The application servers mediate between an ERP database and a user's device. Following classification, QoS techniques such as queuing, traffic shaping, and congestion control can be applied to expedite ERP traffic. ERP client sessions can also be spread across multiple application servers through network-based load balancing using intelligent appliances such as Cisco LocalDirector. Cisco LocalDirector and DistributedDirector products interoperate with switches and routers to enable both global and localized server selections for optimal server load balancing and content delivery. They are components of the Cisco ContentFlow Architecture.
Many corporations deploy separate networks for data, voice, and video.
This is inefficient and expensive. Today it is possible to deploy a converged enterprise network based on a common IP fabric that carries data, voice, and video applications. The converged network increases bandwidth efficiency, reduces total cost of network ownership, and simplifies and integrates management. Cisco Content Networking plays a key role in the rollout of new voice applications, as voice traffic must be identified, classified, and allocated network resources. Traffic must be given appropriate QoS guarantees.