One of the big discussions (and in some cases, arguments) in IT these days is how to architect the branch office. Should applications be stored centrally? Should they be located in the branch offices? Should some be central, and others be distributed (i.e., a hybrid environment)?

Wherever the IT staffs land, one common demand exists: They do not want more appliances, servers, and products filling up wiring closets in the branch locations. In some cases, that means they physically place the devices centrally. In others, it means they want to consolidate more functions into a single device or devices in the branch locations.

Cisco now is providing a framework for third-party applications to become part of its Integrated Services Router. Called the Application Extension Platform, Cisco now provides a Linux-based platform for third parties to develop and host custom or third-party apps.

For example, third-party applications that do things like record voice conversations, enable fax over IP, provide automated appointment reminders, etc. now can be physically located in the ISR. The AXP is on Cisco’s 1841, 2800, and 3800 series routers.

One of the concerns about all-in-one devices is that by selecting a single vendor for, say, switching, routing, security, IP telephony, wireless, optimization, file servers, DHCP, DNS, etc., is the sacrifice of best-of-breed products. Cisco’s approach enables at least the benefit of best-of-breed applications along with Cisco’s networking products.

Juniper has been offering an all-on-one device via its J-series router, with IP telephony functionality from Avaya. Nortel also offers an all-in-one device containing its own technologies.

Moving forward, we’ll start seeing more flexibility in terms of what’s available in the all-in-one devices so that customers can customize their branch box for the functions they need. For example, a retailer can package their device with a point-of-sale application. By eliminating multiple devices and servers, companies ultimately reduce their energy, management/monitoring, capital, and implementation costs. Who can argue with that?

Robin Gareiss is executive vice president and senior founding partner of Nemertes Research. Click  here for the newsletter archive.