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Network operating systems are also keeping the networking market hot. Cisco has recently expanded its operating system lineup to now include IOS, NX-OS and Linux. IOS is Cisco's core internetworking operating system that powers many of its switches and routers, while NX-OS is a purpose built OS for Cisco's Nexus core switching platform.

As for Linux, Cisco is using the open source operating system in various areas including the AXP module that turns ISR routers into Linux app servers.

Hattar noted that some vendors may preach the merit of having a single operating system across their entire portfolio. Though the reality is that she hasn't actually seen that yet in terms of actual implementations.

"At the end of the day when you learn to drive a car, do you learn to drive just one car or do you learn how to drive multiple cars? " Hattar said. "What we aim for is to optimize the engine for whatever car you're in, but you're still driving a car. So the user experience is the same, the manageability is consistent."

Hattar noted that operating systems are not a religious issue for Cisco

All told for Cisco with new product introductions like the Nexus, the AXP and the ASR routing platform(which cost $250 million to develop), Hattar is bullish on networking prospects.

"For awhile networking wasn't so hot," Hattar admitted. "What we're seeing here is a rise in interest in networking capabilities and innovation. There has been a lot of rejuvenation and excitement in what has been core routing and switching. "

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