analyzing these key providers, the report offers actionable guidance to help enterprises manage Kubernetes costs effectively, ensuring they can maximize their cloud-native investments’ value. Additionally, it highlights best practices and common challenges in Kubernetes FinOps, making it a comprehensive resource for enterprises to refine their Kubernetes cost strategies, enhance efficiency, and maintain robust financial oversight within their containerized environments. Scope All industries and geographies Contents In this report, we assess eight providers dedicated to optimizing Kubernetes FinOps based on their capabilities in cost allocation, showback/chargeback models, resource monitoring, rightsizing recommendations, and cloud billing integration. Membership(s) Cloud and Infrastructure Services Sourcing and Vendor Management

As cloud adoption grows, FinOps is essential for organizations seeking financial accountability and cost control in their cloud environments. The FinOps framework combines financial management with cloud operations, enabling organizations to manage and optimize spending and fostering collaboration across IT, finance, and business teams. This shift empowers companies to harness cloud benefits without overspending, making FinOps technology providers vital for achieving these goals. Among FinOps’ core focus is rate and usage optimization, which reduces cloud expenses through strategic purchasing, efficient resource management, and automation. Discount management, rightsizing, and auto-scaling enable companies to secure better rates and align resources with actual needs. For several enterprises, rate and usage optimization is the key to realizing cloud investments’ true value. In this report, we evaluate the top 10 providers in rate and usage optimization space based on discount management, spot instance usage, and auto-scaling capabilities. The report equips enterprises with the insights needed to select the right FinOps tools, helping them drive sustainable cloud cost efficiency and make data-driven decisions in their cloud management journeys. Scope All industries and geographies Contents In this report, we: Offer a FinOps market overview, highlighting its market size and CAGR Highlight optimization levers and FinOps' adoption outlook Assess the top 10 technology providers Membership(s) Cloud and Infrastructure Services Sourcing and Vendor Management

Enterprises struggle to define, measure, realize, and refine value from their cloud investments, leading to increased dissatisfaction among cloud-consuming businesses. The gap between cloud promises and reality highlights fragmented cloud cost management and misaligned strategies. Consequently, FinOps has become a key enterprise imperative for navigating the cloud-centric IT landscape as it ensures optimizing budgets through data-driven decisions and maximizing RoI. Enterprises seek FinOps products that enable business-driven cost decisions, offer strong financial visibility, role-based access, guaranteed savings, promote cross-team collaboration, and cost intelligence. In response, FinOps cloud cost management providers are improving their product functionalities and investing in next-generation technologies to enhance capabilities across cloud cost reporting, optimization, automation, governance, and security. This compendium provides comprehensive and fact-based snapshots of 13 providers, highlighting their capabilities in the FinOps cloud cost management products market. Each profile offers a comprehensive picture of the provider’s operational overview, capabilities, recent developments, and market success. The research will enable buyers to select the best-fit provider for their needs and allow providers to benchmark themselves against the competition. Scope All industries and geographies This assessment is based on Everest Group’s annual RFI process for the calendar year 2024, interactions with leading FinOps cloud cost management product providers, client reference checks, and an ongoing analysis of the FinOps market Contents This report features a detailed assessment of 13 providers that focus on the FinOps cloud cost management products market. Membership(s) Cloud and Infrastructure Services Sourcing and Vendor Management

Current macroeconomic uncertainty and intense competition are compelling enterprises to become more agile to stay ahead of the curve. Most organizations are pursuing transformation initiatives to build efficient and scalable IT ecosystems. To support these efforts, enterprises seek solutions that enhance productivity and enable faster time-to-market. As a result, they are turning to technology providers to lead the transformation, utilizing next-generation technologies such as generative AI and hyperautomation to boost productivity and strengthen business resilience. In response to this growing demand, numerous technology providers have entered the market. However, with many overlapping solutions, each offering its own set of features and integrations, it becomes challenging for enterprises to select the right tool. The ProdTech Trailblazer report evaluates technology providers driving productivity efficiency in IT services. This report assesses 15 providers, with an in-depth analysis of five providers each in application modernization, API management, and SaaS management platforms. These providers offer solutions that address various use cases in building a robust IT landscape, positioning them as ProdTech Trailblazers for 2024. Scope All industries and geographies This report is based on Everest Group’s interactions with leading technology providers in application modernization, API management, and SaaS management Contents In this report, we: Evaluate 15 technology providers, including five key providers each in application modernization, API management, and SaaS management platforms Provide an overview of each provider's capabilities and relevant use cases Provide featured technology providers’ detailed profiles, including Everest Group’s point of view Membership(s) Application Services Cloud and Infrastructure Services Cybersecurity Digital Workplace Sourcing and Vendor Management

Telecom enterprises rely on network energy solutions to manage and optimize energy consumption across their infrastructure. The telecom industry faces increasing environmental and economic pressures, pushing it toward more sustainable and cost-effective solutions. To handle complex energy demands, telecom enterprises employ strategies such as hybrid power systems, advanced cooling, load management, and energy management systems for real-time optimization. Telecom operators manage geographically dispersed networks with thousands of sites that depend on power, resulting in high energy costs. Energy management solutions such as Nokia’s AVA, Huawei's PowerStar, and ZTE's end-to-end telecom energy solution offer enterprises optimized energy consumption and operational efficiency. However, several challenges remain unaddressed, including complex integration, hybrid energy sources, the need for real-time data analysis, significant upfront investment costs, and compliance with regulatory requirements. In this report, we explore the transformative potential of Ericsson’s latest Site Energy Orchestration solution. We examine its key products and features along with its impact on network operations, sustainability efforts, and cost management. We also provide insights into its market positioning, key benefits, and the broader implications for telecom enterprises as they adapt to new energy and environmental standards. Scope All industries and geographies Contents In this report, we: Provide global telecom industry-specific insights Examine Ericsson’s current positioning and alignment within telecom enterprises Explore Ericsson’s Site Energy Orchestration product’s features, benefits, and challenges Membership(s) Cloud and Infrastructure Services Sourcing and Vendor Management

Enterprises today struggle to define, measure, realize, and refine value from their cloud investments, leading to increased dissatisfaction among cloud-consuming businesses. The gap between cloud promises and the reality highlights fragmented cloud cost management and misaligned strategies. As a result, FinOps has become a key enterprise imperative to navigate the cloud-centric IT landscape. Using FinOps ensures enterprises optimize their cloud budgets through data-driven decisions and maximize cloud RoI. Enterprises seek FinOps products that enable business-driven cost decisions, offer strong financial visibility, role-based access, guaranteed savings, foster cross-team collaborations, and cost intelligence. In response, FinOps cloud cost management providers are improving their product functionalities and investing in next-generation technologies to enhance their capabilities across cloud cost reporting, optimization, automation, governance, and security. In this report, we assess 13 FinOps providers and position them on Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix® framework as Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants based on their capabilities. Each profile offers a comprehensive picture of the provider’s key strengths and limitations. Scope All industries and geographies This assessment is based on Everest Group’s annual RFI process for the calendar year 2024, interactions with leading FinOps cloud cost management product providers, client reference checks, and an ongoing analysis of the FinOps market Contents In this report, we: Examine the market impact, vision, and capabilities of 13 FinOps providers Assess providers’ key strengths and limitations Evaluate enterprise sourcing considerations Membership(s) Cloud and Infrastructure Services Sourcing and Vendor Management